News | Ministry of Transport

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.

Wednesday, January 4, 2017

MOTC, Q-Post Launch First Postage Stamp Marking Hamad Port Full Operations

DohaThe Ministry of Transport and Communications (MOTC) and Qatar Postal Services Company (QPost) launched on Wednesday the commemorative stamp to mark the full operations of Hamad Port.The stamp is to document the full operations of Hamad Port within Qatar’s agenda for the future generations and to immortalize the great efforts exerted by the New Port Project Steering Committee, participating companies and workers contributed to the project.“The design of the new stamp highlights the photo of first container ship docked at Hamad Port,” Q-Post Chairman and Managing Director Faleh al-Naemi said on the occasion.He stressed that Q-Post is keen on documenting all important occasions and sustainable national development projects that will be a legacy for future generations.Captain Abdulla Al Khanji, CEO of Qatar Ports Management Company (Mwani Qatar), thanked QPost for issuing the edition, which marks an important stage of this national project.He assured that Hamad Port will boost the economic diversification of the state and transfer Qatar into a regional trade hub in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.A total of 40,000 pieces were printed in addition to 1500 of the stamp’s first day cover. All the quantity will be available on sale on the launch date (Jan. 4).

Thursday, December 29, 2016

Mada and QU join hands to help students with disabilities

Doha-Qatar Assistive Technology Centre (Mada), a non-profit organisation dedicated to connecting Persons With Disabilities (PWD) to the world of information and communication technology, has joined hands with Qatar University (QU) to provide assistive technology to disabled students on QU campus.“Education is one of the three key pillars of our mission at Mada, and many of our services revolve around this area,” said Maha al-Mansouri the CEO of Mada.“We believe that education has the potential to positively impact the PWD community in many ways. It is where the groundwork for social integration is laid, and it makes PWD and their communities aware that disabilities do not subtract from capabilities. We are honoured to have made a meaningful imprint on the campus of Qatar University and to facilitate educational opportunities for students with disabilities.”It has become easier for students with disabilities to access assistive technologies within a shorter time period. This has allowed more people to benefit from the equipment provided.Students will benefit from Mada’s newly opened station at QU. It is equipped with all of the essential assistive technologies necessary for the success of students with disabilities.Mada is committed to enhancing three key areas of education, employment and community. It supports the students with disabilities in Qatar accessing quality mainstream education by educating both the PWDs and a variety of stakeholders about the ways in which ICT can be used to enhance and access quality education.Mada aims to increase employable PWDs in local workforce by offering tailor made courses and programmes and enable independent living by encouraging the creation of an accessible community and friendly ecosystem for PWDs.Mada’s vision of enhancing life of PWDs is brought to life through the use of ICT. Mada is committed to encouraging the development of assistive technologies in the Arabic language to support the needs of PWDs in Qatar.