News | Ministry of Transport

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.

Thursday, February 15, 2018

HE Prime Minister Witnesses QDGTP IT Talent, Access to Employment Graduation Ceremony

Doha – Qatar His Excellency the Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Abdullah Bin Nasser Bin Khalifa Al-Thani today graduated the first batches of both the IT Talent Program and the Access to Employment Program, under the umbrella of the Ministry of Transport and Communications.Executed in partnership with HEC Paris in Qatar, the IT Talent Program is one of several programs and initiatives under the wider Qatar Digital Government Training Program (QDGTP), which is one of many similar programs that aim to achieve the strategic objectives of the Qatar Digital Government 2020.QDGTP focuses on supporting Qatar national strategy for digital transformation of government sectors through providing training solutions focused on enhancing the current capabilities of ICT professionals. It aims to build new skills that ICT professionals need to meet the desired performance standards of their roles and thereby support the objectives of the Qatar e-Government 2020 Strategy.The Access to Employment is a new program from MADA, the Qatar Assistive Technology Center, in association with the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labor & Social Affairs. MADA works on enabling the disabled through assistive information and communication technologies.It works to improve the digital inclusion for persons with disabilities across Qatar. It has identified three key domains, namely education, employment and community to continue to fulfil its mission of removing the barriers that restrict PwDs from participating in society. These three domains are assisted through advisory services and policy recommendations. The Access to Employment Program works to qualify the disabled people to enter the job market to access real employment opportunities. The event was organized by MoTC under the patronage of HE the Prime Minister and Interior Minister and attended by several ministers, senior state officials, media personalities, HEC Paris delegation and graduates’ families. It featured QDGTP’s 2017 accomplishments and unveiled its new partnerships and improvement plans for 2018.“HEC Paris is honored to have partnered with the Qatar Ministry of Transport and Communications to create this bespoke program, a first-of-its-kind in the region, and to enhance the leadership and management of highly-skilled CTOs in ministries, government and semi-governmental entities,” said Dr. Nils Plambeck, Dean & CEO of HEC Paris in Qatar.“This program provided participants a unique opportunity to engage with and learn from HEC Paris world-renowned faculty of highly-qualified and experienced professors. The participants can now play a major role in the Qatar Digital Government Strategy 2020. This collaboration with MoTC underlines HEC Paris’ commitment, in partnership with Qatar Foundation, to help develop the region’s leaders of today and tomorrow across the governmental and private sectors,” Dr. Plambeck added.

Tuesday, February 13, 2018

MoTC, Qatar Airways Celebrate National Sport Day 2018

Doha – Qatar The Ministry of Transport and Communications today marked the National Sport Day 2018, which is celebrated annually across Qatar on the second Tuesday of February, in collaboration with Qatar Airways at Al Sadd Sports Club.In this year’s celebrations, the Ministry and QA were joined by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA), Mowasalat (Karwa), Qatar Ports Management Company (Mwani), Qatar Aeronautical College and Hamad Port.The program of the event featured an array of recreational and sporting activities for employees and their family members, as well as special events for children.On this occasion, HE Minister of Transport and Communications Jassim Saif Ahmed Al Sulaiti said; “Qatar National Sport Day reflects the vision of the wise leadership for building individuals and society. Its key message is that sports should be a part of the culture and life of individuals and society, and one aspect of investing in the human element."He said the Ministry was always eager to participate in the NSD along with all entities in the transportation and ICT sectors to raise awareness of the importance of sport and its great impact on the rise and progress of communities, as well as encouraging people to keep fit and follow a healthy lifestyle.The Ministry’s participation in NSD, he noted, translates a vision of partnership with various entities across the country to promote sport to build up healthy individuals capable of contributing to the development and progress and the achievement of Qatar National Vision 2030. Activities began in the early morning with warmups, walking, jogging and some exercises for women. The program featured several recreational and sportive activities for adults and children, which collectively made today a great day for all participants, who enjoyed their favorite games and participated actively. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, HE Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “We are proud to take part in National Sports Day celebrations and to promote Qatar’s 2030 Vision. By hosting a fun and active day for our employees, we are encouraging them and other members of the community to incorporate healthy lifestyles and habits, and helping foster a healthy and energetic way of living in Qatar.” Conveying pride in Qatar,” he added, “is one of our corporate values, and we show pride toward Qatar by taking part in fulfilling its vision.”The event saw wide participation from many staff members and their families from transportation and telecommunication sectors, led by senior officials. This helped all to get together, communicate more, cement friendship and colleagueship bonds, in addition to practicing some sport. The event program featured several physical games like the tug-of-war, mind games, as well as challenges and competitions designed for families. The day ended in an excellent environment. Participants hailed it was well organized and rich with activities and events that ignited the spirit of participation and competition.

Thursday, February 1, 2018

Qatar, US Sign LOIs on Cybersecurity, Collaboration Platform

Washington-The State of Qatar and the United States have signed letters of intent (LOIs) in the area of cybersecurity and on the US-Qatar Collaboration Platform.The two LOIs were signed by Mr. Eng. Khalid Al-Hashmi, Assistant Undersecretary of Cyber Security, at Ministry of Transport and Communications, and from the U.S. side, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Global Markets and Director General of the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service Ms. Erin Walsh, and Assistant Secretary of State for Economic and Business Affairs Ms. Manisha Singh.The two LOIs are among several other agreements and MoUs signed between Doha and Washington in various fields during the Qatari-US Strategic Dialogue that started in Washington DC Tuesday.The first LOI, signed by MoTC and the Department of Commerce on the US-Qatar Collaboration Platform, aims to strengthen and expand the bilateral commercial cooperation through fostering increased collaboration between U.S. and Qatari companies in areas of mutual interest, including smart cities and infrastructure areas such as transportation, logistics, environment, healthcare, sports, and e-commerce.It also aims to encourage companies of both countries to explore cooperation in the Middle East and other appropriate opportunities, to increase the international competitiveness of companies from both countries.The second LOI was signed with the Department of State in the area of cybersecurity, as the two sides intend to promote the expansion of bilateral cooperation, and cooperation in multilateral fora.Forms of cooperative activities may include information exchange and sharing of cybersecurity best practices, cooperation on counter-cybercrime, cyber defense, and capacity building activities.