News | Ministry of Transport

Saturday, November 26, 2016

HE The Minister of Transport and Communications Heads Qatar Delegation to Global Sustainable Transport Conference in Turkmenistan

Ashgabat – DohaMinister of Transport and Communications HE Jassim Saif Ahmed Al Sulaiti is in Turkmenistan leading a Qatari delegation to the first-ever UN Global Sustainable Transport Conference.The November 26-27 forum being held in the Turkmen capital Ashgabat was opened today by President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and UN Secretary-General Ban ki-Moon.Multiple issues are on the conference agenda, including sustainable transportation, environmental changes, city transportation systems and transport communication between cities and villages, financing the transportation sector, international cooperation in transportation, development of multilateral transport corridors and infrastructure, as well as road safety.The forum tackles issues on combating poverty through establishing and improving public transport systems and transportation infrastructure. It brings together key stakeholders from governments, the UN and other international organizations, the private sector, and civil society to engage in a dialogue that emphasizes the integrated and crosscutting nature of sustainable transport and its multiple roles in supporting the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A number of international conventions and pacts are expected to be signed during the conference, with conference participants able to join governmental agreements such as those related to the pan-Asia land transport routes network, land ports and the international convention on cross-border shipment monitoring regulations. Key topics at the conference include sustainable transport as a contributor to achieving the UN SDGs, rural transport challenges and opportunities, sustainable transport solutions to the climate crisis, public transport in the 21st Century with regard to transporting passengers and freight in a sustainable manner, sustainable transport solutions for countries with special circumstances, and relevant energy and transport issues.The forum also tackles multimodal sustainable transport and transit solutions through rail, marine, land and air transport connectivity, as well as topics on financing sustainable transport infrastructure for enhanced connectivity and international cooperation between public and private sectors to meet global transport needs that are currently estimated at $1-$2 trillion.The conference also discusses Vision Zero and the road to a new era of traffic safety by expanding safe passenger and freight transport systems using modes that are less harmful to humans as well as by implementing national road safety strategies and plans. A summit on transportation business is being held on the sidelines of the conference.

Friday, November 25, 2016

Hamad Port will handle 7mn containers a year

The Ministry of Transport and Communication continues its efforts to develop the ports sector, with Hamad Port at the top of priorities.Hamad Port is an important addition to Qatar Ports and will handle 7mn containers a year once fully operational. It has a general cargo terminal that can handle 1.7mn tonnes of general goods, 1mn tonnes of foodgrains and 500,000 vehicles. It will also have a livestock terminal, a multi-use terminal, an offshore supply base, a coast guard facility, and a port marine unit.Along with regional transport development plans, Hamad Port will provide transshipment links by rail, sea or road to GCC and other Arabian Gulf states making use of its advanced safety, security system, and dedicated customs inspection area with latest technologies to speed the clearance of goods.With the establishment of an economic zone adjacent to it, Hamad Port will facilitate manufacturing industries and help the nation to increase its non-oil and gas exports.

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Mada Center Supports the Entrepreneurial Ambitions of People With Disabilities during GEW

Doha, Qatar,The Qatar Assistive Technology Center (Mada) recently took part in Global Entrepreneurship Week, November 13 to 17 in Qatar, with the aim of supporting persons with disabilities (PWDs) as viable members of the entrepreneur community. In tandem with its participation at the event, Mada also released a report entitled Creating Accessible Services to Support Entrepreneur PWDs in Qatar, which details the ways in which PWDs can take advantage of the entrepreneurial environment, and how corporates benefit by supporting PWD entrepreneurs.“We were thrilled to participate in Global Entrepreneurship Week and to represent persons with disabilities while showcasing our value proposition to entrepreneurs and enterprises in Qatar,” said Maha Al Mansouri, Mada CEO. “With the release of our report, we aim to educate and help incubation centers, commercial and development banks, and all public and private entities who work in supporting entrepreneurs to understand the needs of PWDs.”Mada’s report details the reasons and expectations of people with disabilities when it comes to entrepreneurial activity. Like any person, there are many reasons why people with a disability choose to become self-employed, or to start their own business. For some it is a matter of necessity when other opportunities have not materialized, for others a specific idea or opportunity emerges coupled with a desire to increase control over one’s work and to manage one’s own work–life balance, whilst increasing job satisfaction and increasing income or benefits. The report also looks at the benefits that working with entrepreneurs with disabilities bring on a wider economic and social level.“Our aim, during this event, is to show various entities how they can benefit from supporting entrepreneurs with a disability. Not only will it help them contribute to Qatar’s economy, but supporting a social initiative such as this will help them improve their triple bottom line,” added Rashid Mohsin Alhajri, Director of Public Relations and Communications at the Ministry of Transport and Communications.Entrepreneurship and self-employment are vital elements in any national strategy seeking to support people with a disability in the workplace, and offer the potential for flexibility, satisfaction and financial rewards that may have been impossible whilst employed. Whilst there are many examples of successful entrepreneurs with disabilities in every part of the world, establishing a business is not without risk, however. Recognizing that people with a disability have experienced greater barriers than others over many years, there is much to be said for establishing and supporting more intensive programs to address the inherent challenges.Global Entrepreneurship Week is recognized as one of the most important platforms for spreading the culture of entrepreneurship globally and locally, with many activities and events being hosted in each country separately. The Qatar arm of the event, which was organized by Qatar Development Bank, showcases ways in which entrepreneurs can generate opportunities and build a sustainable business to boost the local economy.

