News | Ministry of Transport

Wednesday, May 25, 2022

Hamad Port Ranks World’s Third Most Efficient Gateway on “Container Port Performance Index 2021”

Doha – Qatar Hamad Port has ranked the third most efficient gateway in the world on the World Bank and S&P Global Market Intelligence’s 370-member Container Port Performance Index for 2021. The index considered the number of hours a ship spent at a port during each loading and unloading task throughout 2021, the year that saw unprecedented traffic at all seaports worldwide and a disrupted supply chain globally. The analysis in its second edition highlighted the resilience and strength of the ports in the Middle East, which dominated several top rankings, and their strong performance amid the repercussions of the coronavirus pandemic. Noteworthy, Hamad Port in 2021 received some 1750 vessels, handled over 1.54 million TEUs, over 1.3 million tons of bulk cargo and nearly 267.2 thousand tons of general cargo, in addition to receiving 45.5 thousand heads of livestock, and more than 72.2 thousand units of vehicles and equipment. The index said several ports in the Middle East and East Asia dominated the ranking.

Wednesday, May 25, 2022

Al Rayan Depot Test Operation Begins

Doha – Qatar The test operation of Al Rayan Depot has begun in a step that supports the execution of the strategy of switching to electric vehicles that the Ministry of Transport had developed in conjunction with the entities concerned. This is one of four public bus depots. This announcement comes in the context of implementing the Public Bus Infrastructure Program that supports the Ministry’s effort to providing a safe and sustainable public transit system that not only will cover all urban regions in Qatar but also form a coherent transportation network that includes the public bus system, the Doha Metro network and Lusail Tram. Works at the other three depots in Lusail, Al Wakra and New Industrial Area are planned to complete in Q3 of 2022 and will include all necessary service and living facilities. The test operation of Al Rayan Depot features the operating of the electric buses operation and charging zone to conduct stress tests on the electric charging system in general, in addition to Mowasalat (Karwa) starting training drivers in electric buses and service routes. The buses frequenting this depot will service the areas of Gharraffa, West Bay, Lusail City and areas in northern Doha. Al Rayan Depot consists of two main zones: Working Zone and Living Zone. The Working Zone includes 380 fully shaded bus parking spaces, equipped with nearly 190 electric charging devices; each of them can charge two buses. It also includes a well-equipped maintenance workshop that has several vehicle care units and is fitted with latest tools and equipment as per the requirements of the bus-supplying company. There are also units for the daily and periodical bus checkups to ensure the highest degrees of passenger safety and service quality. The Living Zone is a 28281 sq. m. area dedicated for depot workers. It includes several buildings with residential units with a capacity of 1400 workers, in addition to service and recreational facilities.

Monday, May 23, 2022

Minister Meets with Slovenia Infrastructure Minister

Ljubljana – Slovenia Minister of Transport HE Jassim Saif Ahmed Al-Sulaiti met in Ljubljana with Minister of Infrastructure of the Republic of Slovenia Mr. Jernej Vrtovec. The two ministers reviewed Qatar-Slovenia cooperation in the fields of transportation, marine navigation, harbors, air transportation, and civil aviation and ways of further enhancing them. Ambassador of the State of Qatar (nonresident) to the Republic of Slovenia HE Mr. Sultan bin Salmeen Al Mansouri attended the meeting.

Monday, May 16, 2022

Minister, Eswatini Counterpart Sign Air Services Agreement

Doha Minister of Transport HE Jassim Saif Ahmed Al-Sulaiti and Minister of Public Works and Transport of the Kingdom of Eswatini Honorable Chief Ndlaluhlaza Ndwandwe, today signed an air services agreement between Qatar and Eswatini. Signed in the Ministry’s offices today, the agreement comes in the context of connecting Qatar with more air services agreements that open airspaces for the national carrier to fly to more destinations around the world. Following the signing ceremony, the two ministers reviewed Qatar-Eswatini relations in the fields of transportation and civil aviation, and ways of further enhancing them. The meeting and the signing ceremony were attended by Ambassador of the Kingdom of Eswatini to the State of Qatar Mr. Sotja Mphucuko Dlamini.

Thursday, May 12, 2022

Ministry, IRU Wrap Up Road Transport Standards Workshop

Doha – Qatar The Ministry of Transport has wrapped up a workshop on-road transportation standards and best practices, in conjunction with the International Road Transport Union (IRU). In addition to specialists from the Ministry’s Land Transport Planning and Licensing, the 2-day workshop was attended by several specialists from the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, the General Authority of Customs, QatarEnergy, Qatar Chamber and Woqod, as well as professionals representing some private sector consulting firms. The workshop highlighted the benefits of internationally recognized standards for road transportation and encouraged capacity building in order to support the implementation of two key transportation laws, namely Law 8, regulating road transportation, and Law 9, addressing the transportation of dangerous goods in the country. These laws aim to establish a level playing field driving quality and safety throughout the road transportation mobility and supply chain in Qatar. The workshop featured several sessions where the participants discussed multiple topics, ranging from the international framework for road transportation to the current state of play in Qatar. Ministry of Transport’s Acting Assistant Undersecretary of Land Transport Affairs Eng. Hamad Issa Abdullah said: “The workshop comes within the framework of the Ministry’s plans and objectives to develop the professional qualifications of its professionals as well as the professionals of all key stakeholders involved in the field of land transportation.” “Based on international best practices, the Ministry of Transport aims to develop this vital sector in a sustainable and integrated manner in support of the Qatar National Vision 2030,” he added. IRU Secretary General Umberto de Pretto emphasized: “Tackling inefficiencies in road transport services can yield significant development benefits. The road transport sector requires clear frameworks to improve productivity, safety, competition, sustainability, transparency and overall professionalization.” With its more than 70 years of expertise in connecting societies with safe, efficient, green mobility and logistics, he added, IRU is proud to support the State of Qatar in reaching its 2030 National Vision.

Tuesday, May 10, 2022

New Control, Awareness Drive on Maritime Vessels Conducted

Doha- The Ministry of Transport and Qatar Tourism have conducted a new awareness and control drive on maritime vessels to ensure their compliance with necessary safety measures. Specialists representing MOT’s Maritime Transport Affairs inspected safety equipment to ensure they are available and valid, in addition to making sure all helmsmen and users of all types of maritime vessels follow the maritime safety instructions in accordance with applicable laws. MOT pays great attention to protecting lives and property on Qatari waters.