News | Ministry of Transport

Tuesday, February 18, 2020

Qatar Maritime and Logistics Summit kicks off with more than 450 participants

Doha-Under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz al-Thani, the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, the Qatar Maritime and Logistics Summit officially inaugurated today at the Sheraton Grand Doha Resort and Convention Hotel in the presence of HE Mr. Jassim Saif Ahmed Al-Sulaiti, Minister of Transport and Communications and number of Their Excellencies, Ministers, Ambassadors and VIPs.The summit, which is hosted by the Ministry of Transport and Communications over two-days, and organized jointly between Mwani Qatar as a strategic partner and Lloyds List brings together more than 450 experts, decision makers and specialists in the fields of ports, maritime and logistics sectors as well as representatives and members of international organizations such as the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH), the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS).In his opening speech, His Excellency Mr. Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti, Minister of Transport and Communications said: “The State of Qatar has worked to develop laws and legislations in the field of transport, and has invested widely under the wise leadership of His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar to develop infrastructure projects for the transport sector and its support services in order to keep pace with the changes and developments that are progressing, and to be a true legacy for future generations, thus achieving QNV 2030 goals”. His Excellency added that these investments have achieved a remarkable development for the maritime transport sector at all levels and contributed to placing Qatar with a leading position and a distinguished reputation on the map of the global maritime sector. He pointed out that Qatar has ranked 12th globally in the quality of port infrastructure in the World Bank's Competitiveness Report 2019, and it has jumped 4 places in the efficiency of seaport services index to become 15th globally.In terms of efficient logistics services, Qatar has ranked second in the Arab world and 30 globally, and its ranking rose from 26 to 9 globally in the international shipments index in just two years, which reflects the significant growth in the volume of Qatar’s international freight thanks to the advanced capabilities of Hamad Port and its important role in securing stable and sustainable supply chains that provide customers with integrated and competitive services.Hamad Port’s advanced infrastructure and modern technologies contributed to attracting international shipping companies and played an important role in smoothing handling operations, providing more comprehensive services and more solutions that allow customers to achieve maximum benefit in an ideal competitive environment for business, His Excellency the Minister explained.Moreover, these differential advantages and close relations that were built with global partners have strengthened Qatar's commercial share and contributed to transform Hamad Port into a regional transshipment hub with annual transshipment growth of 30% in 2019. To enhance this growth in the coming years, agreements have been signed with the major shipping companies in the world, He added.The Qatar Maritime and Logistics Summit focuses on industry-wide, long-term challenges and opportunities as well as a number of important topics such as trade, global trends, port development, financing, technology, digital security, cybersecurity, safety, security and sustainability and many other topics related to shipping, port and logistics sectors.The high-level event reinforces efforts to enhance Qatar role at the level of the global maritime transport map, in addition to supporting Ministry of Transport and Communications’ strategic plan aimed to transform Qatar into a vibrant regional commercial and logistical hub. The Ministry seeks to promote Qatar’s ports and logistics sectors to keep pace with growth and benefit from global experiences in these fields, strengthening Qatar's position on the global maritime transport map, as well as boosting Hamad Port's commercial share in the region and the world, especially after the great success it has achieved within a short period of operation.In its first edition, the Qatar Maritime and Logistics Summit will focus on the challenges that the maritime transport, port and logistics sectors facing between 2020 and 2030. With a focus on transportation, the summit will establish expectations for a logistics sector in transition, and a realignment of maritime with these expectations. The next decade is likely to see a closer alignment of the maritime and logistics sectors. This alignment will coincide with two trends of global significance that will increasingly shape the decisions we take about investment in the infrastructure needed to keep maritime and logistics businesses active. These trends are, firstly, a deeper concern for sustainability — most obviously in the need to protect a vulnerable environment — and, second, a keener perception of the impact of next-generation technologies on the world of work, particularly related to transportation.The QMLS 2020 will include 15 topics spread across 4 sessions, all scheduled with high-level networking and interaction, identifying which trends are likely to have the greatest impact on transportation in the Middle East region and world-wide, and how swiftly we will need to act on these trends to stay in business. The summit’s first Session addressed Financing maritime and logistics 2020-2030 and the Supply chain in a changing world. Under the title of “Liquefied Gas Transport in Transition”, the second session discussed Global trade trends in 2020-30, Changing world trade patterns and their impact on maritime and logistics, Sustainability in LNG shipping, Safety in the LNG supply chain 2020-30, Sustainability and the supply chain in 2020-2030. The Session 3 featured topics about Liner shipping between 2020 and 2030 and how port businesses are a critical node in the transport network and in the final session, experts have discussed supply chains and shipping in the age of change and safety 2020-2030.The findings will be drawn together to build an understanding of how global transport hubs will evolve throughout the 2020s. The summit will conclude on Wednesday 19 February 2020 with a field tour in Hamad Port, were the participants will have the opportunity to explore port’s facilities, stages of development and the cutting-edge technology that port has features, and by setting the agenda for the next Qatar Maritime and Logistic Summit.

