News | Ministry of Transport

Friday, November 1, 2019

PM Launches “Sustainability and Development” Phase of Better Connections Program

DOHA- QATARQatar’s Prime Minister and Interior Minister, HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, launched the Sustainability and Development phase of the Better Connections Program, which provides IT facilities and tools to migrant workers to engage them in the digital era and help them improve their ways of life.The launch, which happened on the sidelines of the Qatar Information Technology Conference & Exhibition (QITCOM 2019), themed “Safe, Smart Cities” from 29th October to 1st November at the Qatar National Convention Center, was witnessed by the Minister of Transport and Communications (MoTC), HE Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti, and the Minister of Administrative Development, Labour & Social Affairs (ADLSA), HE Yousuf Mohamed Al Othman Fakhroo.By completing this phase, the program has established 1,676 ICT facilities equipped with more than 16,000 computers in migrant workers’ accommodations. The program has exceeded its target of 1,500 ICT facilities by more than 10%.During the event, and as part of the expansion phase of the ‘Better Connections’ program, MoTC signed two Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) with Qatar Foundation and Waseef Asset Management. The MoUs were signed by H.E. Ms. Reem Al Mansoori, Assistant Undersecretary for Digital Society Development at MoTC, and Mr. Mr. Abdulla Jobara S Al Romaihi, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Waseef. Qatar Foundation, was represented by Mr. Stephen Briggs, Executive Director, Health, Safety, Security and Environment Department.During the Sustainability and Development phase, which runs for a 3-year term, technical support will be provided to the IT facilities set up in the initial phases. In addition, 1,000 new pieces of digital content will be created and introduced through the ‘Hukoomi’ site. This content will be compiled and translated in the top 5 most spoken languages of migrant workers in Qatar.The program will provide training for up 50,000 workers, enabling them to transfer digital knowledge to their colleagues in an on-going learning process. Additionally, brand new smart phones will be offered to the participants at affordable prices to enable them make use of technology and be part of the digital evolution in Qatar and the world.Started as a pilot project in 2013 and officially launched in 2015, the Better Connections program is a groundbreaking national digital inclusion initiative for migrant workers in Qatar aimed at providing them with free access to the internet, computers, online services and training at their accommodation.Each Better Connections facility is equipped with 10 computers with Microsoft licenses, Vodafone Wifi internet connection, furniture and other equipment needed to facilitate learning and communicating. Over 1.5 million workers have had the opportunity to learn and access digital technology since the inauguration of the program.With the active support of its partners, the Better Connections program enables migrant workers to gain an understanding of the benefits online technologies have to offer, while providing them with basic ICT training, and introduce them to social media platforms to help in keeping in touch with family and friends in their home countries. Training is conducted over weekends, while surveys are conducted pre, post, and after a period of six months to measure the impact the program makes in their lives.Participants include the workers themselves, site supervisors who are representatives of the companies participating in the program; and over 1000 volunteer trainers from MoTC and Reach Out to Asia (ROTA). At the end of the trainings, the 20,000 trained “Digital Champions” (workers who displayed the highest level of understanding of the program) are then selected to cascade information to their peers. To ensure the program’s sustainability, 18,000 computers were donated by government entities and private organizations in Qatar. The devices are then refurbished through the Green Computers Club an initiative established within high schools and the local community in Qatar. E-waste resulting from the refurbishing process is professionally managed by Alhaya Enviro, one of the program partners, according to international best practices and environmental standards.The Better Connections program, is proudly supported by various partners including Vodafone, Microsoft, Reach Out To Asia (ROTA), Social and Economic Survey Research Institute (SESRI), Alhaya Enviro among others.

