News | Ministry of Transport

Thursday, April 6, 2017

HE Minister to be Patron of Airport Council Int’l Asia-Pacific Regional Assembly Conf. & Exhibition

Doha-Doha is set to host the 12th Airport Council International (ACI) Asia-Pacific Regional Assembly Conference and Exhibition from April 10 to 12, 2017. The event will be held under the patronage of HE Minister of Transport and Communications Jassim Saif Ahmed Al Sulaiti.The event’s agenda includes two ACI board meetings, namely the World Governing Board meeting and the Asia Pacific Regional Board meeting. COO of HIA Eng. Badr Mohammed Al Meer will present the achievements of HIA, highlighting its key success factors and explaining the strategy that has, within 3 years of its operations, made HIA one of the fastest growing hubs in the world, the 6th best airport in the world and an example of a corporate social responsible airport.In January 2017, Eng. Al Meer was unanimously appointed by ACI’s Asia Pacific Executive Committee of the Board as Special Advisor to the ACI Asia-Pacific Regional Board. This prestigious position is earned by airport leaders who have proven their ability in providing leadership to the region and guidance on policy development, management, and finances.The ACI Asia Pacific Board comprises mainly of the Chief Executive Officers of 22 member airports including, Beijing, Shanghai, Incheon, Tokyo-Narita, Kuala Lumpur, Airports of Thailand, GMR, and Muscat.The ACI World Governing Board is composed of Chief Executive Officers of 28 member airports nominated by the regional ACI Boards including Singapore-Changi, Hong Kong, Los Angeles, Amsterdam-Heathrow, Paris, Istanbul, Toronto, Beijing, and Sydney. It meets twice a year and has the authority to take decisions on all relevant issues that advance the collective interests of airports and promote professional excellence in airport management and operations.The ACI Regional Assembly, Conference, and Exhibition, which is hosted annually by airports around the world, will have in attendance aviation leaders and industry influencers who will speak about industry hot topics through moderated panel discussions. The event will also see exhibitions of innovative products and award-winning services by a large number of service providers.

Wednesday, April 5, 2017

CRA 2016 Market Assessment Reflects 1.7 Percent GDP Contribution

Doha,The Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) has conducted an assessment of the telecommunications sector for the fiscal year 2016 showing that the sector contributed 1.7 percent to Qatar's GDP, up from 1.3 percent in 2014, towards effective diversification of the economy. The telecommunications market also saw investments of around QR 1.25 billion (12 percent of service providers' annual revenues) towards the development of infrastructure and services and in preparation for future technologies.The assessment confirms that the consumers benefited from competition in the mobile market. However, there is a distinct lack of competition in the fixed market. It is also evident that the service providers continue to diversify in providing innovative services and products, adapting new business models paving the way to a truly digital economy. Market revenues remain unchanged compared to 2015 (around QR 10 billion), a sign that the mobile telecommunication market in Qatar has matured. This is due to an effective competition framework implementation in the mobile market and a different population mix.Service providers have adapted to these changes, enhancing efficiency and competitive prices, as shown in improving Earnings before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA) margins. Ooredoo's EBITDA margin increased in 2016 from 47 percent to 49 percent while Vodafone's increased from 25 percent to 31 percent.The service providers are also diversifying their revenue streams into associated activities, such as handset and equipment sale, data center activities, IP-TV, etc.., accounted for 22 percent of their revenues in 2016, up from around 19 percent in 2014."The ICT sector in Qatar continues to make a valuable contribution to the national economy and we are now seeing a mature market develop," CRA President Mohammed Ali Al Mannai said. "Service providers are adapting well to this macro change by diversifying their businesses and becoming more efficient. This is positive for consumers as the impact of competition in the mobile market has reduced prices and increased the range and quality of services that are available."CRA is pleased to see service providers investing part of revenues for future growth, innovation, and demand. These developments are in-line with the CRA's mission to foster a sustainable marketplace and improve consumers experience. CRA is now working expediently to avail the benefits of competition for all consumers in the fixed line market," he added.Mobile Market Qatar has one of the highest penetration rates in the whole MENA Region of 176 percent behind only the UAE and Bahrain. However, the overall mobile penetration decline by 8 percent from 2015 can be attributed to a changing population mix, deactivated SIM cards as well as SIM cancellations because of noncompliance with the registration process.The service provider's average revenue per user (ARPU) in Qatar remains the highest in the Ooredoo and Vodafone Group. Compared to Q4 2015 Ooredoo's ARPU increased slightly, whereas Vodafone's has slightly decreased.Overall, the Qatari market remains highly dependent on pre-paid consumers, which account for 83 percent of the subscriptions.Fixed-Line Markets and Internet Fixed line network development in Qatar is dominated by Ooredoo, and 99 percent of Qatar's households are in areas covered by a fiber optic network. Ooredoo's market share remains stable with around 97 percent. According to Qatar's ICT Landscape 2015: Households and Individuals, 86 percent of the households have fixed the wired broadband network. With a nationwide fiber optic network, consumers can enjoy a high service speed, with 90 percent of consumers subscribed to packages of 10 Mbps and above, up from 72 percent at the end of 2014. The number of double play consumers who subscribing to voice and broadband services increased by almost 10 percent in 2016 while the number of triple play consumers who subscribing to voice, broadband and IP-TV services increased by almost 20 percent in the same period. These figures indicate consumers are becoming more sophisticated in their services consumption. This evolution will, in the medium term, help to increase the service providers' revenues.