Tuesday, February 18, 2020

Minister Meets with Director of Maritime Transport Agency of Georgia

Doha – QatarHE the Minister of Transport and Communications Jassim Saif Ahmed Al-Sulaiti met today with HE the Director of the Maritime Transport Agency of Georgia Tamara Ioseliani, on the sidelines of the Lloyd’s Qatar Maritime and Logistics Summit (QMLS) 2020.The meeting discussed means of enhancing cooperation between the two countries in the fields of maritime transport and ports, in addition to discussing the signing of an MoU in these two fields.The meeting was attended by HE the Ambassador of Georgia to Qatar Mr. Nikoloz Revazishvili.

Tuesday, February 18, 2020

Minister Holds Talks with IMO Asst. Secretary-General

Doha – QatarHE the Minister of Transport and Communications Jassim Saif Ahmed Al-Sulaiti held talks today with HE the Assistant Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Mr. Lawrence Barchue.The meeting was held on the sidelines of the Lloyd’s Qatar Maritime and Logistics Summit (QMLS) 2020 and reviewed the relations between the State of Qatar and IMO in the field of maritime transport and means of further developing them.

Tuesday, February 18, 2020

HE Minister Meets with Ukraine Infrastructure Minister

Doha – QatarHE the Minister of Transport and Communications Jassim Saif Ahmed Al-Sulaiti met today with HE the Ukrainian Minister of Infrastructure Mr. Vladyslav Kryklii.The two ministers discussed means of enhancing cooperation in the fields of transportation, ports, and aviation. They also discussed several matters of common interest between the two friendly countries.The meeting, which was held on the sidelines of the Lloyd’s Qatar Maritime and Logistics Summit (QMLS) 2020, was attended by HE the Ukrainian Ambassador in Doha Mr. Andrii Kuzmenko.

Saturday, February 15, 2020

Ministry in Final Stages on Electric Vehicle Strategy and Legislation

Doha – QatarThe Ministry of Transport and Communications has announced it is currently in the final stages of developing the strategy and legislation relating to electric vehicles in the State of Qatar, which comes as part of MOTC strategy to provide an integrated, world-class, multimodal transportation system that offers safe, reliable and eco-friendly services in line with the pillars of the Qatar National Vision 2030 for social, economic and environmental development.The electric vehicle strategy and legislation aim to back the country’s agenda for a green future and to contribute to striking an economic-environmental balance in a way that ensures transportation sector’s infrastructure projects sustainability, as well as to support economic growth and make the most out of the natural resources by increasing the revenues of oil and gas sectors and developing the means of transportation through deploying clean and alternative energy in accordance with latest universal eco-friendly systems to reduce carbon emissions and, therefore, create a clean, healthy and safe environment for generations to come.HE the Minister of Transport and Communications Jassim Saif Ahmed A-Sulaiti said that developing such strategy and legislation comes as an integral component of the plans of our wise leadership with regards to enacting the regulatory laws and policies that ensure the success and sustainability of the projects, emphasizing that these steps will boost Qatar’s ranking as a pioneer in the field of mass transit with clean energy and as the first country in the world to have an integrated electric bus system, in addition to boosting the potential legacy value for the bus system of the World Cup Championship 2022 to create a positive legacy in a way that clearly demonstrates Qatar’s commitment to clean energy solutions for transportation in the world and supporting the determination to host an exceptional, eco-friendly, carbon-neutral championship.”HE the Minister noted that as part of the plans of the strategy, public buses, government school buses and Doha Metro feeder buses will gradually shift to electric buses, thus achieving the percentage that is required to reduce harmful carbon emissions from buses by the year 2030, in addition to cementing the concerted efforts that aim to protect environmental sustainability.Under the strategy, such a shift will support building an infrastructure for an integrated electric public transit system in the country. Several permanent depots, distributed in a well-considered geographical order, will be established in various areas across the country. They will include facilities for parking and charge and maintenance equipment, in addition to administration buildings and staff and drivers’ accommodation, which will be completed during 2021.The strategy targets a shift in 25% of public transit fleet of buses to electric buses by 2022 and the use of electric buses in main services during the FIFA World Cup Championship 2022 to make it the first championship to use electric mass transit buses.