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Digital Incubation Center Takes Part in GEW

Doha-The Digital Incubation Center has partnered with Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) at the launch of its second edition. The Qatar-based instalment of the worldwide initiative is designed to promote entrepreneurship by connecting startup owners, investors, researchers and policymakers from across the globe. This year’s edition of GEW is being hosted from 13 – 17 November 2016, at Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC), under the patronage of the Minister of Economy and Trade, H.E. Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim al-Thani.GEW takes place in nearly 160 countries across six continents simultaneously each year. The international initiative introduces entrepreneurship to communities through a series of discussion panels, workshops and training courses. In addition to highlighting key issues of interest to the small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) sector, the platform provides a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs to establish bridges across industries.Mrs. Reem Al Mansoori, Assistant Undersecretary Digital Society Sector Development, MOTC, and a team from DIC attended the launch event and are available during the exhibition and conference days.In addition, five incubated startups from DIC are present at the exhibition to showcase their projects;- Urban Point: a Mobile App that brings deals and discount offers to users at hundreds of outlets in Qatar every month- Schools in Qatar: a comprehensive directory of schools including users reviews and ratings, in addition to a discount club for members that provides added value to families and kids in Qatar.

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Digital Incubation Center of MoTC Wins Tech Innovation Award 2016

Doha-Digital Incubation Center (DIC) won the “Tech Innovation Award 2016” at the “Enterprise Agility Awards 2016” organized Monday by Entrepreneur Qatar at Grand Hyatt Doha Hotel.Several entrepreneurs and companies were recognized and appreciated at the event that was attended by multiple businesspeople, company owners and entrepreneurs.DIC Manager Duha Al-Buhendi received the award, which comes as an appreciation to the efforts of DIC throughout the past year aiming at supporting and enabling technological innovation among young entrepreneurs and startup owners in Qatar.Commenting on the award, Al-Buhendi said, “We are really happy for this recognition and we consider this as an encouragement and furthering our objectives to develop the technology innovation within the entrepreneurship ecosystem in Qatar.”“The Center supports people who have the passion and tenacity to grow a business through various tracks that help entrepreneurs nurture their ICT ideas, turn them into business opportunities and accelerate the development of their business,” she added.Meddy, a startup incubated at the DIC, won the “Best Startup of the Year Award”. Meddy co-founder Abdullah Al Khanji said, “We are delighted to be awarded best startup of the year at Enterprise Agility Awards 2016. It is truly an honor to be recognized among one of the best companies and initiatives in Qatar’s business ecosystem.”Seif Qadi, Co-founder of Urban Point, which is incubated at the DIC and won the “Mobile App of the Year Award”, said, “It is a massive honor to receive the Mobile App of the Year Award from an organization which is a source of inspiration and information for millions and is considered the voice of entrepreneurship around the world. Great credit goes to DIC, our investor, the team, mentors and partners for their role in our success and for helping us achieve this.”Founded in 2011, the DIC offers expertise and professional guidance in the fields of technology and business. Services include access to space, business planning, education and training, mentorship, and legal advice, among others throughout the phases of the start-up development.

Thursday, November 10, 2016

Mowasalat, General Directorate of Traffic Discuss Mitigating the Risks of Transporting Dangerous Goods

Under the patronage of H.E. Minister of Transport and Communications Jassim Saif Ahmed Al Sulaiti, Mowasalat (Karwa) held a workshop on sustainable public transport and mitigating the risks of transporting dangerous goods.Mowasalat (Karwa), represented by Karwa Driving School, was joined at the workshop by representatives from the General Directorate of Traffic, the National Traffic Safety Committee and the International Road Transport Union Academy.The event discussed boosting safer road transport and relevant research, studies and applications. It also tackled topics of sustainable public transport requirements and traffic safety.In his opening remarks, Chairman of Mowasalat Nasser Mohammed Al Malki, highlighted effective measures that help prevent road accidents and how this positively reflects on the safety of society as a whole.Safe mobility and the importance of enhancing relevant partnerships were also discussed with the aim of achieving the state plans and Qatar National Vision 2030.“We, in Mowasalat Karwa, work on diversifying safety measures and raising awareness to prevent road accidents and mitigating their negative impact on society and individuals from social, health, psychological and economic perspectives, as well as promoting the laws and policies that need to be enforced to protect the national economy,” said Al Malki.Mowasalat Managing Director Khalid Nasser Al Hail said protecting lives and improving road safety are top of the company’s priorities and that Karwa Driving School has obtained multiple international certifications based on which the school is able to provide specific driving licenses that contribute to safer driving.He also said they are keen on organizing such workshops and training courses that focus on road and traffic safety as part of their corporate social responsibility programs.