Old Doha Port unveils Minakom

Old Doha Port has unveiled Minakom, Qatar’s first contactless digital platform enabling seamless customs clearance, immigration permits, and port access approvals for vessels.The Port’s CEO, Mohammed Abdullah al-Mulla, said the launch event, titled 'Minakom & Beyond: Unlocking the Future of Maritime Tourism', marks a significant step in the nation’s digital transformation in maritime tourism.He said Minakom serves as one of Old Doha Port’s most significant service advancements to date, allowing yacht and boat owners to obtain permits and clearances entirely online. This, he noted, eliminates the need for physical disembarkation."It reflects our broader commitment to digital transformation in line with Qatar National Vision 2030. By replacing traditional procedures and port-side processing with a seamless digital interface, we’ve modernised one of the most critical touch points in marine tourism."This is a deliberate move toward smarter, more efficient government services that support economic diversification, logistics innovation, and Qatar’s ambition to be a leader in intelligent infrastructure across all sectors,” al-Mulla said.Through a quick digital submission via the official portal, the CEO said all procedures are then managed by a pre-approved logistics agent on the vessel’s behalf. This contactless, vessel-side clearance process is a first for Qatar and rare in the region.According to al-Mulla, the development of Minakom involved collaboration and workshops with various government entities, including the Ministry of Transportation, the Ministry of Interior’s Border Passports Department, the Permanent Committee for Management of Maritime Ports, the General Directorate of Coast and Borders Security, and the General Authority of Customs.Initially soft-launched during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, the service has since been enhanced based on user feedback. Since its inception, Minakom has digitally processed more than 250 vessels, significantly improving visitor experience.He said Old Doha Port is set for significant physical expansion and a vibrant calendar of events. Responding to strong demand from yacht owners, the port will add new berths within the port basin and upgrade marine infrastructure in the Mina Corniche area, including enhanced water and power supply. A new service featuring sea tours and internal transportation across the port will also be introduced, offering stunning views of the Doha Corniche skyline.To promote year-round maritime tourism, Old Doha Port also announced a variety of summer activities including jet ski races, kayak rentals, stand-up paddling, diving experiences, and dedicated fishing days, offering accessible ways for residents and visitors to enjoy the sea.Upcoming attractions would include the 2nd edition of the Qatar Boat Show on November 5-8, promising more exhibitors, additional event space, and new experiences."So much has happened over the past few months,” al-Mulla said, pointing to key milestones including hosting the inaugural Qatar Boat Show, launching the Old Doha Port Fishing Exhibition, and introducing the Mina Pre-Owned Boat Show. These initiatives, he said, have steadily reshaped the port "into a regional hub for marine tourism, recreational boating, and cultural engagement”."Old Doha Port is more than a destination, it’s a living, breathing ecosystem. Every service we introduce, every partnership we foster, and every event we host is part of a larger vision to restore the historic bond between the city and the sea, and to share it with the world,” al-Mulla said.