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Thursday, November 21, 2024
Qatar Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation Unit Signs Multilateral MoU to Join MENA ARCM

The Qatar Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation Unit (QAAI) has signed a multilateral memorandum of understanding (MoU) to join the Middle East and North Africa Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation Regional Cooperation Mechanism (MENA ARCM). This partnership seeks to strengthen regional collaboration and coordination in investigating aircraft accidents and incidents, thereby promoting safety and efficiency within the aviation industry.The MoU to access the MENA ARCM was signed by the Head of the QAAI, Mr. Ali Rashid AlKuwari, during the Sixth Meeting of the Committee of the MENA ARCM (MENA ARCM/6), which took place in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.The objective of this Memorandum of Understanding is to establish the terms of collaboration between the Parties to provide knowledge and expertise to enhance the effectiveness of aircraft accident and incident investigations, and to utilize the investigation results and safety research to improve aviation safety.In accordance with this Memorandum of Understanding, the parties involved will engage in cooperative efforts encompassing aircraft accident and incident investigations, training in investigative procedures, and the exchange of pertinent information and specialized knowledge. These endeavors will adhere to the established Standards and Recommended Practices as outlined in Annex 13 of the Chicago Convention.

MinisterMeetswithSt.KittsandNevis’Int’lTransportMinister
Thursday, November 21, 2024
Minister Meets with St. Kitts and Nevis’ Int’l Transport Minister

Minister of Transport H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Thani met with the Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, International Transport, Employment and Labor, and Urban Development of Saint Kitts and Nevis H.E. Hon. Marsha Henderson, in the Ministry’s offices today.The two ministers discussed bilateral relations in the areas of transportation, mobility services, and civil aviation, and ways to enhance them, particularly in air transportation. Mr. Mohammed Faleh Al-Hajri, in charge of managing the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA), and Mr. Royston Griffin, Head of the Civil Aviation Division of Saint Kitts and Nevis were in attendance.Following the meeting, the minister attended the initialing of an air services agreement, and an open skies memorandum of understanding, thereby expanding the network of world destinations of the flag carrier airlines of the State of Qatar.

qna_the_amiir_21_9
Tuesday, November 12, 2024
HH the Amir Issues Amiri Order Reshuffling the Cabinet

HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani issued on Monday Amiri Order No. 2 of 2024, reshuffling the Cabinet.The order stipulates that the Cabinet shall be reshuffled as follows:1- HE Sheikh Saud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan bin Ali Al-Thani as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs.2- HE Buthaina bint Ali Al Jabr Al Nuaimi as Minister of Social Development and Family.3- HE Lolwah bint Rashid bin Mohammed Al Khater as Minister of Education and Higher Education.4- HE Mansoor bin Ebrahim bin Saad Al Mahmoud as Minister of Public Health.5- HE Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al-Thani as Minister of Commerce and Industry.6- HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Thani as Minister of Transport.The Amiri Order is effective starting from the date of issue and is to be published in the official gazette. (QNA)

Ministry’sWaterTaxiPhaseOneInfrastructureWorksComplete
Thursday, November 7, 2024
Ministry’s Water Taxi Phase One Infrastructure Works Complete