Friday, November 1, 2019

Winners of Qatar Digital Business Awards 2019 announced at QITCOM closing

DOHA- QATAR:The 2019 edition of the Qatar Information Technology Conference & Exhibition (QITCOM 2019) came to a close Friday with the announcement of the winners of the Qatar Digital Business Awards (QDBA) and the QITCOM Awards in a prestigious gala presided over by HE Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti, Minister of Transport and Communications.Now in its fifth year, the annual Qatar Digital Business Awards is one of the most prestigious awards for the digital industry in Qatar, and comes as part of the Ministry of Transport and Communications’ (MoTC) efforts to honour and recognize corporate entities, SMEs and startups that have contributed to the development of the digital industry in Qatar.For this year’s awards, MoTC received 150 nominations for the various categories of the awards. The nominations, which came from 76 public and private entities including four major banks, were reviewed by a jury made up of industry experts, university professors and government officials.The awards were presented by HE Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti, Minister of Transport and Communications, and HE Reem Al Mansoori Assistant Undersecretary of Digital Society at the Ministry of Transport and Communications, in 10 categories:ICT Service Provider of the Year, Systems Integrator of the Year, Mobile App of the Year, Cloud Solution of the Year, Digital Startup of the Year, Smart Solution of the Year, SME Digital Transformation of the Year, E-commerce Solution of the Year, Innovative Fintech Solution of the Year, ICT Exporter of the Year.Speaking at the awards ceremony, HE Reem Al Mansoori, Assistant Undersecretary of Digital Society at the Ministry of Transport and Communications, remarked, “The fifth edition of QITCOM was held this year under the theme “Safe and Smart Cities” in a nod to what Qatar is aspiring to achieve and excel at, regionally and globally, and that is the building of safe, smart cities the citizens of which enjoy a high quality of life and services, as well as a robust, diverse and sustainable economy. The notable growth in the outcomes of QITCOM year after year are a key indicator of the progress Qatar has made on its journey towards digital transformation and of the developments in the Qatari market and infrastructure which render it an attractive destination for local and international investments, with the potential to build an exciting future.”The ICT Service Provider of the Year award, which recognizes the role played by ICT service providers in supporting organizations with the timely provision of services, was presented to A101, after being shortlisted alongside, Ali bin Ali Technology Solutions and GBM Qatar.The Systems Integrator of the Year award goes to the enterprise systems integrator that can demonstrate high levels of customer satisfaction. This year the award went to Mannai Trading Company after becoming a finalist alongside GBM Qatar and Meeza, The Mobile App of the Year accolade is awarded to a business that has pioneered an original mobile app that has enhanced the services offered to its customers. This year 23 entities were nominated for this award, and while Doha Bank and Commercial Bank of Qatar reached the final stages, the award went to Hamad International Airport.Meeza bagged the award for Cloud Solution of the Year, which recognizes organizations that provides excellence in cloud-based solutions, services and infrastructure. Other finalists included ADGS and emdad.The Digital Startup of the Year award, which goes to a new product or service that has delivered measurable benefit for customers, went to urbanpoint, after a tough competition with 30 nominees, with applab and Modaris reaching the shortlist.Smart Solution of the Year award - given to businesses or government entities in the transport, logistics, environment, healthcare or sports sectors, which are the priority sectors targeted by the Smart Qatar program TASMU - went to Bonocle QSTP LLC after being shortlisted with Hamad Medical Corporation and Kinecto Technology and Trading. The award for SME Digital Transformation of the Year, awarded to an SME that has successfully deployed innovative digital tools to enhance their operations and services, went to Gulf Times Community, after being shortlisted alongside QGrabs and Royal Art Kitchen Equipment Co.Meanwhile the E-Commerce Solution of the Year was awarded to E-Butler after being shortlisted alongside getit.qa, QGrabs, and QTSouq.Innovative Fintech Solution of the Year, which goes to organizations that have disrupted the FinTech space through the implementation of new and innovative solutions, went to debito after being shortlisted alongside Fatora.io, and Qatar Islamic Bank.Finally, ICT Exporter of the Year went to modaris, after competing in the final stages with Maskan and Q-tickets and Events.The gala dinner also witnessed the awarding of the QITCOM 2019 awards, which went to eight companies whose booths stood out during the exhibition. The awards were given in six categories: Best Innovative Booth (Hamad bin Khalifa University), Best Interactive Booth (Vodafone), Best Accessible Booth (Qatar National Bank), Best Sustainable Booth (Qatar Rail), and Best Engaging Booth (Huawei Qatar).The Best Interactive Booth award was given in three sub-categories based on the size of the booth; booths between 36 and 95 square metres in size (Cisco), booths between 95 and 300 square metres in size (Ooredoo) and booths larger than 300 square metres (Microsoft). QITCOM 2019, the largest Information and Communication Technology showcase and event in Qatar, was held from 29th October to 1st November at QNCC under the patronage of HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Held under the theme “Safe, Smart Cities” the event featured over 100 speakers, 400 international and local exhibitors including 100 startups and 300 innovators and entrepreneurs.

