Mowasalat and Qatar Rail officials at the announcement on UITP Summit yesterday. PICTURE: Jayan Orma
Qatar’s public transport sector stands to gain substantially from the deliberations and exhibition of equipment to be held as part of the UITP Large Events Summit and Taxi Conference at the Qatar National Convention Centre from November 25.
Nasser al-Khanji, executive director, Mowasalat and chairman of summit’s organising committee, said in a statement yesterday that the participation of more than 400 delegates and 50 exhibitors from across the world would help in understanding the genuine needs and requirements of the local public transport sector.
The event also expects the participation of about 30 ministers from participating nations. Nearly 60 experts will make presentations.
Khalid Kafoud, corporate communications manager, Mowasalat, said Qatar Rail and Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy will be event’s partners and while China’s Higer will be overseas strategic sponsor.
He said: “The UITP (International Union of Public Transport) is a globally acclaimed platform working for the development of public transport and sustainable mobility and the forum is also involved in the industry as a large promoter of innovations.”
The three-day meeting offers enormous exposure, prestige and legitimacy for the country to emerge as a vibrant economy with improved quality of life and economic well-being duly supported by a superior public transport system and public mobility of international standards, he added.
Kafoud said Mowasalat is working round the clock to improve the residents’ access to public transport through the
introduction of reforms.
This year’s summit, he said, will focus on the safety and security aspect for larger events transportation. “The meeting also aims to attract and enhance investments for putting in place efficient and effective public transport system in place long before the country hosts such mega events as the 2022 FIFA World Cup.”
Hassan al-Marwani, director, Qatar Rail, said the rail company is counting on events such as the UITP Summit to highlight the latest global developments in the transport sector.
Al-Marwani, an engineer, hoped the event would bring together many stakeholders from different countries who are capable of exchanging expertise. The Qatar Rail official said the main motivation behind the company’s projects is to serve all those who live in Qatar even while the company hopes to serve large spectator groups arriving for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
The conclave is held under the patronage of the Prime Minister and Interior Minister of Qatar HE Sheikh Abdulla bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani.
The event is held under the guidance of the Minister of Transport HE Jassim Seif Ahmed al-Sulaiti, who is also vice-president of the UITP Mena region.