The Ministry of Transport today announced it has completed the infrastructure works of the first phase of the Water Taxi project, which consists of the Lusail Ferry Terminal and two ferry stops; Pearl Ferry Stop and Corniche Ferry Stop.The announcement was made at the Qatar Boat Show, runnimg at the Old Doha Port with participation from over 450 maritime companies and trademarks. The MOT is the strategic partner of the Show.The MOT booth in the show displays a mockup of the Lusail Ferry Terminal. The booth also features a visual presentation of the project’s facilities. The Water Taxi project aims at providing modern waterborne public transportation systems equipped with cutting-edge ecofriendly technologies. It also aims at enhancing integration with other public transit systems to transport passengers to and from various destinations. The plan is to connect that project, when it begins operations, with Sila public transit system, in step with MOT’s general frameworks that aim to achieve the goals of the Qatar 3rd National Development Strategy, which focuses on benefiting from advanced technologies, sustainable development, and economic diversification all the way to achieving the pillars of the QNV2030.The main Lusail Ferry Terminal spans an area of over 2200 sq. m. It includes a pontoon equipped with electric chargers for ferry recharging. The pontoon can accommodate four 24-meter-long. The terminal also includes a waiting area, ticketing facility, and various service facilities such as retailing and offices. The two ferry stops at the Pearl and Corniche also include pontoons, ticketing offices, and customer service offices.The MOT says work is underway to select a project operator and the types of ferries for transporting passengers. The second phase will cover other areas such as Katara, Old Doha Port, Hamad International Airport, and Al-Wakra. The third phase is to connect the Old Doha Port with Al-Khour in northern Qatar, passing by Lusail City and Simaisma, as per the studies to be conducted later.The Water Taxi project contributes to supporting Qatar’s tourism profile and Qatar Tourism’s plans and efforts by promoting domestic travel by ferries.New Digital Services & Vessel Inspection DevicesThere has been a large turnout to the MOT booth, which also displays a package of new digital services now available for vessels at the MOT website, in addition to the automatic identification system (AIS) used on ships for better safety and for easy tracking process during inspection operations. The booth also features Skipper Plus, which is a moisture meter for wooden boats and fiberglass vessels. The purpose is to make sure the body of the vessel is in good shape and condition and helps reduce maintenance costs on the long run.Two Panel Discussions with IMOOn the sidelines of the event, the MOT is holding two panel discussions in association with the International Maritime Organization; the first to focus on raising awareness of the multiple types of boats for purposes of safe navigation and the second to focus on the reliability of unmanned ships and benefits for smaller boats and in what way the technological advancements are good for smaller boats and leisure boats.

Qata BoatShowMakesWavesasMilahaandQFZAnnounceNewQAR80MillionYachtsandShipsYardat‘Marsa’Port
Thursday, November 7, 2024
Qatar Boat Show Makes Waves as Milaha and QFZ Announce New QAR 80 Million Yachts and Ships Yard at ‘Marsa’ Port in Umm Alhoul Free Zone

Qatar’s Marsa free zones maritime development port will soon become home to the newly-developed Milaha Yachts and Ships Yard following a landmark agreement between Qatar Navigation Q.P.S.C. (“Milaha”) and Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ).In attendance of Minister of Transport H.E. Jassim Saif Ahmed Al-Sulaiti and Chairman of Milaha’s Board of Directors H.E. Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al-Thani, the strategic collaboration agreement between Milaha, the industry-leading provider of maritime and logistics solutions, and the QFZ was signed, on the sidelines of this year’s Qatar Boat Show, by H.E. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Bin Faisal Al-Thani, CEO of QFZ and Mr. Fahad Bin Saad Al-Qahtani, Group CEO of Milaha. Several high-profile government officials and top-management members from both parties were also in attendance.The agreement and new facility will reaffirm Milaha and QFZ’s commitment to support Qatar's growing position as a global maritime services hub, aiming to create new job opportunities, with a focus on prioritizing the attraction of Qatari talent. The Milaha Yacht Yard will be located at the Marsa Port within Umm Alhoul Free Zone and span 22,000 square meters. It is set to include two covered sheds, three workshops, and an expansive open yard, making it an ideal environment for a wide range of services. The major project seeks to meet the increasing demand for maintenance services for luxury yachts, naval ships, and wooden boats (traditional dhows), as well as refits, exterior upgrades, modifications, and necessary repairs.H.E. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Bin Faisal Al-Thani, CEO of Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ) said on the occasion: “This important agreement, signed today with Qatar Navigation Company (Milaha), underscores our efforts to contribute to the development of Qatar’s maritime sector by fostering innovation and creating new investment opportunities in the region. We are working to develop Marsa Port at an accelerated pace and aim to achieve multiple milestones in the near future as part of our commitment to enhancing the infrastructure in our free zones. We are confident that these steps will create an attractive investment ecosystem that will not only boost opportunities in the maritime industry and yacht tourism but also promote sustainable economic growth, strengthening Qatar's unparalleled connectivity to the world. This will highlight Qatar's position as a preferred destination for international maritime companies and as a unique regional hub that supports growth and expansion throughout the Middle East”. H.E. added: "We remain steadfast and committed to advancing economic diversification through establishing a robust, sustainable maritime industry and therefore, contributing to the objectives of the Qatar National Vision 2030."Mr. Fahad Bin Saad Al-Qahtani, Group CEO of Milaha, said: “In line with the vision and direction of the Chairman and members of the Board of Directors to enhance the role of Milaha in raising the level of the national economy, continuing its future growth, and expanding the scope of its local and global services in the maritime field. This agreement will enhance the efficiency of maritime industry operations at Marsa Port and elevate the level of services provided by Milaha, aligning with international best practices. It leverages the port’s exceptional advantages, most notably its strategic location in the business-friendly Umm Alhoul Free Zone, positioning it as a premier hub for regional and international maritime operations.”Marsa Port is strategically located in the Umm Alhoul free zone, adjacent to Hamad Port, the world’s largest greenfield seaport, and only 20 minutes from central Doha city. Marsa has a 7.5 meter deep draught, which serves as a base for companies from around the world to conduct a variety of activities including ocean vessel building and repair, internal design and fit-out, ship provisions supply, safety training, boat brokerage as well as maritime research. Notably, the port’s Synchro Lift is designed to accommodate vessels more than 70 meters in length and weighing more than 2,200 tonnes, it will also feature a travel lift designed to handle vessels up to 30 meters in length and weighing up to 300 tonnes. Milaha has a legacy spanning more than 65 years and has established itself as a leading institution in providing maritime and logistics services, offering comprehensive solutions in shipping as well as both marine and land logistics. Since its inception, the company has played a key role in delivering maritime services across the region. The construction of the Milaha Yacht Yard will mark a significant milestone for Milaha, ushering in a new era in the maritime services industry—not only in Qatar but across the Middle East—by diversifying maritime offerings and providing comprehensive logistical solutions.Qatar Free Zones Authority is dedicated to enhancing its pivotal role in attracting foreign direct investment from around the globe, creating an environment conducive to continuous innovation and ever-evolving growth. Supported by Qatar’s strategic location and a host of investment benefits and incentives, the Authority aims to attract leading global companies to Qatar’s free zones, in turn directly supporting key sectors such as Emerging Technology, Logistics and Trading, Industrial and Consumer Goods, Maritime Development, Aerospace and Defense, Food and Agritech, and Biomedical Sciences.

