News | Ministry of Transport

Tuesday, February 14, 2017

MoTC, Transport & ICT Entities Mark National Sports Day

Doha – Employees of the Ministry of Transport and Communications participated in events the Ministry held today at Porto Arabia, the Pearl Qatar, in collaboration with the United Development Company UDC and other transportation and ICT entities, marking the Qatar National Sports Day, which is marked annually across Qatar on the second Tuesday of February.In its celebrations, the Ministry and UDC were joined by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA), Qatar Airways, Mowasalat (Karwa), Qatar Railways Company (Qatar Rail), Qatar Ports Management Company (Mwani), Qatar Satellite Company (Es’hailSat), Qatar Aeronautical College, Hamad International Airport, Hamad Port, General Retirement & Social Insurance Authority, Qatar Postal Services Company (Qatar Post), the Qatar Assistive Technology Center (Mada), malomatia and the Qatar National Broadband Network (QNBN).The program featured an array of recreational activities and events for children, employees and their family members.On this occasion, HE Minister Al Sulaiti said; “"Qatar National Sports Day reflects the vision of the wise leadership for building individuals and society. Its key message is that sports should be a part of the culture and life of individuals and society, and one aspect of investing in the human element."HE Minister said the Ministry is always eager to participate in the NSD along with all entities in the transportation and ICT sectors to raise awareness of the importance of sports and its great impact on the rise and progress of communities, as well as encouraging people to keep fit and follow a healthy lifestyle.The Ministry’s participation in NSD, he noted, translates a vision of partnership with various entities across the country to promote sports to build up healthy individuals capable of contributing to the development and progress and the achievement of Qatar National Vision 2030. Activities began in the early morning with warmups, walking, jogging and some exercises for women. The program featured several recreational and sportive activities for adults and children, which collectively made today a great day for all participants, who enjoyed their favorite games and participated actively.HE Mr. Akbar Al Baker, Group Chief Executive, Qatar Airways “Qatar Airways is proud to participate in MoTC’s events on the occasion of the NSD in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030 to encourage participation in cultural and sporting, something which cements the positive values. Sports contribute to boosting these values.”He thanked the Ministry and HE Minister Al Sulaiti for the efforts that aim to boost the national values and which placed the human element as a top priority.HE Mr. Abdulla bin Nasser Turki Al Subaey, Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said the initiative of designating a national sports day reflects the great attention the State of Qatar pays to sports, aiming to build a healthy and fit society and promote the role of sports in the lives of individuals. He added that Qatar is the first country to adopt such an initiative, something that emphasizes the important position of the sports sector as one of the key developmental and strategic industries in the country. Mr. Mohammed Ali Al-Mannai, President of CRA said, “National Sports Day is an excellent initiative that has seen great success, since its inception in 2012, in helping to promote the benefits of an active lifestyle across the nation.’’ “In the wider context National Sports Day is an important initiative in emphasizing an important social pillar of the Qatar National Vision 2030. For CRA, sports day is about teambuilding, which is key to strengthening our commitment as a team to delivering the CRA’s mandate of fostering a thriving communications and postal sector and contributing to Qatar’s development to becoming a smart, digitally connected nation,” he added.The event was attended by a large number of employees from all participant entities. The program included several physical games like the tug-of-war, mind games, as well as challenges and competitions designed for families.The day ended in excellent environment. Participants hailed it was well organized and rich with activities and events that ignited the spirit of participation and competition

Friday, February 10, 2017

Al khor 10th Fly In Day Kicks Off

Doha-Al khor 10th Fly In Day kicked off on Friday at Al Khor airport with participation of 60 light and medium planes from local and Gulf flying clubs.The two-day event is organized by Qatar Civil Aviation, and was inaugurated by HE Minister of Transport and Communication Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti.The event witnesses a number of creative shows such as : Paramotor show, UAVs (Drone) show , Aerobatic show , formation flying show , free flying and children activates and entertainment.HE the Minister of Transport and Communications Jassim Seif Ahmed al-Sulaiti said some tenders will be awarded this year for the expansion of the Hamad International Airport (HIA) and Hamad Port to receive more passengers.He was speaking after opening the 10th Al Khor Fly in Day 2017 Friday.About the new company that will manage the HIA, HE al-Sulaiti noted that the management will be in agreement with the Civil Aviation Authority.“We hope that they will have more success not just for the management of HIA but also for its external expansion,” al-Sulaiti added.About Al Khor Fly In, he stressed that the event is “a good support” for tourism in Qatar, especially for young people in the GCC and aviation fans.The Minister lauded the organisation of the event, which attracts an increasing number of participants annually.He said development of the Al Khor Fly In is under evaluation and study, but expects more participation and activities next year, hoping it will become an international event in the future.Commenting on the occasion, Abdullah bin Nasser Turki Al Subaie, President of the Civil Aviation Authority said that the event is witnessing development year after a year and reinforcing its presence on the map of tourism events in the region to spread the culture of civil aviation.

