News | Ministry of Transport

Tuesday, April 11, 2017

HE Minister Addresses 12th Airport Council Int’l Asia-Pacific Regional Assembly Conf. & Exhibition

HE Minister of Transport and Communications Jassim Saif Ahmed Al Sulaiti today inaugurated the 12th Airport Council International (ACI) Asia-Pacific Regional Assembly Conference and Exhibition being held in Doha on April 10-12.In his opening speech, HE the Minister said that over the past two decades, Qatar has risen to prominence both regionally and internationally to become an economic, political and cultural powerhouse in the Middle East.He said that nowadays the issue of air connectivity is more relevant than ever because it is closely connected with productivity, economic growth, and international trade. With the global center of economic gravity continuing to shift eastwards, Qatar is ideally geographically situated to provide the bridge between the mature markets and the emerging sources of future wealth.He also noted that work is currently underway to expand the Hamad International Airport, which over the past three years has established itself as a world-class hub, thus facilitating the expansion of our national carrier Qatar Airways that currently connects Doha with more than 150 destinations.HE the Minister said that besides providing the airport infrastructure to boost air connectivity, Qatar has adopted over the years a liberal approach to air service bilateral policy, since it’s our belief that fair competition supports passenger traffic growth, the development of the aviation and tourism sectors. It also contributes to the growth and productivity of the general economy by increased trade, business activity, and greater personal productivity. We are therefore welcoming all initiatives that will further allow airlines to get access to markets around the world giving more schedule and pricing options to the end user, the passengers. And with ACI's projected annual passenger growth of almost 5% in the coming 20 years it is an industry worth looking into and investing, he added.But the global aviation industry is not only opportunities; it faces also significant challenges: an era of economic and political uncertainty, external security threats, congestion in the air and the ground, restrictions to access specific markets, and environmental issues.I would like to expand on is the environmental impact of aviation. All members of the aviation industry should continually strive to improve their environmental performance and actively participate in the aviation's efforts to tackle climate change. Since their inception, both Qatar Airways and Hamad International Airport have been committed to caring for the environment, demonstrating environmental responsibility in all their activities and openly communicating their environmental performance to develop the trust on which long-term environmental leadership is built.HE the Minister closed his speech by congratulating ACI for its Airport Carbon Accreditation programme that is a great initiative towards the aviation's efforts for sustainable growth, and to commend Hamad International Airport for becoming the first airport in the GCC to achieve Level 3 "optimization" status in the programme.

Monday, April 10, 2017

Qatar looks forward for a smart future with an all-inclusive national digital transformation through TASMU

The Smart Qatar “TASMU” program will provide more than 100 projects for local and foreign companies and entrepreneurs, and Qatar Development Bank will be providing the necessary funding for its projects, Ms. Reem Al-Mansoori, Assistant Undersecretary for Digital Society Development at the MoTC, said in an exclusive interview with the Arabic daily Al-Raya.Qatar looks forward for a smart future with an all-inclusive national digital transformation through TASMU, which HE Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Abdullah Bin Nasser Al-Thani launched at QITCOM 2017. She also said that TASMU is initially focused on five priority sectors; transport, logistics, environment, healthcare, and sports.

Saturday, April 8, 2017

“Mada” Launches Website e-Accessibility Program

MADA Assistive Technology Centre launched e-Accessibility program in coordination with government bodies. The project includes training web developers and designers, audits of the e-accessibility of government websites and putting in place remedial steps as part of a comprehensive consultation process.Mada has worked to implement the policy by offering a series of services, including audits, consultations, and training. These efforts have been carried out to fulfill center’s goal of empowering people with disabilities and elderly through greater access to information and communication technology.Access to digital platforms and content, as well as the ability to make use of all types of information and communication technology, is fundamental to build a transparent knowledge based society. This includes a provision of accessible e-government services, online banking, and other critical services to all residents and citizens of Qatar.Mada launched a comprehensive year-long project in the beginning of 2017 with the aim of increasing the e-accessibility of all government websites. The project includes training web developers and designers, audits of the e-accessibility of government websites, and putting in place remedial steps as part of a comprehensive consultation process.In the first quarter of 2017, Mada Center worked with ten government ministries and agencies which includes Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Transport and Communications, Education and Higher Education, Development Planning and Statistics, Health and Justice. Additionally, Mada worked with Qatar Tourism Authority, Qatar Museums, the Supreme Council for Delivery and Legacy, the Qatar Aeronautical College and the Communications Regulatory Authority.

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.