News | Ministry of Transport

Monday, August 19, 2019

Mwani Qatar Investing in Somalia’s Hobyo Port

Doha – QatarHE Minister of Transport and Communications Jassim Saif Ahmed Al-Sulaiti announced that Mwani Qatar has entered into an investment partnership with the Somali side to construct the Hobyo Port in Mudug region of central Somalia.This investment reflects the strength of Qatar-Somalia bilateral relations the foundations of which were laid down by HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and HE the Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed Farmaajo.A key building block on the path of cooperation in maritime transport industry, this investment will contribute to opening new horizons of cooperation between the two countries for the benefit of the two nations. The Hobyo Port will be designed and built according to latest international standards and highest levels of safety and security in such a way that will achieve multiple economic benefits for Somalia in terms of investment returns and major business opportunities that the port will offer by bolstering the commercial relationship with new markets in Africa and access to global markets, in addition to providing maritime services to vast areas in Somalia.The Hobyo Port is one of Somalia’s most important harbors due to its proximity to the Bab al-Mandab Strait, which is one of the world’s most important sea crossing points. Hobyo is also important due to its location in the Mudug region, which links the south and north of the country.

Wednesday, July 31, 2019

Ministry Installs QIC Self-Service Insurance Kiosk at Headquarters

Doha – QatarThe Ministry of Transport and Communications has provided, through Qatar Insurance Company QIC-Insured, a self-service kiosk for buying and renewing Third Party Liability (TPL) insurance for private and commercial sea-going vessels. This is the first self-service insurance kiosk of its kind in Qatar.This comes within MOTC’s endeavors to provide digital solutions and services with the latest smart technology to the public in such a way that helps save time and effort.Located at the Ground Level of MOTC Headquarters at Lotus Tower, on Conference Center Street opposite City Centre Mall in the West Bay area, the kiosk can be accessed during the official working hours of the Ministry from Sunday through Thursday. MOTC is working on providing the same service at its other offices in Al Khor and Al Ruwais.The Ministry’s selection of QIC was a result of their provision of a smart digital self-service solution to the public. In this regard, MOTC notes that using or selecting QIC is not mandatory to the public and vessel owners can freely select the insurance company they prefer.

Sunday, July 21, 2019

MOTC‘s “Digital Incubation Center” Begins 3rd Edition of “IdeaCamp”

Doha – QatarThe 3rd edition of the IdeaCamp – a program of the Digital Incubation Center in the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MOTC) – is now receiving applications to qualify for winning an incubation opportunity at the DIC.The IdeaCamp is a program for entrepreneurs, developers and designers who have great ideas for a technology solution. It offers a series of workshops, training, and mentorships for five weeks to help entrepreneurs develop business models, build prototypes and test their ideas with local customers.Online applications to join the IdeaCamp are received at https://dic.motc.gov.qa/ideacamp/ until August 15, 2019. After being received, all applications are screened and assessed and owners of the accepted applications are informed. At the end of the five-weeks program, entrepreneurs with unique, successful ideas join the DIC “Startup Track”, which will begin later this year, to take their ideas to the next level.The IdeaCamp accepts applications for any technology idea. However, priority is given to entrepreneurs who submit ideas in the following technology areas: Advanced Analytics, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT).The program looks for entrepreneurs who are capable of harnessing emerging technologies to create innovative products, solutions, or services that will contribute to Qatar’s digital economy.DIC launched the second edition of the IdeaCamp in early October 2018 and it received some 250 innovative ideas, 25 of which made it to the finals and won an incubation opportunity with the center. Those winning ideas covered a wide range of fields across multiple segments of society, based on modern technology.The DIC was established in 2011 to boost ICT innovation in Qatar, particularly among young people at the critical early stages of starting or growing a technology-related business. The center offers startups free office space, technical support, training and guidance, mentorship, as well as business planning and legal advice.All innovative ideas are encouraged to join the 3rd edition of IdeaCamp via this link: https://dic.motc.gov.qa/ideacamp/

