The construction of Mesaimeer tunnel in Qatar started on 20.05.2014 and will be complete by early 2017. The Mesaimeer tunnel for surface and ground water is one of the key drainage projects within Ashghal’s plans for upgrading Qatar’s drainage network. The tunnel will stretch 5.4 km from Al Thumama to the west and 4.3 km to the east to the planned pumping station near the new Hamad International Airport at Doha. It will be excavated with two EPBs, named Al Thumama and Al Rawada, diameter 4.5 m and length 121 m. The tunnel will be linked to the existing and planned drainage network in the areas that it will traverse. Twenty-one shafts, linking ground level to the 20 - 30m depth of the tunnel, will allow access for inspections and regular maintenance. Design and tender documents for phase 2 of the project are being finalized. This second phase includes a pumping station with a capacity of 19 cu m/sec, which will ultimately discharge the collected storm water from the Mesaimeer tunnel through an outfall several kilometres offshore, thus ensuring protection of the shoreline and surrounding environment. Visit http://www.ashghal.gov.qa/en/MediaHub/News/Pages/Mesaimeer-tunnel-project.aspx#.U4O5Yyjyfk8. 22/14.