News | Ministry of Transport

Monday, March 5, 2018

HE Minister Meets with Sudanese Minister of Communications and Information Technology

Doha – QatarHE Minister of Transport and Communications Jassim Saif Ahmed Al Sulaiti met here today with Sudanese Minister of Communications and Information Technology Dr. Tahani Abdullah Attia.The two officials discussed aspects of cooperation between the two sisterly countries in the field of Communications and information technology and means of further enhancing them.The meeting also discussed a number of matters of common interest between the two countries.

Monday, February 26, 2018

MOTC Hosts “Smart Mobility and Energy Experience in Germany” Workshop

Doha – Qatar The Ministry of Transport and Communications (MOTC) hosted a workshop entitled; “Smart Mobility and Energy Experience in Germany” at Sheraton Hotel yesterday.The workshop is a part of the inaugural event of the 2018 German Smart Data Forum Roadshow to Qatar, which began yesterday and continues until Feb. 28. The event, attended by high-ranking officials from MOTC and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, as well as business leaders and entrepreneurs from Germany, tackled the importance of exchanging viewpoints and experiences in the fields of digitalization, smart data, artificial intelligence, ICT security and other multiple digital technology topics.“Qatar National Vision 2030 has developed a roadmap for building a flourishing future through balancing economic growth, human development and optimal utilization of natural resources. Through this roadmap, we are ensuring the health and well-being of citizens and residents;” Reem Al-Mansoori; MOTC’s Assistant Undersecretary for Digital Society Development Affairs, said in her opening speech.“MOTC has a key role to play in building a digital society; among them, we are promoting for the use of digital technologies and services across sectors as an additional push towards sustainable development. TASMU - Smart Qatar, one of the most important programs launched last year in 2017; it aims, in line with QNV 2030, to improve the quality of life of our citizens and help diversify the economy by harnessing the power of technology and innovation,” she added.TASMU aims to intensify efforts and collaborations with other smart cities and foreign governments around the world to leverage on their experience and foster a co-creation ecosystem. As part of the implementation of the TASMU Plan, we are working with our government and private sector partners to participate in the establishment of Qatar Smart Services and to promote cooperation between large multinationals, SMEs and emerging companies to develop the digital industry in Qatar,” Al-Mansoori noted.“Germany is keen on exchanging views and experiences on digitalization with Qatar, which is why a large delegation of experts from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, renowned German universities and the private sector has come to Qatar to meet with their Qatari counterparts,” said HE the German Ambassador in Doha Mr. Hans-Udo Muzel in opening remarks.“To come to Qatar, where digitalization is one of the most important strategies to develop a knowledge-based society was a natural choice for the German experts,” he added.Dr. Andreas Goerdeler, Head of Directorate for “Digital Agenda for Germany and Europe” at the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, gave an overview of the German Digital Agenda."We are looking for an exchange with Qatar in order to reconcile the current digital strategies of both countries and to search for cooperation possibilities on this basis;" Dr. Goerdeler said.The Roadshow aims to connect leading research projects and innovation technologies nationally and internationally, and facilitate knowledge exchange among stakeholders in Germany with their counterparts internationally. Furthermore, its goal is to promote understanding challenges, opportunities, and latest trends globally as well as empowering SMEs and startups, helping them to expand their international network.

Sunday, February 25, 2018

Mwani Qatar, Indonesia’s Pelindo 1 Sign MoU

Doha - Qatar Qatar Ports Management Company (Mwani Qatar ) and PT Pelabuhan Indonesia I (Pelindo 1) today signed an MoU that aims to boost the exchange of best practices and experiences in the field of ports operation and management, as well as bolstering bilateral communication on investment, promotion and relevant innovative technologies.The MoU also aims at encouraging logistics works, trade, exchanging information technology and exploring initiatives.The MoU was signed today at the Ministry of Transport and Communications by Mwani Qatar CEO Captain Abdulla Al-khanji and Pelindo 1 President Director Mr. Bambang Eka Cahyana.On this occasion, Captain Al-khanji expressed happiness for signing the MoU with the Indonesian company, affirming that it marks an important starting point toward enhancing partnership opportunities, developing business and benefiting from the technical expertise and capabilities of both parties.This cooperation, he said, would contribute to achieving the company’s plans that aim to boost Hamad Port’s pioneering status regionally and internationally through applying the best global practices and standards, as well as maintaining a world-class operational efficiency in all its operations. He said that this helps stimulate trade and boost investment and economic diversification, thus achieving the goals of the Qatar National Vision 2030.Pelindo 1 is one of the four state-owned port companies in Indonesia, which manages ports in the west of Indonesia. It also specializes in logistics services. There are 17 ports in the west of Indonesia, spanning 4 provinces such as Aceh, North Sumatra and Riau Islands. Pelindo 1 owns 6 subsidiaries. Noteworthy, an Indonesian delegation is currently on a visit to Qatar, with a view to strengthening bilateral relations and mulling over means of enhancing cooperation. They paid a field visit to Hamad Port’s facilities, piers, container terminals and the services provided. They also were briefed on port construction phases and the future plans that MOTC executes and oversees and which aim to bolster the port’s ranking and turn Qatar into a dynamic business hub for the region.