Friday, November 1, 2019

MOTC’s Cybersecurity Issues Accreditation Certificate to Information Security Advisory Service Provider

DOHA- QATARThe Ministry of Transport & Communications (MOTC), today issued its first certificate of accreditation for service providers in the State of Qatar that provides information security advisory services. This award was made on the sidelines of the Qatar IT Conference & Exhibition (QITCOM 2019), which is being held until Nov. 1 under the theme “Safe, Smart Cities” at QNCC, Doha.The Accreditation Program is part of the National Information Security Compliance Framework (NISCF) which aims to validate and assure security within ICT programs, systems and services, and encourage alignment with good practice for protecting digital infrastructure and data.NISCF helps to support the achievement of the National Cyber Security Strategy; it complements the State of Qatar’s National Information Assurance Framework (including wider applicable information security legislation, regulation and standards) to establish a safe and vibrant cyberspace.This Accreditation Certificate, today awarded to Protiviti Member Firm Qatar LLC, is designed for Service Providers who deliver information security consultancy and implementation services to the Public and Private Sector.A certificate of accreditation is the formal recognition that an organization is competent to perform specific services, activities or tasks in a consistent, reliable and precise manner. It is a cornerstone in improving security within cyberspace by enhancing the quality of cybersecurity services in the State of Qatar.The Advisory Accreditation helps Accredited Service Providers to build trust with their customers and provides organizations with assurance concerning their accomplishments, or experience, as a trusted advisor.Accredited Service Providers, such as Protiviti Member Firm Qatar LLC, are integral to supporting Public and Private Sector organizations to achieve compliance certification through alignment with the State of Qatar’s national standards for cyber security.The issuing of compliance certificates, as part of the national compliance framework, supports the assurance of a consistent application of security best practices by entities in the State of Qatar.Currently, there are two certification schemes which Accredited Service Providers can support: the National Information Assurance (NIA) Certification for Organizations and Software Security and Quality Assurance (SSQA) Certification for Government E-Services.The NIA Certification scheme ensures independently audited and validated compliance with the National Information Assurance Policy (NIAP) controls within the context of a clearly defined scope.Benefits of the NIA certification for organizations include independent confirmation about organization’s security posture, ensuring that the company, assets, shareholders and staff are adequately protected from cyber threats and attacks and providing customers and stakeholders with confidence in how risks are managed among others.The SSQA certification scheme, underpinned by the SSQA, framework enhances the existing National Information Assurance Policy (NIAP) controls by identifying security controls that should be considered during development activities to create a Secure Systems Development Lifecycle (SSDL).The SSQA certification provides assurance that government E-Services are developed and deployed with consideration of relevant information security threats and mitigations.The Advisory service accreditation certificate awarded today to Protiviti Member Firm Qatar LLC, identifies the Service Provider as a competent advisor, capable of assisting organizations in the planning, design and implementation of activities to achieve NIA or SSQA compliance certification.Commenting on the occasion, Ms. Dana Yousif Al Abdulla, Acting Director of Compliance and Data Protection Dept., Cybersecurity Affairs, MOTC, said “We are delighted to have more accredited service providers joining the national accreditation programs which will extend the trust in the cybersecurity supply chain in Qatar; and, we are extremely pleased that we are able to recognize Protiviti Member Firm Qatar LLC as the first Accredited Service Provider within the advisory service area.”The accreditation program provides assurance to customers of a service provider’s capabilities and boost both confidence and standards across the industry.The CDP, and the Accredited Service Providers are at the forefront when working to keep the State of Qatar safe, secure and resilient to cyber-threats and risks facing our increasing digital society.We are all working together to achieve this aim, and we all have a role in tackling the challenges that the digital society brings. The CDP is leaving no stone unturned as we continue to support the Public and Private Sector to adopt national standards and international best practices.As we recognize the achievement of Protiviti Member Firm Qatar LLC, and the growing adoption of the National Information Security Compliance Framework accreditation schemes, we continue to look forward and we believe more entities will participate so that we may, together, continue to build a safe and secure digital ecosystem for the State of Qatar.”