Tuesday, February 7, 2017

QITCOM 2017 Conference to Focus on Smart Technology for Sustainable Development

Doha – The Conference at QITCOM 2017, part of Qatar’s biggest digital event, will focus on the transformational power of technology to improve quality of life and promote sustainable economic growth. Managed by the Ministry of Transport and Communications, QITCOM’s Conference will take place from 7 to 8 March at the Qatar National Convention Centre.QITCOM 2017’s Conference features over forty internationally renowned expert speakers with specialist knowledge in their field. Among the Conference’s keynote speakers is Professor Carlo Ratti who directs the Senseable City Lab at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) who will be discussing how technology has the potential to shape the cities we live in and improve the quality of life for citizens. The concept of Smart Cities will be a key theme throughout the Conference, highlighting how the application of smart technology can drive sustainable growth across different sectors of the economy.Following the opening session, topics examined on the first day of the Conference include how technology can enable more efficient transportation systems to reduce congestion, boost GDP and facilitate a transition to a low carbon economy. The use of digital clusters as a business model to drive economic growth by stimulating innovation, creating jobs and attracting international investment will then be followed by a session on how digital technologies are enabling governments to engage with their citizens in more effective and efficient ways online.Among the sessions on day two are cybersecurity for Smart Cities to ensure digital safety, and the challenges and trends in the current technological revolution taking place in the healthcare sector for future healthier societies. The application of technology as a driver for environmental sustainability through more efficient resource consumption will precede the final topic of the day on how sporting mega events such as the 2022 World Cup are being transformed by technology in terms of athlete performance and stadium entertainment.Ms. Reem Al Mansoori, Assistant Undersecretary of Digital Society Development Sector, Ministry of Transport and Communications, said: “QITCOM 2017’s Conference is the region’s preeminent platform for senior-level government officials, business leaders, academics, innovators and investors to interact, network and share knowledge on sustainable economic development through technological innovation. As well as exceptional international speakers, the Conference will also feature a large number of Qatari speakers who are leading the application of Smart City technology, in what promises to be a thought-provoking two days of discussion on sustainable solutions to real-world issues that affect all of us around the world.”Keynote speaker Carlo Ratti, Professor at MIT and founding partner at Carlo Ratti Associati design office said: “Today, we find ourselves in a moment of crucial change. Internet is entering the spaces we live in, and is becoming Internet of Things. It is merging the physical and digital layers, giving rise to cyber-physical systems. This transformation is opening the door to a new world of applications that can encompass many domains, as it happened with the first wave of the Internet. As a result, many aspects of urban life are being rapidly transformed: from energy to waste management, from mobility to water distribution, from city planning to citizen engagement. Confronting these changes requires an open and cross-disciplinary debate, and it is for this reason that I really look forward to joining the QITCOM 2017 Conference. It will be a great opportunity to discuss innovation and the ways in which technology can improve quality of life in our cities.”more http://qitcom.net/

Monday, February 6, 2017

HE The Minister Inaugurates Forum for Coordinators of Bodies Concerned with the Implementation of the National Traffic Safety Strategy

HE Minister of Transport and Communications Jassim Saif Ahmed Al Sulaiti delivered a speech today at the 3rd forum for Coordinators of the bodies concerned with the implementation of the Qatar National Traffic Safety Strategy (NTSS).In his remarks, HE the Minister said that a safe, eco-friendly and effective transportation system is one of the pillars for sustainable development, adding that the Ministry of Transport and Communications has been working on developing a land transport system that addresses the goals of the Qatar National Vision 2030. He noted that road safety is a key component of the land transport system and for that the Ministry, in its role as a member of the National Traffic Safety Committee (NTSC), coordinates with the National Traffic Safety Office to draft plans of action under the umbrella of the Strategy.He said that the release of the Qatar Traffic Control Manual and the Qatar Highway Design Manual in July 2015 confirmed the Ministry’s commitment to improving road and traffic safety across the country.

Sunday, February 5, 2017

New Company to Manage and Operate HIA

The Executive Board of Directors of Qatar Airways Group has announced the establishment of a new company to manage and operate Hamad International Airport (HIA), as an independent entity owned by Qatar Airways Group.Hamad International Airport, located in Doha, Qatar, is strategically positioned within six hours of 80 per cent of the world’s population. Having opened in 2014, the airport serves 30 million passengers a year, and can handle 100 aircraft movements per hour on its dual-runways.Within two years of its opening, HIA has earned several world-class awards and recognitions including the Skytrax 5-Star Airport award – the only Middle Eastern airport to have earned this honour; Skytrax’s Middle East’s Best Airport in 2015 and 2016; Skytrax Best Staff Service in the Middle East 2016; and previously Best Airport Award at the Future Travel Experience (FTE) Asia Awards in 2015. HIA is proud to be the official airport of Bayern-Munich Football Club.Services and facilities at HIA include Qatar Duty Free, a premium shopping emporium with more than 40,000 square metres of combined retail and dining with more than 70 boutiques and 30 cafes and restaurants. HIA has an airside hotel, two airside squash courts, a gym, a 25-metre swimming pool and spa, all within easy reach of the departure gates.The airport has one of the largest free span maintenance hangars in the world, a cutting-edge two-storey cargo facility, and one of the world’s largest self-contained catering facilities. Further expansion plans for the airport will expand its capacity to 50 million passengers.

Sunday, January 29, 2017

Qatar, Montenegro Sign Air Transport Agreement

The State of Qatar and the Republic of Montenegro today signed an air transport agreement, allowing the national carriers of the two countries to perform unlimited number of passenger and cargo flights, with full transport rights.The Agreement was signed in Doha, at the Ministry headquarters, by HE Minister of Transport and Communications Jassim Saif Ahmed Al Sulaiti and his Montenegrin counterpart, Minister of Transport and Maritime Affairs Osman Nurković.Following the signing ceremony, the two ministers held a meeting and discussed cooperation between the two friendly nations and means of further enhancing them in the field of mobility and transport.The meeting was attended by HE Mr. Akbar Al Baker, Group Chief Executive, Qatar Airways, HE Mr. Abdulla bin Nasser Turki Al Subaey, Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), and members of the delegation escorting the Montenegrin official.The Agreement comes as part of ongoing efforts from Ministry of Transport and Communications and the CAA to hold more talks with world countries aiming to connect the State of Qatar with more air service agreements, opening the gateway to the national carrier to fly to more destinations around the world.Today’s event takes the number of air transport agreements signed between Qatar and world countries to around 160.