Saturday, April 1, 2017

Opening the Main Tunnel in Onaiza Interchange as Part of Lusail Expressway

Doha-The Public Works Authority opened on Saturday the main tunnel in Onaiza Interchange, which is one of the key three Interchanges on Lusail Expressway.The tunnel is located at the traffic lights of the current Onaiza Interchange (Doha Exhibition Centre traffic lights) and it stretches until the signal-controlled intersection in front of the Cultural Village "Katara". The tunnel is 630 meters long and about 1 kilometer long with the access roads leading to it from south and north.Three out of four lanes are now open in the tunnel, which will provide free flow traffic for those coming from the Pearl and northern areas towards West Bay in the south, without the need to stop at the traffic light in front of the old exhibition center. Remaining works on Onaiza Interchange will be completed, including the bridge that will connect east of Onaiza Street with the areas it covers, such as the Cultural Village "Katara" and a number of hotels, commercial and residential areas west of Onaiza Street.Eng. Saad bin Ahmad Al Muhannadi, President of the Public Works Authority, said that the opening of the main tunnel in Onaiza Interchange will contribute in a positive way in enhancing the traffic flow in the area. While the full positive impact will be felt more after the completion of the whole Lusail Expressway in January 2018, which will reduce the travel time significantly.He said that the coming months will witness the opening of important parts of the project. Next June will witness the opening of the main bridge in West Bay Interchange. Also two new tunnels will open in The Pearl Interchange next September, prior to the full completion of the project, which also includes more than 6.5 kilometers of pedestrians and cyclists paths.For his part, Abdullah bin Hamad al Attiyah, Assistant President of Ashghal, revealed that the next year will see the opening of 80% of the highways in Qatar with the launch of other projects for implementation. He pointed out that a number of infrastructure projects in Mashaf and Wakeer will be opened soon, adding that works a part of Hamad Hospital and schools to be built have been completed.Lusail Expressway is one of the key projects of the Expressway Programme that the Public Works Authority is implementing. It is located in a vital area that connects Doha with Lusail City, and covers many public destinations such as the Pearl in the north, via Katara and the Diplomatic Area, and a big number of residential areas, hotels, malls and other facilities.The project work area stretches over 5.5 kilometers from Lusail City in the north to the West Bay area in the south. The project works include three main multi-level interchanges, which are the Pearl Interchange, Onaiza Interchange, and West Bay Interchange, in addition to two marine bridges over the South and North Canal Crossings near the Pearl and Lusail City.Upon its completion, the main carriageway of Lusail Expressway will consist of four lanes in each direction, in addition to a big number of feeder service roads to connect the different destinations with the expressway. The design also focuses on enhancing traffic safety for pedestrians and providing healthy lifestyle, through building 6.5 kilometers of separate pedestrians and cyclists paths. The design of Lusail Expressway is an integrated system that provides traffic flow and connects Doha with the West Bay, to enhance access to the important destinations and landmarks that the area covers.The architectural characteristic of the project is inspired by the old heritage Qatari vocabulary. It forms a combination of Qatar’s past and future, given that it is the main expressway on the sea front that stretches over the northern coast of Doha City.

