MOT’s “Sustainable Transportation and Legacy for Generations” Conference and Exhibition has been inaugurated and runs from September 17-18

The MOT’s “Sustainable Transportation and Legacy for Generations” Conference and Exhibition was inaugurated by Minister of Transport HE Jassim Saif Ahmed Al-Sulaiti. It runs from 17th to 18th September, at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center, under the patronage of Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani.

Governor of Qatar Central Bank HE Sheikh Bandar bin Mohammed bin Saoud Al-Thani, Minister of Municipality Dr. Abdulla bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie, Minister of Interior and Commander of Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya) HE Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Minister of Communications and Information Technology HE Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai, Minister of Commerce and Industry HE Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Bin Qassim Al Thani, and numerous state and transportation industry officials, were in attendance.

Minister Al Sulaiti stated in his opening remarks that Qatar's investments in creating infrastructure projects and the support services for the transport sector came in implementation of the directives of HH the Amir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and that they led to Qatar having an integrated, connected, and sustainable transit system, positioning the country highly on the global transport industry map and enabling it to host major events effectively.

In line with the objectives of Qatar's National Environment and Climate Change Strategy and the pillars of QNV2030, he claimed that by Q3 of 2023, the proportion of electric buses operating had reached close to 70%. From there, he said, the percentage would increase steadily until it reached 100% by 2030. The Minister announced the launch of the Self-Driving Vehicles Strategy, which includes the execution of a plan over the next five years to regulate the terms and conditions of using such vehicles in Qatar with the aim of providing intelligent, environmentally friendly transit systems. This initiative was undertaken to support innovation and keep up with global advancement in the industry.

The Minister stated that the Ministry of Transport is currently working to study the standards and specifications of electric vehicles (EVs), in collaboration with the bodies concerned, in order to put and approve the minimum technical specifications and safety standards of EVs. Additionally, the Minister stated that a centre will be established for inspecting and verifying the conformity of EVs' specifications, as well as for issuing the necessary approval certificates.

Regarding maritime transportation, Minister Al Sulaiti stated that the port's expanding transportation network connecting it with more than 100 ports around the world had helped to transform it into a regional hub port for re-exportation and transshipping. The Minister continued by saying that after undergoing considerable improvements and constructing new quays, Al-Ruwais Port continues to play a crucial role in reviving regional economic exchange.

The third phase of the port's expansion plan is now being finalised, he noted, and includes deepening and widening the navigation channel and basin to improve the port's capacities and keep up with the constantly rising ship traffic as well as import and export activities. Minister Al-Sulaiti also emphasised the importance of the development work the Ministry carried out at Doha Port and how it supports the goals and income of the tourist sector through substantial cruise ship voyages.

The Minister emphasised that QTerminals, which is already present at various ports around the world and will eventually be present in the Netherlands, is helping the marine transportation sector strengthen its foreign investments. Speaking about aviation, Minister Al-Sulaiti claimed that the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 will demonstrate the success of significant efforts made to expand the aviation industry via the establishment of a modern system backed by modern services. At both Hamad International Airport and Doha International Airport, more over 26,500 aircraft movements were counted throughout the competition.

In addition, the long-range L-band radar and two S-band radar systems have begun operating, facilitating Qatar's complete administration of its Doha Flight Information Region (FIR), which is a significant development in the management of airspace. The field of meteorology also made significant advancements, with the number of weather information stations reaching 48. This increased the quality of meteorology services for aviation and marine navigations and authorised the maritime centre, which serves as the primary source of weather forecasts for commercial boats.

The national airline now has access to more options to broaden its network of international destinations thanks to the 175 air transportation agreements that have been negotiated with other nations, according to Minister Al Sulaiti. HIA, which presently serves 40 international airlines and will shortly add 3 more, allows the national airline of Qatar to fly to more than 160 destinations.

In his closing remarks, Minister Al Sulaiti stated that efforts would continue to be made to further develop the transportation and mobility system in order to support all industries, improve trade, facilitate mobility and the transportation of goods, and improve the quality of life for all Qataris while also leaving a legacy for future generations. Following his remarks, the Minister led the in-attendance ministers and officials on a tour of the companion exhibition, which showcased some of the newest advancements in sustainable transportation. Additionally, he saw multiple agreements being signed by several of the involved parties.