News | Ministry of Transport

Monday, December 8, 2025

High-Speed Electric Rail Project for Passengers between Qatar and Saudi Arabia Strategic Step to Enhance Cooperation, Developmental Complementarity

The high-speed electric rail project for the transportation of passengers between the State of Qatar and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a strategic step as part of the two countries’ effort to enhance cooperation and developmental complementarity and advance sustainable development and mutual commitment toward broader horizons of development and prosperity in the region.The high-speed train will span 785 kilometers; linking the two capital cities Doha and Riyadh, while spreading across several regions like Al-Hofuf and Dammam, and linking Hamad International Airport with King Salman International Airport, thus constituting a new artery for rapid and sustainable mobility and improving regional travel experience with a speed of more than 300 kilometers per hour. That said, the train will cut the travel time between Doha and Riyadh to two hours, something which supports mobility, enhances business and tourism, advances economic growth, and contributes to improving the quality of life.Over 10 million passengers are expected to ride the train every year, who thus will be able to explore the landmarks of the State of Qatar and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, easily and seamlessly. The project would also contribute to providing more than 30,000 direct and indirect jobs.The project, when complete, is expected to generate some 115 billion riyals in revenues for the GDP of both countries, making it one of the most strategic projects that support regional development and cement connectivity and integration among the GCC countries via a modern railway network.The project is estimated to take six years to complete in accordance with highest international quality and safety standards with best technologies in the realms of railroads and smart engineering to ensure safe and seamless operations, thus achieving environmental sustainability, reducing carbon emissions, and advancing the efforts of promoting the switch to more efficient and creative modes of smart and sustainable mobility in the region.Video Overview: Qatar–Saudi High-Speed Electric Rail – Click Here

Qatar, Panama Sign MoU on Mutual Recognition of Seafarer’s Certificates

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Sunday, December 7, 2025

Qatar, Panama Sign MoU on Mutual Recognition of Seafarer’s Certificates

The State of Qatar and the Republic of Panama have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on mutual recognition of seafarer’s certificates.The MoU was signed by Minister of Transport H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Thani and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Panama H.E. Carlos Arturo Hoyos.The MoU comes within the framework of carrying out the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW Convention), an international treaty established by the IMO, and its amendments. The MoU helps advance both countries’ commitment to best international standards in the field.This Memorandum applies to the certificates of seafarers who serve on registered merchant ships of any of the two parties and sail under its flag except for those who serve on the ships mentioned in Article 3 of the STCW Convention, with an affirmation that this MoU does not contradict the local laws of the two countries.Following the signing ceremony, the two officials discussed aspects of bilateral cooperation in transportation industry and advancing them.

Al Arab Issues Special Supplement on Ministry of Transport Accomplishments

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Tuesday, December 2, 2025

Al Arab Issues Special Supplement on Ministry Accomplishments

Al Arab daily Arabic newspaper has issued a special supplement with its Dec. 02, 2025, Issue, highlighting the achievements of the Ministry of Transport in the transportation industry, as well as the achievements and key milestones of the Qatari entities engaged in the industry.

Qatar Reelected to IMO Council for 3rd Straight Time for 2026-2027 Term

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Friday, November 28, 2025

Qatar Reelected to IMO Council for 3rd Straight Time for 2026-2027 Term

The State of Qatar has been reelected for the third straight time as one of the 40 Members States of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council in Category C for the term 2026-2027.The reelection, for 2026-2027 Biennium, was held today, Nov. 28, during the 34th Session of the IMO Assembly in London.Voting for Qatar to continue as an IMO Council Member State recognizes Qatar’s important contribution and position on the arena of global maritime industry and the trust and confidence the international community places in it for its role on issues that matter to the world efforts aimed at enhancing maritime navigation’s safety and security, protecting marine life and biodiversity, and developing a sustainable global maritime industry.On this occasion, Minister of Transport H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Thani took pride in this achievement, which says that Qatar’s efforts to develop the global maritime industry is internationally recognized.He said that voting for Qatar to continue as one of the IMO Council Member States for the third consecutive time is the fruition of the wise leadership for Qatar to continue maintaining a constant, dependable presence in international organizations and solidifying its profile as a leading maritime and logistics hub in the region and the world.The minister described the achievement as a direct reflection of Qatar’s commitment to the principles of the IMO and unwavering effort to achieve its agenda for a safe, sustainable, and ecofriendly maritime industry.He added that Qatar will continue working closely with IMO Member States to enhance international cooperation and exchange expertise to further advance and develop the global maritime transportation system.The minister thanked the brotherly and friendly countries for the trust and confidence they have placed in Qatar, and all the national entities that contributed to that success.H.E. Sheikh Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Saud Al Thani, Qatar’s Ambassador to the UK, Ireland, and Iceland, and Permanent Representative to the IMO, said that the victory solidifies the active role that Qatar plays to support international efforts to leverage and advance global maritime transportation industry.Qatar continuing as a member of the IMO Council, he noted, reflects the recognition of the international maritime community, given the remarkable successes achieved in Qatar, including in port infrastructures, maritime governance, and marine life protection, he added.This vote of confidence for Qatar also reflects the country’s firm commitment to contributing productively to the making of international decisions related to maritime navigation and transportation, and its attention to supporting constructive cooperation between the Organization and Member States to advance the global maritime transportation, he said.This is the third straight time Qatar has been reelected to serve on the IMO Council, something that reflects Qatar’s continuous effort to develop its maritime industry in step with the goals of the QNV 2030 for a diversified, sustainable economy.The Council is the executive organ of IMO and is responsible, under the IMO Assembly, for supervising the work of the Organization. The Assembly, which normally meets once every two years in regular session, is responsible, among other things, for electing the Organization's 40-Member Council.The IMO is the UN specialized agency with responsibility for the safety and security of shipping and the prevention of marine and atmospheric pollution by ships. IMO's work supports the UN SDGs.

Minister Meets with Egypt’s Deputy PM, Transport Minister

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Friday, November 28, 2025

Minister Meets with Egypt’s Deputy PM, Transport Minister

Minister of Transport H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Thani met with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Industry of the Arab Republic of Egypt H.E. Eng. Kamel El Wazir, on the sidelines of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Assembly’s 34th Session, in London.The two officials discussed bilateral cooperation relations in transportation industry, and ports, and ways to advance them, particularly the activities associated with maritime navigation.The meeting was attended by H.E. Sheikh Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Saud Al Thani, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the UK, Ireland, and Iceland, and Qatar’s Permanent Representative to the IMO.

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Friday, November 28, 2025

Minister Meets with Saudi Counterpart

Minister of Transport H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Thani met in London with Minister of Transport and Logistic Services of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia H.E. Eng. Saleh Bin Nasser Al-Jasser, on the sidelines of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Assembly’s 34th Session.The two ministers discussed aspects of bilateral cooperation in the fields of transportation, and ways to take them to new heights, particularly in the domain of logistics services associated with that vital industry.The meeting was attended by H.E. Sheikh Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Saud Al Thani, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the UK, Ireland, and Iceland, and Qatar’s Permanent Representative to the IMO.