News | Ministry of Transport

Thursday, January 19, 2017

Minister of Transport and Communications Meets UNESCO’s General Conference President

HE Minister of Transport and Communications Jassim Saif Ahmed Al Sulaiti met here Thursday with Mr Stanley Mutumba Simataa, President of the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).The two officials exchanged views on topics of common interest and discussed Qatar’s continuing support for UNESCO.

Tuesday, January 17, 2017

Minister Launches CRA’s Automated Spectrum Monitoring & Frequency Management Systems

His Excellency Minister of Transport and Communications, Jassim Bin Saif Al-Sulaiti today launched two milestone systems initiated by the Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) to ensure effective and seamless management and monitoring of the radio spectrum usage in the State of Qatar.His Excellency launched the Automated Spectrum Monitoring System (ASMS) and the Automated Frequency Management System (AFMS) by inaugurating CRA’s National Monitoring Center – equipped with technology to monitor spectrum usage remotely.“The two systems which have been launched today are one of main infrastructure that Qatar invests in to improve the overall performance of the institutions and government entities for their interest, and to enhance economy and community benefits by using advanced and innovative technologies. Using the advanced technologies on a large scale in government work field has become an integral part of the work effective management,” said His Excellency Jassim Bin Saif Al-Sulaiti."Today we see a great example as CRA is launching advanced systems classified as the first of its kind in the region, these systems with no doubt will be part of Qatar’s international achievements and part of the future preparations to host major international events." he added.“The launch of these systems marks an important milestone that will ensure effective management of monitoring the radio spectrum which is a solid foundation of CRA’s Spectrum Policy and Regulatory Framework. Both, ASMS & AFMS, empower CRA to oversee its mandate to manage and monitor the legitimate use of radio spectrum in the country, especially for key sectors like oil & gas, aviation, maritime, infrastructure development, among others,” said His Excellency Mohammed Ali Al-Mannai, President of CRA.“I would like to thank the Minister for launching the ASM & AFM systems and help CRA contribute to the current and future demands for communication services,” he added.The two systems – ASMS & AFMS – are effectively coordinated through the NMC by integrating interference requests and regular monitoring process with the actual usage of radio spectrum.The ASMS ecosystem comprises several highly advanced components. The key to the operations, however, is the National Monitoring Center (NMC), which accesses, monitors and controls servers in four Fixed Monitoring Stations (Al Rayyan, Al Shamal, Al Kharara and Zikrit) and two Mobile Monitoring Stations. CRA’s experts conduct the monitoring to identify and eliminate sources of interference that degrade public or private telecommunication networks to achieve the highest quality of radio services.Through the AFMS, CRA intends to enhance the existing application process, and align its services with the Qatar Digital Government initiative. The process is now effectively digitized to provide tangible benefits for all spectrum users through the system’s portal accessible at https://e-spectrum.cra.gov.qa. The process was launched last year and since January 1, 2017, it has become the main interface for all applicants.CRA encourages all consumers of radio communication devices to report any interference issues or concerns through CRA’s Hotline – 103, or via email at spectrumaffairs@cra.gov.qa and to submit all their spectrum license requests through AFMS services portal.

Sunday, January 15, 2017

MOTC Organizes Workshop for IT Managers on Government Leadership in the Information Age

As part of its mission to achieve the goals of the Qatar Digital Government Strategy 2020, the Ministry of Transport and Communications today held a workshop on “Government Leadership in the Information Age”.Attended by more than 20 IT department managers from different government entities and ministries, the workshop aimed to increase awareness of other countries’ experiences in the field of digital transformation and to discuss innovative ideas in government leadership in the ICT sector.The workshop dealt with a number of issues, including the challenges faced by IT department managers in different government entities and how to address them in order to achieve digital transformation in their institutions. The role of IT managers in government leadership was also highlighted.The worship is part of a series of workshops organized by the Ministry within the Qatar Digital Government Program to improve government services and efficiency.

Monday, January 9, 2017

MOTC, Supreme Judiciary Council Sign MoU to Electronically Develop Courts In Qatar

Doha – QatarH.E Minister of Transport and Communications and Chairman of Qatar e-GOV2020 Steering Committee Jassim Bin Saif Al-Sulaiti and the Head of the Court of Cassation and President of the Supreme Judiciary Council Masoud Mohamed Al-Amiri witnessed today the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MOTC) and the Supreme Judiciary Council to modernize and develop courts in Qatar electronically.The MoU was signed by Khalid Sadiq al-Hashmi, Assistant Undersecretary, Cyber Security Sector at MOTC and Dr. Judge Hassan Mohammed Al-Muhannadi, advisor to the President of the Supreme Judiciary Council.The MoU is part of MOTC’s mission to better serve individuals and businesses, create efficiency in government administration, and develop a more open government with enhanced participation of citizens and residents, as the project to enhance and develop courts in Qatar is one of the supportive tools to achieve Qatar Government Strategy 2020 objectives.As per the memorandum, both of the MOTC and the Supreme Judiciary Council will cooperate in the areas of supporting justice administration, developing courts electronically, and optimizing litigation mechanisms, through the use of the best technological methods to provide better services to litigants, lawyers and stakeholders and make it easier for citizens in Qatar to support the achievement of prompt justice.It worth mentioning that H.E. Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani identified e-Government as a priority and formed a Steering Committee, spearheaded by the Ministry of Transport and Communications. The Committee was charged with developing and guiding the implementation of a nationwide Digital Government strategy. Qatar Digital Government 2020 is the result of the Committee’s efforts. The strategy has one overarching vision -- ”All individuals and businesses will benefit from connecting online with Qatar’s more open and efficient government”.