Friday, November 1, 2019

MoTC Announces Commencement of Government e-Tendering Project

Doha, QatarThe Ministry of Transport and Communications (MoTC) has announced the commencement of implementing the e-tendering solution project, which aims to provide a government-wide standardized electronic solution to automate government entities’ tendering processes in compliance with applicable laws and regulations governing tenders and auctions and, with the objectives to increase efficiency and improve transparency in government procurement management.“We are glad to announce this project today, which contributes to achieving the goals of the Qatar Digital Government 2020 Strategy in addition to the solutions it will provide in terms of enabling digital transformation in the government sector,” said Assistant Undersecretary of Government Information Technology Sector, MOTC, Mr. Hassan Jassim Al-Sayed.“This announcement followed a concerted effort between the Ministry of Transport and Communications and other government parties that are interested in providing such a unified electronic platform for the automation of all government entities’ tendering processes within the framework of integrated digital government projects and programs. We believe this initiative will contribute effectively to achieving more transparency, trustworthiness and competitiveness, as well as nimble performance and rapid delivery,” Mr. Al-Sayed added.Mr. Yousef Al-Naama, CEO, malomatia, said “In malomatia, we are committed to providing the best expertise and practices in modern technology that realize Qatar’s National Vision (QNV 2030) of a vibrant knowledge-based society.”Moreover, he added “malomatia has extensive experience in the implementation of digital transformation projects and we have carried out several projects for many public and private institutions, in addition to our deep knowledge of Qatar's tendering laws and regulations.”

Friday, November 1, 2019

MoTC and TÜViT sign MoU to set up GCC's First Technology Vetting Lab in Qatar

Doha-QatarThe Cybersecurity Affairs Sector at the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MoTC) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with TÜViT. TÜViT is a German company and subsidiary of TUV Nord – a key player in setting international standards in Information Technology (IT) and a trusted vendor for setting up the first National Vetting Lab in the GCC and Arab states. The new technology lab aims to test security products for functionality and vet ICT products, while enhancing the security standards in the country. The lab will be the first of its kind not only in Qatar but in the GCC region and Arab States.The MoU was signed by Eng. Nora Yousef Al-Abdulla, Director of Critical Information Infrastructure Protection at the Cyber Security Sector, MoTC and Mr. Frank Beuting, General Manager IT Security, TÜViT.“We are delighted to partner with TÜViT to set up the first regional Qatar National Laboratory for Technology Vetting (Common Criteria Vetting Lab) in GCC and the Arab States. The MoU reflects our commitment towards building safer, smarter and more resilient digital cities. We believe the Technology Vetting Lab will be an asset to the country and will be at the heart of the cybersecurity sector in Qatar,” said Eng. Al-Abdulla.“In line with Qatar’s National Cybersecurity Strategy, we will be focusing on several product categories for different sectors including oil and gas, IoT, smart cities and autonomous vehicles. QITCOM 2019 was a launchpad for us to announce the lab’s arrival and our vision of creating safer and smarter cities,” she added.The lab process begins with vendors (technology developers) submitting a request to the lab to check hardware and software products. The lab conducts an extensive investigation into the products and issues certificates as needed. The entire process takes around 6 months to 1 year for each product.Mr. Dirk Kretzschmar - Managing Director, TÜViT, added, “Qatar’s focus on cybersecurity propelled us to work with them on one of the most integral and exciting projects in the GCC, considering this will be the first lab we will help setup in the region. The first phase of the lab is in its final stages and nearing completion. We are looking forward to making it operation-ready by the end of Q4 – 2019.”The security lab has been built to ISO standards and will be audited every two years to ensure it is up to the standards of the Common Criteria Recognition Agreement, an international agreement between 31 nations. This state-of-the-art technology lab is set to boost Qatar’s Cyber Security sector.

Friday, November 1, 2019

Minister of Transport and Communications attends signing of framework agreement with Qnbn on fiber optic network rollout

Doha –His Excellency Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti, Minister of Transport and Communications, has attended the signing of a framework agreement between the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MOTC) and the Qatar National Broadband Network "Qnbn” on the fiber-optic network rollout on the sidelines of the Qatar IT Conference & Exhibition (QITCOM 2019).Under the agreement, government bodies will be able to use fiber optics to meet the needs of their infrastructures safely and link their various sites in the State.The agreement was signed by Hassan Jassim Al Sayed, Assistant Undersecretary of Information Technology Affairs at the MOTC, and Dr. Eng. Ahmed Salman Al-Sulaiti, Qnbn Chief Executive Officer.