Qatar’s $2.7 billion investment in plans to build train lines, roads and bridges has turned the country into the second-most expensive construction market in the Middle East behind Saudi Arabia.

According to a survey by Turner & Townsend, the torrid pace with which Qatar built stadiums and infrastructure to support its hosting of the 2022 World Cup soccer championship drove up prices as companies had to compete to hire skilled employees and purchase construction materials.

Among the biggest ventures now underway are the Doha Metro, the Bahrain-Qatar causeway, and the multi-billion dollar Sharq Bridge, which will connect Katara Cultural Village with Hamad International Airport.

Much of the current thrust is aimed at completing those projects in time for 2030 when Qatar hosts the Asian Games, Turner & Townsend said.