Saturday, January 7, 2017

Fourth Edition of QITCOM Exhibition and Conference To Take Place 6-8 March 2017

Doha – Qatar The Ministry of Transport and Communications is to held the fourth edition of QITCOM Exhibition and Conference during 6-8 March 2017 at the Qatar National Convention Centre under the theme ‘Qatar Towards a Smarter Future”.QITCOM is a unique opportunity for policy makers, technology providers and large enterprises to explore and discuss the most pressing challenges in the field of telecommunication, IT and tech. Participants will be able to interact with the latest ideas and smart technologies that apply to the pursuit of the Qatar National Vision 2030 and have been developed by global IT and tech companies and other stakeholders.The fourth edition of QITCOM will focus on providing smart solutions and services in five key sectors: transport, environment, health, sports, and logistics. The sectors have been selected for their contribution to the goals of the Qatar National Vision 2030 through the building of a smart future and relevant digital tools.The exhibition and conference programme will cover a series of events and talks designed to promote and empower entrepreneurs and SMEs, and include an ‘Innovation Theatre’, Start Up Matchmaking Zone, and Innovation Zone. Younger entrepreneurs from high schools and universities with an interest in IT and tech will also have the opportunity to participate through the competition of a Hackathon. The contest will challenge young computer programmers and software developers to create smart solutions in the five key sectors identified as critical to Qatar’s smart future.In addition, the exhibition will showcase real-life initiatives that have been developed for smart cities and deliver the benefits of economic diversification, improved quality of life and the environment through technology.QITCOM 2017 will feature a range of experts in the field of social media and e-marketing strategies, location-based services, and the implementation of information and communication technology, and other fields to discuss ideas and solutions for future innovation to meet the requirements for Qatar’s development plans.Visitors of the exhibition will also be able to explore unique commercial and educational opportunities and meet directly with executives, corporate manager, policy specialists and decision makers from Qatar and abroad. more ... http://qitcom.net/

Thursday, January 5, 2017

Hamad International Airport Awarded 5-Star Airport Rating

Doha-Hamad International Airport (HIA) today joined the top tier of global airports becoming the sixth airport in the world to receive the ‘5-Star Airport’ designation by Skytrax, the London-based aviation institute and the gold standard for conveying the passenger’s voice in airport and airline rankings. This makes HIA the first ever airport in the Middle East to earn this acclaimed title. The prestigious 5-Star Airport rating is awarded to airports achieving the highest, overall Quality Performance. The 5-Star Airport rating recognizes those airports providing excellent facilities for customers combined with high quality airport staff service. Airport Quality ranking covers front-line areas for departures, arrival and transfer, including airport facilities, customer service, security, immigration, shop outlets and food and beverage facilities. The highest rating – five stars – has previously only been awarded to five other airports worldwide: Singapore, Seoul, Hong Kong, Tokyo-Haneda and Munich. This recognition is particularly timely as it comes after a year of reaching a number of strategic milestones at HIA, including the introduction of its iBeacon enabled mobile app, the launch of the Smart Airport features in the terminal, the operation of the dual passenger train shuttle to concourses D and E and the opening of multiple duty free stores. Moreover, HIA has continued to work closely with Qatar Museums adding multiple international and local art installations across the terminal. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, Akbar Al Baker, said: "Hamad International Airport was designed and built in the modern era, taking into account what passengers want most – convenience and service. HIA more than exceeds passenger expectations by providing what passengers want in an environment that is beautiful, thoughtful and welcoming. HIA’s success is apparent in the fact that it is now at capacity, and the third phase of its development is highly anticipated. The airport serves more than 30 million passengers every year, and will grow to 50 million, yet each passenger can design their own experience at the airport, whether it is shopping in the world-class Qatar Duty Free premium stores, relaxing in one of its 12 lounges, resting comfortably in the Airport Hotel or using one of the many amenities at the Vitality Spa including the squash courts and the swimming pool. The airport experience is designed to be as memorable as the journey." Engineer Badr Mohammed Al Meer, Chief Operating Officer of Hamad International Airport, stated: "Joining the elite of airports and being the first airport in the Middle East to earn five stars from Skytrax is an honor, and a direct result of the thousands of people who ensure HIA operates smoothly every day, every flight. No matter how long our guests are with us, we strive to make their journey flawless and memorable. This acknowledgement is highly gratifying, and will continue to motivate us to create an exceptional experience for everyone." Mr. Edward Plaisted, CEO of Skytrax said: "We extend our congratulations to Hamad International Airport for achieving this 5-Star Airport recognition, as well as being the first airport in the Middle East to gain this status. This accolade brings the challenge that 5-Star Airports find their customers become ever more demanding, and we have every confidence that HIA will continue to both maintain and improve standards as we move forward into 2017". With just three years of operations, HIA has garnered world-class awards and recognition, including Skytrax 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.