Qatar’s public transport network is preparing to integrate artificial intelligence and smart mobility systems to drive its next phase of operations, following a milestone of 300mn passengers, the top official of Qatar Railways Company (Qatar Rail) has said.Qatar Rail CEO Jassim Mohamed al-Ansari outlined these technological priorities during the recently held Autonomous e-Mobility Forum, stating that the company is actively evaluating new projects to improve the passenger experience and support the country's environmental goals.“Qatar Rail is also currently studying a number of projects that contribute to enhancing the mobility experience, such as providing information about available services to customers through AI-powered chat and guiding passengers with disabilities inside stations using smart guidance systems,” al-Ansari said.Al-Ansari noted that upcoming digital initiatives involve AI-powered chat services designed to provide passengers with instant information about available services. The company is also evaluating smart guidance systems to help passengers with disabilities navigate inside metro stations easily.The integration of these new technologies follows high public usage of the transit system, emphasised al-Ansari, who announced that the Doha Metro has transported more than 300mn passengers since its inception. He said this figure proves the strong public demand for mass transit and reflects the trust the network has built with the community.Since the launch of the metro, he said Qatar Rail has focused on providing a complete travel experience that goes beyond the train journey itself. Working with the Ministry of Transport (MoT), the company developed first- and last-mile services to connect stations with surrounding neighbourhoods, al-Ansari pointed out.Al-Ansari highlighted the metrolink feeder bus service as a key component of this strategy. He said the service gives passengers flexible options to reach their final destinations.Environmental sustainability remains a core focus for the transport system, stated al-Ansari, who noted that Qatar Rail continues to adopt eco-friendly solutions to align with national environmental targets, including the addition of electric buses to the metrolink fleet to reduce carbon emissions and build a cleaner public transit model.Al-Ansari stressed that future urban mobility relies on blending different transport modes with smart technology, citing autonomous vehicles as a key element of this transition.“We also believe that the future of transport depends on integration between various modes and smart solutions, including modern technologies and autonomous vehicles, which aligns with the themes of this forum,” he said.He explained, “Integration between public transport modes and smart solutions can contribute to improving the efficiency of the system, enhancing accessibility, and providing more comprehensive and reliable mobility options, in addition to contributing to improving traffic flow in cities.” Al-Ansari attributed the network's current success to ongoing cooperation with the MoT and other partners, noting that the ministry plays a central role in coordinating the country's sustainable transport policies.He affirmed Qatar Rail’s commitment to supporting new transport initiatives. Al-Ansari said industry events allow the company to exchange expertise with local and international partners, supporting joint efforts to develop the public transport sector. These discussions will lead to further partnerships that meet community needs and improve the quality of life in Qatar, he added.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) announced that Ooredoo Money has joined the Single Window Platform as the first fintech company, under a cooperation agreement signed by the Ministry with Ooredoo Fintech Qatar.The Ministry stated on Sunday that the agreement comes as part of its efforts to expand the range of services available through the platform, strengthen integration with the private sector, and further develop the services provided to the business sector.The pact was signed by Director of the Single Window Department at MoCI, Mubarak Abdulrahman al-Khulaifi, and Country Head at Ooredoo Fintech Qatar, Mashail Abdulfattah.Under the agreement, investors, business owners, and entrepreneurs will be able to apply for an Ooredoo Money Merchant Wallet as part of the Commercial Registration issuance or renewal process through the Single Window Platform, in accordance with applicable laws.The service will facilitate access to digital payment solutions and financial services that support business growth, while reducing reliance on manual transactions and paper documents, thereby simplifying the investor journey and improving the efficiency of procedures.Al-Khulaifi said the deal forms part of a series of cooperation agreements concluded by the Ministry with financial institutions operating in the country, with the aim of providing high-quality services to the business sector, facilitating procedures, and enhancing the efficiency of services delivered through a unified and integrated digital platform.He added that the agreement helps strengthen the role of the Single Window Platform as the main government destination for establishing and conducting business in the State of Qatar. It also reflects the Ministry's commitment to expanding its strategic partnerships with various entities in a way that supports the simplification of procedures and the acceleration of transactions, enhances the competitiveness of the investment environment, and advances sustainable economic development pathways, in line with the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030.For her part, Mashail Abdulfattah said that enhancing financial inclusion for the business sector begins with facilitating access to financial services.She noted that integrating Ooredoo Money services into MOCI's Single Window Platform enables them to be offered at a pivotal stage of the business establishment journey, helping reduce challenges faced by investors and entrepreneurs and strengthening a more integrated and interconnected digital ecosystem that supports the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises in the State of Qatar.

His Excellency Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani Sunday held a telephone call with Omani Minister of Foreign Affairs Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood al-Busaidi.They discussed bilateral co-operation and ways to bolster it, along with the latest regional developments, particularly diplomatic efforts and joint coordination aimed at de-escalation and enhancing security and stability in the region.The prime minister affirmed Qatar's support for all diplomatic efforts and endeavours aimed at a solution guaranteeing freedom of maritime navigation and paving the way for a comprehensive agreement achieving sustainable peace in the region.The prime minister also held a telephone call with Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah al-Saud.They discussed bilateral co-operation and ways to develop it, along with the latest regional developments, particularly ongoing diplomatic efforts and close coordination to de-escalate tensions and strengthen security and stability in the region.The prime minister stressed that Qatar supports all diplomatic efforts seeking a resolution that guarantees freedom of maritime traffic, paving the way for a comprehensive agreement that achieves enduring peace in the region.The prime minister held a telephone call with Kuwaiti Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Jarrah Jaber al-Ahmad al-Sabah as well.They discussed bilateral co-operation and ways to strengthen it, along with the latest regional developments, notably diplomatic efforts and joint coordination to de-escalate tensions and strengthen security and stability in the region.The prime minister held a telephone call with Minister for European and International Affairs of Austria Beate Meinl-Reisinger, too.They discussed bilateral co-operation and ways to strengthen it, along with the latest regional developments, particularly diplomatic efforts and joint coordination aimed at de-escalation and enhancing security and stability in the region.The prime minister affirmed Qatar's support for all diplomatic efforts and endeavours aimed at a solution guaranteeing freedom of maritime navigation and paving the way for a comprehensive agreement achieving sustainable peace in the region.