News | Ministry of Transport

Tuesday, September 10, 2019

The Ministry invites applications for ‘Make the Deal’ initiative

Doha-THE Ministry of Transport and Communications (MoTC) on Tuesday invited entrepreneurs and startups to submit applications for the ‘Make the Deal’ initiative, where they can compete to pitch their business ideas to investors at this year’s Qatar IT Conference and Exhibition (QITCOM 2019). While the last day for registration is October 15, the application screenings and pre-event mentoring will continue until October 20.Driven by MoTC’s Digital Incubation Center (DIC), the third edition of Make the Deal forms an integral part of the Entrepreneurship Zone of QITCOM 2019, scheduled to take place from October29 until November 1at the Qatar National Convention Center (QNCC).Make the Deal (startup-Investor Matchmaking) aims to promote a climate of entrepreneurship and investment and is an opportunity to connect high-impact technology startups with local, regional and international investors. Before the event, all shortlisted participants will be individually mentored by global experts on pitch presentations and will be invited to participate in pre-event matchmaking. The final business pitch will be made to investors at the Innovation Theatre during the course of QITCOM 2019, and the winners will be awarded with investment deals and incubation offers.Held under the theme ‘Safe Smart Cities’, QITCOM 2019 has dedicated an Entrepreneurship Zone to boost investor-startup relationships, inviting innovators and professionals to learn about digital entrepreneurship. Around 300 entrepreneurs are expected to participate in the Entrepreneurship Zone activities this year, with 100 local, regional and international startups showcasing their products and services across 5 key platforms: Make the Deal, Idea Camp, Code Camp, Startup Hub and the Innovation Theatre.Reem al Mansoori, assistant undersecretary of Digital Society Development Sector, Ministry of Transport and Communications, said: “In its 5th edition, QITCOM 2019 will provide opportunities for businesses to bring real citizen-centric solutions to life. The Entrepreneurship Zone will lead the charge and promote learning and innovation among startups and innovators, while connecting them to potential investors to create a stronger knowledge-based economy. Make the Deal is an excellent opportunity for entrepreneurs to network and find financial support for their smart solutions”.“This is an amazing chance to meet with investors, build a global network and grow your business. Make the Deal connects startups and investors prior to the actual pitch event in order to make an initial go/no-go decision at Qatar IT Conference & Exhibition”, added Mansoori.

Monday, September 9, 2019

Hamad Port Enters Guinness World Records as Deepest Artificial Basin on Earth

Doha – QatarHamad Port, Qatar’s gateway to world trade, has added a new achievement to its series of achievements by setting a new Guinness World Records title as the deepest artificial basin ever made on Earth.HE Minister of Transport and Communications Jassim Saif Ahmed Al-Sulaiti received the Guinness World Records certificate from the organization’s representatives at a special event held at MOTC premises today.“Hamad Port winning of such a universal certificate signals the importance and size of the project. Such an achievement is a new addition to a collection of world records the country set at Guinness World Records. It also emphasizes Qatar’s capability of developing innovative projects in line with highest global standards,” HE the Minister said. “Hamad Port’s continuing achievements place us before a double responsibility toward our society so as to continue our performance according to world standards and our ambitious goals,” he added. He also noted that since construction operations began at Hamad Port the latest technologies have been in use to ensure highly-efficient work progress in line with best global quality standards. The concerted efforts from both staff and partners have always been the key to the port’s milestones, he said.Hamad Port's basin is 4km long, 700 meters wide and 17 meters deep. Basin construction took about two and a half years of excavation, during which over 6900 tons of explosives were used to challenge the drafts - with full commitment to preserving wildlife and marine life - to extract more than 44.5 million cubic meters of dredged material, which was later used in other construction works at the project, resulting in huge savings.This new Guinness World Records certificate is an addition to a collection of universal certificates and rankings the port has made recently as it was awarded high commendation in the Coastal Dredging Project of the year category at the inaugural IHS DPC Innovation Awards. The commendation was awarded to Hamad Port for the deployment of unique systems in the construction and excavation of the port basin, which was built on land in a rare operation of its kind in international ports in addition to its advanced infrastructure that supports the ecofriendly port technologies worldwide.Hamad Port was also listed by the Lloyd's List Global Awards 2018 among the top 8 international ports in the field of innovation and among the top 5 ports in terms of operations. The port was commended for deploying constructive initiatives and ideas, plus its efficient operational processes and overall unique performance. In terms of operational processes, Hamad Port managed to set new records in August 2019, celebrating two key milestones; the handling of over 3 million TEUs and 7 million tons of general and bulk cargo since the commencement of operation of the facility.