Wednesday, March 29, 2017

Ministry Releases Revamped Bus Map in Qatar

Doha – Qatar The Ministry of Transport and Communications has released a revamped bus map - a new and more informative map that will not only help residents to see all information about current bus services, but also improve their interaction with other future public transit services planned for Qatar.The Ministry believes that simple and user-friendly public transport information sources are vital to promote, enhance and influence public transport travel behavior.The revamped map is one of the several initiatives defined in the Qatar Public Transport Program (QPTP) that is currently being implemented. The Ministry is committed to delivering an overhaul of current bus services and, in this, QPTP will fully integrate with other multimodal transport systems planned for Qatar, thus supporting national economic and social development and providing seamless travel experience and in turn realizing the Qatar National Vision 2030.The new map can be easily accessed through various channels including the Ministry’s website and Mowasalat’s. The map will also be available at bus stations, bus stop shelters and onboard the buses in order to help passengers get around Qatar smoothly.This map is one of multiple initiatives being carried out to revolutionize how public transport is perceived across Qatar. Great steps have been taken in the process of improving Qatar’s public transit services with the number of public buses hitting 250 in 2016, covering 51 routes, in addition to allocating some 17 areas of land for developing bus-related facilities. For more information on public bus services, please contact 44588888.

Tuesday, March 28, 2017

Ministry Signs 4 MoUs, Explores Potential Ventures with Private Sector

Doha – QatarThe Ministry of Transport and Communications (MoTC) has signed here four memoranda of understanding (MoU) in land transport field as part of its efforts to develop a modern transport sector for the State of Qatar. The agreements also reflect Ministry’s efforts to encourage private sector’s contribution to mobility projects.The first MoU with Smart Transport to explore potential ventures was signed by Mr. Hassan Al Hail, the Minister’s Advisor, and Smart Transport’s Chairman Mr. Abdulaziz Bin Ali Al Attiyah.The project would reflect the Ministry’s interest in developing transport related manufacturing in the country. The MoTC envisioned itself to provide a multi-modal transport system that is integrated, accessible and inclusive for all citizens in the State of Qatar.In addition, this project invites public-private partnership, as it would help elevate the efficiency of facilities for local communities and support economic development. It is envisaged that these would assist in business development and contribute to achieving economic, social, human and environmental development goals of the Qatar National Vision 2030.The second MoU with Union Global Projects to explore potential ventures was signed by Mr. Hassan Al-Hail, the Minister’s Advisor, and Union Global Project’s Chairman Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Jassim Ali Al Thani.The agreement reflects Ministry’s interest in developing transport-related manufacturing industries in the country to contribute to diversifying and expanding the economic activities in Qatar.The third MoU with Mawaqif Zakia to explore potential partnership to create an automated parking system in West Bay was signed by Assistant Undersecretary of Land Transport Mr. Rashid Taleb Al Nabet and Mawaqif Zakia’s General Manager Mr. Mohamed Hlep.The project reflects the considerable attention the Ministry pays to providing an integrated transport system and solving parking problems in the country. It also promotes public-private partnerships, as it would help elevate the efficiency of facilities for local communities and support economic development. It is envisaged that these would assist in business development and contribute to achieving economic, social, human and environmental development goals of Qatar National Vision 2030.Moreover, in a strategic move to take the Connected & Automated Vehicles program (CAV) in Qatar to the next level, the Ministry signed an MoU with the Qatar Mobility Innovations Center (QMIC), per which a consortium on CAV is announced. This is the first consortium to be created on CAV in Qatar and the region aiming to create the ecosystem needed for facilitating early deployment of CAV at national and regional scale.The MoU was signed by Assistant Undersecretary of Land