Monday, July 15, 2019

HE the Prime Minister Witnesses Test Operation of Automatic Rapid Transit System

Doha – Qatar HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al-Thani today witnessed the test operation of the Automatic Rapid Transit (ART) System conducted by the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MOTC) on Al Khor Expressway. A number of ministers and senior officials were also present. The ART System uses an innovative, modern and environment-friendly transit mode. With intelligent controls, it is a rail-less system for urban public transport which is essentially a crossover between buses and trams. It also integrates electrical and mechanical systems and uses quick-charge batteries. The ART features customized, modern interior and exterior designs that take account of the needs of people with disabilities. Built with a bi-directional driving mode with a speed of up to 70km/h and the capacity to carry 307 passengers, the ART System is powered by electricity and provides a range of 25km with only 10 minutes of quick charging and 70km with 3 hours of full charging. With intelligent communication systems, ART trains are given priority at intersections on the line and with the absence of rails, ART vehicles use sensors that help their drivers to follow their virtual rail on road. The three-module vehicle is 32 meters long and has the same width of a normal bus. “The trial operation of ART System is the first in the world. The Ministry will assess the trial operation, which continues for a specific period of time, to make sure the ART System’s battery charging and mechanical and electrical systems fit Qatar’s weather conditions before going ahead with deploying it,” said HE Minister of Transport and Communications Jassim Saif Ahmed Al-Sulaiti. “This transit mode, if the test operation is successful, will support the diversification of transportation sector in Qatar through using the world’s latest transportation system. This contributes to achieving economic and environmental balance in the transportation sector’s infrastructure projects. It will also offer a distinct and unique experience during the various events Qatar hosts, particularly the FIFA World Cup 2022 as it will be an exceptional experience for fans and visitors with high-quality services that provide smooth mobility to stadiums, residences and tourist attractions,” added the Minister. He said that the ART is a crossover between buses, trams and trains that uses quick-charge batteries, something that will contribute to saving costs. This initiative comes within MOTC’s endeavors to providing a world-class, multimodal integrated transportation system that connects all regions in Qatar, helping the public to reach to their destinations easily with safe and reliable services in line with the pillars of the Qatar National Vision 2030, in addition to its significant contribution to developing transportation modes in Qatar according to latest eco-friendly universal systems and deploying alternative and clean energy to reduce harmful emissions.

Sunday, July 14, 2019

Ministry Launches Data Science Program in Partnership with Microsoft Qatar

Doha – QatarThe Ministry of Transport and Communications has launched the “Data Science” Program in partnership with Microsoft Qatar within the framework of its Qatar Digital Government Training Program (QDGTP) – a strategic initiative that boosts the professional capacity of government employees in the IT sector to achieve the Qatar Digital Government 2020 Strategy.Registration is open until this August 5 via http://www.motc.gov.qa/en/qdgtp/sdp.Fifteen candidates will be selected for the 6-month program, which includes 5 training modules. The program will develop the data science skills of Qatari staff working at public and private sectors.The Data Science Program will enable future leadership to utilize and deploy data science and boost innovation in all technological fields in Qatar within the framework of building a smart nation.The program focuses on the skillsets of data analysis and programming, given the significant role data science plays in enhancing public institutions’ capabilities of addressing current and future challenges.Program participants will have a 6-month intensive training course that covers 5 training levels. A certificate of completion will be given to each participant at the end of each level, in addition to a certificate of program completion at the end of the whole program and the delivery of the final project. Additionally, there will be accredited data science certifications from Microsoft.QDGTP aims to build and boost national personnel’s information and communication technology capabilities. In the last three years it has offered 4800 training opportunities and conducted 312 training courses for more than 70 government and semi-government entities. 134 of these courses were conducted in 2018.QDGTP establishes unique partnerships with several internationally-recognized institutions that are leaders in the ICT industry such as Microsoft, SAP, IBM, Cisco, PMI, ITIL and COMPTIA.QDGTP has a variety of disciplines such as database management, ERP management, IT management & governance, programming, graphic design, security management, network management and system administration. It also offers specially-designed training courses from global training organizations to fulfill specific needs in technology sectors in the country.

Thursday, July 11, 2019

Minister Meets with German, Iranian Ambassadors

Doha – QatarHE Minister of Transport and Communications Jassim Saif Ahmed Al-Sulaiti held separate meetings here today with Their Excellencies the Ambassadors Mr. Hans-Udo Muzel of Germany and Mr. Mohammed Ali Subhani of Iran.The two meetings discussed cooperation relations between Qatar and the two friendly countries in the fields of transportation and means of further enhancing them.