Tuesday, February 20, 2018

HE Prime Minister Launches Qatar Pedestrian Crossings Master Plan

Doha – Qatar HE the Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al-Thani today launched the Qatar Pedestrian Crossings Master Plan (QPCMP) at an event organized in St. Regis Hotel by the Ministry of Transport and Communications.The event featured a presentation on the aspects and components of the master plan and a video clip on pedestrian crossings designing.HE the Prime Minister later had a tour at the exhibition and was briefed on the themes of pedestrian crossings in display.On this occasion, HE Minister of Transport and Communications Jassim Saif Ahmed Al-Sulaiti said, “The QPCMP is one of the key plans for implementing the system and components of land transport in Qatar. It is also an important part of the Qatar National Traffic Safety Strategy action plan.”“The State of Qatar’s been witnessing an unprecedented economic growth and significant progress in all fields along the lines of the wise vision of the Emir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani,” HE the Minister added in his opening speech.He said transportation with all its sectors and components is the main and most important element for a robust economic development, adding that the economic growth cannot be achieved without an integrated, efficient transportation system.He explained that QPCMP includes concept designs for 50 crosswalk locations selected based on preferences of the public and it includes 26 pedestrian overpasses and underpasses and 24 crosswalks on roads that cover all key intersections and sites and the sites that are nearest to roads, and they are easy to access and will encourage people to walk.For this to be done, he said, a Pedestrian Crossings Manual was developed covering all types of crossings to ensure their compatibility with Qatar’s endorsed standards and guidelines, and a Pedestrian Environment Review System (PERS), which will provide a systematic process designed especially for Qatar in order to assess crosswalks within an objective framework, thus saving lives and properties.In his presentation on the QPCMP, the Assistant Undersecretary of Land Transport Affairs at MoTC Mr. Rashid Taleb Al-Nabet said QPCMP is a key component of Qatar’s integrated transportation system and a great progress has been made in this regard along the lines of the Qatar National Vision 2030.QPCMP, he said, is an integrated, comprehensive plan that takes into consideration the rights of all users of the road, including motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists and peoples with disabilities. It helps save lives and protect properties through reducing road traffic fatalities, he added.According to Mr. Al-Nabet, QPCMP would contribute to safer pedestrian mobility and help provide an enabling environment to encourage people to walk, thus improving public health and preserving the environment.He pointed out that QPCMP has three main pedestrian crossing themes; standard, conventional and modern, in addition to the unique themes and the unique locations such as Doha Grand Park and Aspire Zone where uniquely-designed pedestrian bridges will be constructed to become landmarks for the capital city of Doha.

Monday, February 19, 2018

MOTC, MEEZA Sign Agreement on Cloud Computing Services for Gov’t Entities

Doha – Qatar The Ministry of Transport and Communications (MOTC) and MEEZA, an established Qatari Managed IT Services and Solutions provider, have signed an agreement per which MEEZA will provide government cloud and infrastructure services for government entities in Qatar.This comes within Ministry’s plans for achieving the strategic objectives of the Qatar Digital Government 2020 Strategy, which aims to create efficiency in government administration, maximize opportunities to make better use of public funds in accordance with the Qatar National Vision 2030 that aims to ensure fast and reliable accessibility to information technology with reduced operational and capital expenditures.“The Ministry of Transport and Communications continues its efforts toward achieving the QDG 2020 vision through finding out innovative solutions and enabling the government entities to achieve their goals. Cloud computing services, provided in association with MEEZA, aim to increase operational efficiency of the IT infrastructure and reduce operational costs at government entities,” said Mr. Hassan Jassim Al-Sayed, MOTC’s Assistant Undersecretary of Government Information Technology Sector.He added that the “Ministry will continue working with its partners in public and private sectors to provide more technological capabilities aiming for better services and knowledge-based economy.”Cloud computing services are compatible with the second version of the MoTC’s National Information Assurance Policy (NIAP). They also follow governance mechanisms based on highest world standards such as ISO certifications for quality management and information defense, as well as the ISO20000, which is the international IT service management (ITSM) standard that enables IT organizations; whether in-house, outsourced or external, to ensure that their ITSM processes are aligned with business needs and world best practice. It also provides guidance on cloud computing services deployment and application.MEEZA CEO Eng. Ahmad Mohammed Al-Kuwari said; “We are honored to be a reliable partner and driving force toward digital transformation in Qatar. Today’s agreement with the Ministry of Transport and Communications is a one more step closer for us toward achieving our mission. With cloud computing services, government entities will be able to reduce the capital costs of IT infrastructure and relevant software, as well as networking equipment, and to reduce time and efforts needed for IT systems management and maintenance.” MEEZA, a Qatar Foundation joint venture, is an established end-to-end Managed IT Services & Solutions Provider based in Qatar with the mission of becoming the leading Managed IT Services & Solutions provider in the Middle East and North Africa. MEEZA is helping accelerate the growth of Qatar and the region through the provision of world-class Managed IT Services and Solutions.About Meeza: MEEZA, a Qatar Foundation joint venture, is an established end-to-end Managed IT Services & Solutions Provider based in Qatar that aims to accelerate the growth of the country and the region through the provision of world-class Managed IT Services and Solutions.MEEZA’s offerings include Managed IT services, Data Centre Services, Cloud Services and IT Security Services, in addition to the expertise in Smart Cities Solutions field. The Company has three Tier III certified data centers, known as M-VAULTs offering a guaranteed uptime of 99.98% built to comply with the most exacting international standards enabling businesses to benefit from greater efficiencies and reduce risks. MEEZA’s State-of-the-art Data Centre M-VAULT 2 is LEED Platinum certified where M-VAULT 3 is LEED Gold certified.

Sunday, February 18, 2018

HE Minister Holds Talks with Ecuador Ambassador

Doha – QatarHE Minister of Transport and Communications Jassim Saif Ahmed Al Sulaiti met here today with HE the Ambassador of the Republic of Ecuador to Qatar Yvonne Laila Khoies Abdel Baqi.The two officials discussed the bilateral relations between the two friendly countries in the fields of transportation, ports, aviation and communications, and means of further enhancing them.