Transport Mr. Rashid Taleb Al Nabet and QMIC’s Executive Director and CEO Dr. Adnan Abu-Dayya.This MoU officially declares the Ministry as a founding member of the consortium. Given its mandate and leading role in realizing advanced and seamless transport systems and road safety technologies in Qatar, the Ministry will play an important advisory role and aid in facilitating development and piloting activities in support of getting Qatar ready to deploy CAV systems and applications.CAV refers to the concept, where as part of newly emerging cooperative intelligent transport systems, vehicles will be able to communicate with one each other and with the road network wirelessly (V2X) according to global standards.This will enable the realization of next generation Road Safety Systems. It is considered as a key enabler for future autonomous and self-driving vehicles. Studies conducted by various transport authorities show that connected vehicles, if fully implemented, could mitigate up to 80% of road accidents. In the past, the focus has been on how to survive accidents; CAV aims to avoid them completely, as well as enhancing our daily driving experience, as a whole.QMIC has been very active in the area of CAV since 2010, and back in 2014, it carried out the first field demo of an industry-compliant V2X system and applications in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region at the Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP). As the next step to facilitate potential full deployment of technology in Qatar, QMIC has committed plans to carry out a field pilot of V2X systems (Qatar V2X pilot) and applications in 2017/2018 in Qatar. This will allow QMIC and its partners to test CAV in real field scenarios as vehicles and roadside units will be used together with a few applications.“Today’s MoU is a gateway for a strong partnership with QMIC. This is an exciting opportunity to adopt a new data-rich environment which will be the foundation for numerous new applications that will make our roads safer, less congested and more eco-friendly,” said Mr. Al Nabet.He added that the Ministry “works on providing world-class transportation and communication systems that support Qatar’s economic and social growth and sustainable development.” Dr. Adnan Abu-Dayya, the Executive Director and CEO of QMIC said: “Since 2011, we have outlined a long term strategy to become a leader in the area of intelligent mobility, in general, and in the CAV area, in particular. I am very glad to see us successfully moving from the R&D stage in CAV to the field piloting stage, which is a critical step towards getting Qatar ready for a potential large deployment before 2022. Our partnership with MoTC is a significant positive step for facilitating such deployment to the benefit of all stakeholders in Qatar. We look forward to welcoming other key stakeholders to this consortium, as collaboration and engagement are important keys for sustainable success. We also take this opportunity to thank the Qatar National Research Fund for supporting us in our CAV journey.”Per the MoU, the Qatar CAV consortium stakeholders will be holding periodic meetings (most probably every 3 months), during which the progress of the Qatar CAV pilot will be reviewed and discussed. These meetings will be a good platform for the involved partners to provide their perspectives and suggestions that not only could help in the success of the CAV program, but also in making its outcomes the most relevant to the country’s requirements.

Tuesday, March 28, 2017

HE the Minister addresses a speech to Qatar UK Business and Investment Forum

London - DohaHE Minister of Transport and Communications Jassim Saif Ahmed Al Sulaiti called on all companies and businessmen to visit Qatar to explore the promising investment opportunities in the country, stressing that the State will provide all necessary facilities for foreign investors and companies.Addressing a session on transport and infrastructure on the sidelines of the Qatar-UK Business and Investment Forum, which began today in London, Al Sulaiti said that the transport and communications sector in Qatar has seen significant growth in recent years, especially with the establishment of the Doha Metro and the fast train linking Qatar with the rest of the GCC countries.HE the Minister of Transport and Communications expressed his hope that the railway project, which will link the GCC countries, would commence by the end of this year, hoping that major foreign companies would contribute to the implementation of this huge project.