The Shura Council State of Qatar

The Shura Council held Monday its regular weekly meeting, chaired by HE the Speaker Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim.

The sitting, at the Tamim bin Hamad Hall at the Council's premises, began with the legislature hailing HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani's participation in the GCC-US summit held in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, on Wednesday, and the meeting that took place between His Highness and HRH Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

The Council affirmed that this participation and meeting embody the State of Qatar's commitment to consolidating joint Gulf action, enhancing bilateral cooperation with the Kingdom, and strengthening the strategic partnership with the US, thus contributing to the security and stability of the region.

Furthermore, the legislative body also welcomed the state visit of HE President of the United States of America, Donald Trump, to Doha, noting its importance in strengthening bilateral relations. The Council highlighted the role of the visit in developing cooperation in the fields of defense, economy, and energy, as well as in joint coordination on regional and international issues.

In the same context, the Council lauded HH the Amir's participation in the Arab Summit held in Baghdad, considering it a reflection of Qatar's unwavering commitment to supporting Palestinian rights and strengthening joint Arab action in confronting regional challenges.

The Council heard a presentation by HE Minister of Transport Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Thani, on the key themes of the Ministry of Transport's 2025-2030 general strategy and its efforts to develop a sustainable, smart, and safe land, sea, and air transport system, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030 (QNV 2030).

In this context, HE Speaker of the Shura Council Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim, emphasized the vital role played by the Ministry of Transport in regulating and developing various transport sectors.

His Excellency praised the Ministry's novel strategy, considering it a fundamental pillar in promoting environmental sustainability, improving quality of life, and achieving integration between various modes of transport, in line with the country's aspirations to build a diversified and advanced economy.

For his part, HE the Minister of Transport presented the Ministry's 2025-2030 strategy during the session, explaining that it focuses on promoting economic growth and leveraging the country's advanced infrastructure to provide the best transport services to citizens and residents.

He also noted that the strategy seeks to develop national and local skills and expertise with the aim of sustaining the development of transport networks and ensuring their ability to continue growth, meeting urban development, and harnessing technology and innovation to increase efficiency and safety in accordance with the best applicable standards.

His Excellency pointed out that the Ministry's strategy includes developing land, maritime, and air transport, as well as supporting services. He emphasized the Ministry's commitment to advancing these vital sectors and implementing initiatives and projects stemming from the Ministry's vision for an integrated, safe, flexible, and sustainable transportation system.

It also aims to lead the development of the transportation sector toward high logistical efficiency that supports the pillars of the Qatar National Vision, particularly in the areas of economic growth, enhancing customer access to services, sustainability, and increasing network capacity, in addition to developing national competencies working in the sector.

HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Thani spoke about the Ministry's efforts to keep pace with technological developments and utilize them in the land transport sector as part of efforts to achieve digital transformation.

In this context, HE Minister of Transport explained that the Ministry is working to modernize the technological infrastructure, adopt smart transportation systems, and utilize artificial intelligence applications to develop the transportation sector.

He pointed out that the goal is to achieve higher operational efficiency and enhance economic and environmental aspects by setting precise standards and requirements for monitoring the operational performance of transportation networks. This approach aims to improve system efficiency, provide better services, and reduce operating costs.

Regarding the maritime transport sector, His Excellency indicated that the Ministry is responsible for regulating maritime navigation affairs, developing legislation related to ship safety, and registering seafarers. He also highlighted the Ministry's efforts to modernize port infrastructure and expand operational capabilities, enhancing Qatar's role as a regional logistics and trade hub.

In relation to the air transport sector, His Excellency highlighted the development plans for Hamad International Airport, noting the recent expansion of Concourses D and E. He also addressed efforts to expand international partnerships in the aviation sector and improve the quality of services provided to passengers, strengthening Qatar's position as a global hub for air transport.

In the same context, His Excellency the Minister of Transport highlighted the Ministry's efforts to monitor transportation companies and operators to ensure their compliance with technical and environmental standards and specifications. He emphasized the Ministry's commitment to fostering a fair competitive environment and providing safe, efficient, and reliable transportation services.

The presentation also addressed the Ministry's contribution to supporting environmental sustainability by adopting green policies in the transportation sector, encouraging the transition to electric buses, and expanding their dedicated infrastructure, in line with the state's commitments to reducing carbon emissions.

During their remarks, Their Excellencies members of the Council praised the efforts of the Ministry of Transport in developing the transportation sector. They emphasized the importance of accelerating project implementation and working to address the challenges facing public transportation, especially in external areas, as well as improving connectivity between different modes of transport.

The members also raised several observations related to the need to strengthen oversight of private transportation companies, regulate prices, and ensure quality of service. They also highlighted the need to develop inland water transport services and improve ship registration and seafarer licensing mechanisms.

The Council members emphasized the importance of developing all transportation services in an integrated digital manner, which facilitates procedures, saves time for investors and companies, and enhances the efficiency of government services.

Furthermore, the Shura Council members called for the adoption of initiatives and awareness campaigns to increase the use of public transportation among citizens and residents. They also highlighted the importance of reviewing the prices of taxi services (Karwa) to achieve the desired balance.

The members noted the need to consider exempting certain groups, such as people with disabilities, the elderly, and retirees, from transportation fees. They called for a thoughtful expansion of infrastructure projects, including metro and tram networks, in line with the nature of each region and its urban readiness.

In response to the comments, HE the Minister of Transport praised the Council members' contributions, stressing that the Ministry is taking all comments into consideration and that the coming period will witness the implementation of qualitative projects focused on improving the quality of services, promoting sustainable transportation, and expanding partnerships with the private sector.

At the conclusion of the meeting, HE the Speaker commended the efforts of the Ministry of Transport in developing the transportation sector in implementation of the directives of the wise leadership. He underscored the Council's commitment to following up on the implementation of development plans that enhance community well-being and improve the quality of life in the country, in line with the goals of QNV 2030.