Tuesday, February 11, 2020

MOTC, Transport & Communications Entities Celebrate Qatar National Sport Day

Doha – Qatar The Ministry of Transport and Communications today marked the National Sport Day 2020, which is celebrated annually across Qatar on the second Tuesday of February. This year’s celebrations were held at Al Bidda Park under the slogan “Be Active”. MOTC was joined by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA), Qatar Aeronautical College (QAC), Qatar Ports Management Company (Mwani Qatar), Mowasalat (Karwa), Qatar Rail, the Qatar National Broadband Network (Qnbn), Qatar Navigation (Milaha), the New Port Project (NPP) Steering Committee, QTerminals and Mada - Qatar Assistive Technology Center. The event opened with exercising walking and some women’s exercises, followed by several sporting activities like football and basketball in addition to sporting and entertaining activities for all ages. The event also featured several group games like tug of war, interfamilial challenges, mental games and folklore games for kids. On this occasion, Mr. Hassan Al Hail, Advisor to HE the Minister, said, “The National Sport Day reflects the wise leadership’s vision for human and society development. The day represents an important message for making sport an integral part of the culture and lifestyle of individuals and society, as well as an investment in the human capital.” He emphasized Ministry’s keenness to take part in the National Sport Day along with transportation and communications organizations to raise awareness of the importance of sport and its key role in community development and welfare, and to promote the practice of sport amongst all people to become part of a healthy lifestyle. MOTC’s participation translates the vision of partnership with all state entities to promote sport to help build healthy individuals capable of contributing to the process of development and to the Qatar National Vision 2030 where the human element is the most important pillar, Mr. Al Hail added. The day was characterized by a wide participation from employees and their family members, led by senior officials from transportation and communications sectors. For his part, HE Mr. Abdulla bin Nasser Turki Al-Subaey, President of the CAA, said that this qualitative initiative launched by HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, according to Emiri Resolution No. 80 of 2011 regarding the establishment of the Sports Day for the state, contributes to the dedication of sports community concepts and reinforce Qatar's position as a pioneer in the sports field, pointing to what this initiative has achieved over the past eight years, to establish a sport culture and raise awareness among various groups of society of its importance in maintaining a healthy and sustainable lifestyle. He added: "because we believe in the important role of developing and maintaining a person’s physical, mental and professional abilities, we are keen to actively participate in the activities of the National Day organized by the Ministry of Transport and Communications annually, because of our belief in the role of sports activity in strengthening social partnership within the work environment, as well as the importance of participating in sports teams which enhance communication and partnership between employees of different agencies and institutions, which reflects positively on increasing productivity, ensuring welfare and achieving development." “National Sport Day is an annual reminder to the people of Qatar of the importance of sports and healthy lifestyle, CRA ensures to annually participates and engages the employees and their families in the related activities by educating them about the importance of healthy eating and exercise for individuals and society and in reducing health risks associated with a low-mobility lifestyle. Besides, we take advantage of the sports activities to strengthen teamwork spirit among our employees, so we work together towards achieving our main goal of developing the Information and Communications Technology and Postal sectors in Qatar," said His Excellency Mohammed Ali Al-Mannai, President of CRA. HE Sheikh Jabr bin Hamad Al Thani, Director General of QAC, “The State of Qatar, under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir, paid great attention to sports and physical activity and made it one of the priorities and center of interest. The government raised the nation’s awareness to practicing sports activities and insists on how essential it is to save the health of the citizen and the resident alike.” “Our country has invested in its human capital, which is by far the best investment, and as physical activity contributes to improving our quality of life and leads to a happier, healthier citizen and resident. Regular exercise makes our nationals more confident and mentally stronger hence keener to achieve set goals and be successful in their career and in other aspects of life,” he added. He also affirmed that aviation experts including pilots, engineers, air traffic controllers, and employees in the aviation industry in general, understand the importance of including a regular physical activity in their daily life, for instance, one of the requirements to join Qatar Aeronautical Academy and other aviation training centers is to pass specific medical tests therefore be physically and mentally very fit. As the aviation sector is very demanding and relies on the individual ability to perform their role with high skills and capabilities which require strong mental and physical fitness. “We extend our sincere gratitude and congratulations to His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of the country, on this special day dedicated to Sports.” Dr. Eng. Ahmed Salman Alsulaiti - the CEO of Qnbn, said, "The