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.  

Mwani Qatar Announces First Direct Service Between Doha, Shanghai

QITCOM 2017 to take place from 6 to 8 March 2017

Doha,QITCOM exhibition and conference launched its fourth edition at an official press conference held in Doha. Under a high level of patronage, QITCOM will take place from 6 to 8 March 2017 at the Qatar National Convention Centre. QITCOM 2017 is managed by the Ministry of Transport and Communications under the theme: ‘Qatar - Towards a Smart Future.’The press conference, attended by the Ministry of Transport and Communications and QITCOM sponsors, provided an overview of the event, highlights of the activities taking place and new activities for QITCOM 2017. Salam Technology was also announced as the event’s strategic sponsor.QITCOM 2017 is Qatar’s biggest digital event, connecting smart technology with international expertise, industry leadership and innovators. New for QITCOM 2017 is the ‘Smart Qatar Zone.’ Located at the heart of the event, the ‘Smart Qatar Zone’ will demonstrate the application of smart solutions and services to five key sectors of the economy selected for their contribution to achieving the Qatar National Vision 2030: transport, environment, health, sports, and logistics.QITCOM 2017 strongly promotes entrepreneurship, innovation and learning to help Qatar generate and sustain a vibrant knowledge-based economy and the Smart Qatar Zone also contains areas dedicated to entrepreneurs, SMEs and eCommerce through an Entrepreneurship Zone, Innovation Zone, Digital Masrah zone, BizTech Zone, Innovation Theatre and Youth Festival. eGovernment also plays a big part at QITCOM 2017, with achievements and announcements to feature in a Qatar Digital Government zone.Alongside the ‘Smart Qatar Zone’ is QITCOM’s exhibition, where around 90 exhibitors and co-exhibitors comprising international tech giants and local companies will be demonstrating the latest digital technologies and smart solutions. Away from the exhibition, a major component of QITCOM 2017 is the conference, where senior-level government officials, business leaders, academics, innovators and investors will explore and discuss how to foster smart technology and innovation to address challenges across the priority sectors of transport, environment, health, sports, and logistics. To further empower entrepreneurs and SMEs, QITCOM 2017 will feature Start Up Matchmaking, as well as digital awards to recognize pioneering Qatari companies in digital innovation. Also brand new to QITCOM is the Hackathon competition, where young computer programmers and software developers from high schools and universities will compete to develop software solutions to real problems in real time, and a Youth Festival.Ms. Reem Al Mansoori, Assistant Undersecretary of Digital Society Development Sector, the Ministry of Transport and Communications, said: “QITCOM is now in its fourth successful year and QITCOM 2017 brings together a large and diverse ecosystem of stakeholders involved in the technology sector from international CEOs and CIOs, Qatar’s key decision makers, smart technology providers, entrepreneurs, researchers and innovators under one umbrella to exchange ideas and collaborate towards achieving the vision of a smarter Qatar.”She added: “QITCOM 2017 is important for all Qataris and residents, as it aims to have a transformative impact not only on Qatar’s tech industry, but also the key sectors of transport, environment, health, sports, and logistics through the application of smart technology, thereby enhancing the private economy, the public sector, and quality of life for the general public in pursuit of the National Vision 2030.”AbdulSalam Abu-Issa, Deputy COO, Salam Technology said: “Salam Technology is proud to be the strategic sponsor for QITCOM 2017. As a Qatari Technology Integrator Company with a regional presence, we strive to support the Local market with its upcoming developments to build a smart infrastructure aligning with Qatar National Vision 2030. Our main objective is to be a significant contributor to this country's growth. At QITCOM 2017, we will be displaying our large portfolio of state of the art services and solutions that are available today and can help businesses grow in the future.”Waleed Al Sayed, Chief Executive Office, Ooredoo Qatar, said: “Ooredoo is delighted to be the Integrity Sponsor for QITCOM 2017. We are committed to connecting Qatar and its people to a smarter future and will be demonstrating our latest solutions and service at the event, all connected to our award-winning Supernet. We look forward to helping host some of the world’s biggest technology companies in Qatar and building on our leading expertise in this area.”Mr Yousef Ali Darwish, General Manager of QNB Group Communications, said: ‘’We are proud to announce our official sponsorship to the 4th edition of the QITCOM Exhibition and Conference 2017, which comes as part of our keenness to support the state’s institutions sponsoring the event to help build a vital and safe IT and communications sector. Today, technology plays a key role in the development and growth of modern societies, as well as the development of the individuals, institutions and other sectors of these societies. QNB Group is working closely with the various sectors of technology interest operating in Qatar, in order to establish a technology led banking services.” Mr Darwish concluded: ‘’At QNB, we are fully committed to support technology through providing our sponsorship to such events that aims at building smart societies in general and boosting the economy in particular.”Mr. Youssef Al-Naima, CEO of malomatia Company said: “We are proud to be part of QITCOM 2017 as an official sponsor to reconfirm our commitment toward Qatar national IT vision and initiatives. During the event, malomatia will showcase its expertise and capabilities in pioneering the various sectors for IT transformation and the smart usage of technology that benefit government, business and society alike.”Qatar Airways Senior Vice President Marketing & Corporate Communications, Ms. Salam Al Shawa, said: “Qatar Airways prides itself on being a visionary and forward-thinking airline and as such we are very proud to support QITCOM 2017. This future-gazing exhibition is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the latest in smart technology, pair entrepreneurs with established businesses and stimulate innovation across industries. Qatar Airways is proud to sponsor events that enable development and growth in the local community. A future in which we are empowered by smart technology is perfectly aligned with the wise vision of our leaders. The evolution and implementation of smart technologies in society creates opportunities for economic diversification, as well as enabling strong partnerships between the public and private sectors to improve society for all who call Qatar home.”Mr. Mohammed Al Yami, Director of External Affairs, Vodafone Qatar said: “Vodafone supports the efforts to build a knowledge based economy in Qatar with a vibrant ICT sector so we are proud to have signed up as an Official sponsor of QITCOM where we will be showcasing Vodafone’s most innovative smart solutions from around the globe.”Mr. Hamad Ali Al Ansari, Director of Public Relations and Communications, Qatar Ports Management Company-Mwani Qatar stated that the company’s sponsorship of the fourth edition of QITCOM Exhibition and Conference as an official sponsor comes in line with Mwani Qatar’s continuous support of such important events, focusing on one of the most important sectors, namely communications and information technology sector. “QITCOM 2017 will be an ideal opportunity to familiarize attendees and visitors with the latest technology being used in a range of important sectors in the country like transport and logistics sector,” Mr. Al Ansari explained. He pointed to the important role played by modern technology in enhancing ports’ competitiveness and logistics capabilities, adding that Hamad Port’s latest technology makes him one of the largest and most developed ports in the region, this technology will contribute to speed up Port’s operations and meet the requirements of traders and stakeholders in record time. “We are proud of our continued participation at QITCOM, which reiterates Microsoft’s unwavering commitment to the government of Qatar in achieving the country’s vision 2030.” Said Lana Khalaf, General Manager, Microsoft Qatar. “At QITCOM 2017, we are bringing forth the message of ‘An Empowered Future’ to showcase solutions that are built around the pillars of digital transformation; supporting MOTC’s Smart Qatar strategy for introducing latest technological initiatives, and enabling organizations to achieve more.”more http://qitcom.net/

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.

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. 

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.