MinisterChairs26thGCCTransportMinisters’CommitteeMeeting
Thursday, November 7, 2024
Minister Chairs 26th GCC Transport Ministers’ Committee Meeting

Minister of Transport H.E. Jassim Saif Ahmed Al-Sulaiti today chaired the 26th Meeting of the Committee of the Ministers of Transport of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC), taking place in Qatar (the chair country), in attendance of GCC ministers of transportation and the Secretary General of the GCC H.E. Mr. Jasem bin Mohamed Albudaiwi.In his opening speech, Minister Al-Sulaiti stressed the importance of cooperation and efforts by the ministers of transportation for enhancing the development process of the GCC countries and their societies.He said that the recent years have seen a paradigm shift in the common action in all fields and many positive outcomes and successes considering a balanced approach for comprehensive development to enhance economic and social integration between GCC countries.He added that the transportation industry attracts great attention from the GCC country leaders, and this helped propel it more progress and advancement, given the fact that many other GCC cooperation areas rely on that sector to achieve their development plans. One of those plans, he said, focuses on connecting GCC countries together with a network of highways, diversifying travel and passenger and cargo transportation options for citizens and beneficiaries of the GCC countries.Thanks to GCC country leaders’ considerable attention to the importance of investing in GCC shared projects, the minister said, several transportation projects have been launched, on top of them is the GCC Railways Project to connect GCC countries together, given the positive direct impacts on streamlining GCC trade movement and contribution to connecting the logistic facilities and economic and industrial zones to the main ports, thereby enhancing their economic role and helping support the trade exchange with Asia and Europe, let alone providing safe services of passenger and cargo transportation. Minister Al-Sulaiti said that the common action on that project is advancing significantly, to see the light of the day in 2030.These days, he added, we are seeing a major development of GCC ports in terms of capacity, handling, and accommodating all types of vessels and they now occupy high rankings in terms of efficiency on the World Bank’s ports performance indicators.The directives of the GCC leaders, he added, have resulted in GCC countries having advanced and ecofriendly transportation infrastructure supported by latest technology systems that help keep pace with emerging and smart technologies and they also contribute to activating all the initiatives on reducing carbon emissions to achieve carbon neutrality. The GCC countries’ record of achievements in this regard is internationally recognized.The GCC ministers of transport discussed several topics to further enhance GCC countries’ cooperation in transportation. They also took the necessary decisions on the latest updates on the GCC Railways Authority and Railways Project such as the General Agreement for Connecting the States of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf to the Railway Project, the executive regulations of the GCC uniform system for universal land transportation, controls of conventional merchant vessels’ access to the waters and harbors of the GCC States, and the uniform conditions and controls for granting driving licenses to the offshore units not subject to international maritime conventions, in addition to several other important topics. 

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