allocation of our government's good governance to a Sports day reflects its supreme vision of interest in a healthier community by promoting the importance of sport and values of sport for its positive reflection on the safety and health of the individual, in line with the National vision of Qatar 2030 and the social vision of the vision, to cover all aspects of preventive and curative health care, and to take care of both physical and psychological health, taking into account the different needs of all members of the society.” He added, “The success of this idea, which was Qatar was the first country in the world to initiate this initiative, has proved to be a major initiative and growing yearly, the celebration through various activities and events offered by ministries, institutions and enterprises for citizens and residents.” Capt. Abdulla Mohamed Al-Khanji, CEO of Mwani Qatar, commented: “The wide participation on the National Sport Day shows the increasing awareness of members of the community to the importance of exercise and its positive impact on health. This confirms the success of the objectives that our wise leadership planned to achieve by allocating an annual day for sport to build a healthy and strong society.” “Mwani Qatar’s participation in the National Sports Day activities of the Ministry of Transport and Communications and transport stakeholders reflects our keenness to promote sports, a healthy lifestyle among employees and their families. We are seeking to transform sport into a daily habit for our employees”, He said. “By participating in this lively day, we encourage employees to follow healthy habits and lifestyles as well as promote activity in Qatar. we look forward for sports to be part of the daily program of everyone as it helps in building a strong society”, He added. "Every year, Milaha celebrates this special occasion to demonstrate its unwavering commitment to the advancement of our nation's vision and long-term goals," said Milaha President and CEO Abdulrahman Issa Al Mannai. "This year, we have partnered with the Ministry of Transport and Communications to promote our shared values and further bolster human development, a key pillar of our National Vision 2030." Mr. Fahad Saad Al-Qahtani, Mowasalat (Karwa) CEO, said, “National Sports Day is an opportunity to improve the lifestyle, and it represents a strong boost for every citizen and resident who wishes to change their lifestyle for the better. Qatar dedicates a special day for promoting sports, which indicates its importance in our society. It also proves the State's interest in the health of all its people, in a unique initiative that is evident on this day, and to achieve Qatar National Vision 2030.” “Mowasalat (Karwa) participation is based on its commitment to enhance and promote such initiatives for a better healthy lifestyle. The objective of Sports Day is not only to encourage people to enjoy sports activities, but also to raise awareness of the importance of physical health.” “This opportunity allows Mowasalat employees to participate and display their sport skills in a competitive atmosphere. Mowasalat has always been keen to spread the culture of sports among its employees to promote health and positive energy and achieve personal consent and satisfaction. It is also a chance for fair competition in various sports, social and cultural events and competitions organized by the State and by Mowasalat throughout the year, as Mowasalat facilitates sports equipment and playgrounds for all sports. We should mark this day as a fresh start for the exercise of sports sustainably for a healthy and better life." “We are proud to be part of the National Sports Day and support Qatar National Vision 2030. By organizing this exciting day full of entertaining activities for our employees, we encourage them and all members of the community to follow healthy habits and style as well as help to promote a healthy, vibrant and energetic lifestyle in Qatar," said Mr. Neville Bissett, CEO, QTerminals. "Showing a sense of pride and belonging to this country is one of the core values of our company, and we demonstrate this pride and belonging through our contribution to realizing its national vision," he added. Eng. Nabil Mohammed AlKhaldi, Hamad Port Project Executive Director emphasized that HPP interest in participating in the National Sports Day’s activities, stems from our deep belief that investing in building a healthy people is the secret of success to increase performance and production rates all over various fields. Furthermore, this day is distinguished, all of us are celebrating of the National Sports Day to establish the foundations of fraternity, solidarity and participation among all segments of society, including citizens and residents, young and old, to practice group sport activities, which embrace team spirit, unity and community. Mr. Khalifa Hassan Al Jehani, Chief of Corporate Support at Qatar Rail said: "Our participation in the Qatar Sports Day stems from our belief in the importance of the physical activity. This in turn significantly contributes in reducing the pressures of the day to day work life and helps in achieving physical and psychological balance. At Qatar Rail we run year-round sports tournaments for the staff as we strongly believe that QNSD message should be embraced all year round.” “This year the public can use Doha Metro to go to various locations to attend the activities held on this day. The metro represents a healthier choice to travel, where you can walk or cycle to reach the stations and build this exercise in your daily exercise routine.” The day ended with an excellent atmosphere. Participants hailed it was well organized and rich with entertaining activities and events that ignited the spirit of participation and competition.