Monday, September 2, 2019

MoTC invites nominations for Qatar Digital Business Awards

Doha – QatarThe Ministry of Transport and Communications (MoTC) today announced the opening of nominations for the 2019 Qatar Digital Business Awards.Now in its fifth year, the Qatar Digital Business Awards, formerly known as Qatar IT Business Awards, is one of the most prestigious awards for the digital industry in Qatar, and comes as part of MoTC’s readiness to honour and recognize corporate entities, SMEs and startups that have contributed to the development of the digital industry in Qatar during the past year.The awards are open to all companies operating in the digital industry in the country and submission of nominations can be made at www.qitba.qa until 10 October 2019.This year’s awards are in 10 categories:ICT Service Provider of the YearSystems Integrator of the YearMobile App of the YearCloud Solution of the YearDigital Startup of the YearSmart Solution of the YearSME Digital Transformation of the YearE-Commerce Solution of the YearInnovative Fintech Solution of the YearICT Exporter of the YearHeld under the patronage of the Minister of Transport and Communications HE Jassem bin Saif Al Sulaiti, the Qatar Digital Business Awards takes place on the sidelines of this year’s edition of the Qatar IT Conference and Exhibition (QITCOM) to be held from 29th October to 1st November 2019 at the Qatar National Convention Center (QNCC) in Doha.Commenting on the launch of the awards, HE Ms. Reem Al Mansoori, MoTC’s Assistant Undersecretary for Digital Society Development Sector said, “The awards is a major platform to recognize those who are at the forefront of efforts to develop a vibrant digital industry in Qatar. The Ministry of Transport and Communications recognize the potential of this field and we are committed to providing the necessary support to local institutions and companies to enhance their competitiveness internationally.”“It also comes as part of our plans to support the growth and expansion of the digital industry in Qatar by upgrading the standards and quality of services and capabilities of companies in the local ICT market and to enhance excellence in the digital industry by celebrating local success stories thereby spurring them to even greater development in the future in line with QNV 2030 of building knowledge-based economy.”An eminent panel of judges comprising of leading experts in the industry will judge the nominations and decide on the winners during QITCOM 2019 Gala Dinner on 1st November.Information relating to the award categories and the criteria, terms, and conditions can be found by visiting the official awards site www.qitba.qa.Taking place under the theme 'Safe and Smart Cities', QITCOM 2019 is a key platform for the development, support and empowerment of entrepreneurs and SMEs operating in the digital industry in addition to accelerating the growth of the ICT market in Qatar and attracting startups. The event, which has become one of the most important regional technological meet, is expected to attract the participation of 300 international and local companies, 100 local and international startups and more than 300 innovators and entrepreneurs.About Qatar Digital Business AwardsQatar Digital Business Awards is one of the most prestigious awards for the digital industry sector in Qatar. Held annually since 2014 as Qatar IT Business Awards, the awards has been rebranded as Qatar Digital Business Awards to cater to a larger pool of business entities in the sector. The awards aim to help companies gain the recognition they deserve from peers and stakeholders by recognising their expertise and contributions towards building a dynamic digital society in Qatar.About Qatar IT Conference and Exhibition (QITCOM 2019)Under the patronage of His Highness, the Amir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, the Ministry of Transport and Communication will hold the Qatar Information Technology Conference & Exhibition – the largest Information and Communication Technology showcase and event in Qatar – from 29th October to 1st November 2019 under the theme “Safe Smart Cities”. Featuring over 90 speakers, 300 technology exhibitors, 100 startups and 300 innovators and entrepreneur, Qatar IT Conference & Exhibition 2019 will be a one-stop-shop for participants to showcase disruptive smart technologies and exchange next-generation knowledge.

Monday, September 2, 2019

Minister Holds Talks with Gambian Minister of Foreign Affairs

Doha – QatarHE Minister of Transport and Communications Jassim Saif Ahmed Al-Sulaiti held talks with HE Gambian Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad Dr. Mamadou Tangara in Doha today.The two ministers discussed bilateral relations between Qatar and Gambia and means of further enhancing them. They also discussed a number of matters of common interest between the two sisterly countries.

Tuesday, August 27, 2019

Minister Meets Mozambique Deputy Minister of Transport

Doha – QatarHE Minister of Transport and Communications Jassim Saif Ahmed Al-Sulaiti held talks here today with the Deputy Minister of Transport and Communications of the Republic of Mozambique Manuela Joaquim.The two officials discussed aspects of cooperation in the fields of transportation, aviation, ports and communications and means of further enhancing them. They also discussed potential investment opportunities in these fields.

Saturday, August 24, 2019

Exponential Growth in Public Bus Ridership

Doha-Public bus ridership has risen by 40% from 2015 to the end of 2018. This is ascribed to significant enhancement works carried out by the Ministry of Transport and Communications to boost the performance efficiency of the public bus service and increase ridership, in coordination with Mowasalat “Karwa”.The enhancement works have taken the form of introducing new bus routes to cover new destinations and improving and optimizing existing ones. MOTC has implemented five new Airport Bus express services, linking Al Khor, the Pearl, West Bay, Al Matar Al Qadeem and the industrial areas to Hamad International Airport.These enhancements have proven so popular that ridership to and from HIA has increased by nearly 90% over the last year and exceeded one million passengers, compared to 2017.MOTC has also developed and enhanced existing bus routes. This has included the buses covering the areas of the West Bay, the Pearl and Lagoona Mall. Improvements have also included more frequent timetables, improvements to Smartcard purchase and top-up options, and increased marketing and information about bus services, including the development and launch of the Karwa Bus mobile application.Additionally, a network of Doha Metro “Metrolink” feeder bus routes have been established to support Metro operations. 24 new routes have been introduced since April 2019, transporting people to and from Red Line stations in the West Bay area to Al Wakra.25 more routes will be launched when the other two Doha Metro lines enter service; 10 routes for the Green Line and 15 for the Gold Line. The Metroexpress service has been also launched for metro users in the West Bay area as part of efforts to providing integrated transportation solutions. Metroexpress is a free trial ride-sharing service, currently covering the West Bay QIC and DECC station areas.Meanwhile, the infrastructure facilities that support public bus operations are being developed and improved in association with the bodies concerned. Development works include the establishment of four new locations for buses in Al Qassar, Al Wakra, Lusail City and Education City, opening up 5 new bus stops in the Al Sudan area, Lusail City, Al Wakra, the Industrial Area, Msheireb and Gharaffa and the establishment of four new bus depots that will have bus stops, bus care centers and housing and recreational facilities for the operating company’s staff. Moreover, some 627 electric buses and their associated charging equipment will be imported and put in operation during 2020. By so doing, Qatar will become the first country in the region to have a full fleet of electric buses for public transit. The move to procure electric buses represents MOTC’s strong commitment to sustainable and environment-friendly public transportation, aiming to make all public buses in Qatar electric by 2030.