Autonomous Vehicle Trials begin at Hamad International Airport
The proof-of-concept trials, which started its initial Autonomous staff bus trials testing from Sunday, February 16, will integrate cutting-edge autonomous vehicles, including an autonomous bus and an autonomous baggage tractor. Equipped with advanced technologies such as GPS, AI-driven systems, and various intelligent sensors and lidars, these vehicles are designed to enhance operational safety and efficiency. Their capabilities include 24/7 operations under diverse weather conditions, real-time monitoring, and automated charging systems.
Hamad Ali Al Khater, Chief Operating Officer at Hamad International Airport, said: "Our airport is proud to lead the way by trialing autonomous vehicles. This initiative reflects our dedication to enhancing efficiency, safety, and sustainability. We are excited to lead the way into a future where technology and mobility seamlessly converge and look forward to a successful outcome through collaboration with our key stakeholders'.
Murat Nursel, Senior Vice President at QAS, commented: 'We have an ambitious vision for the years ahead—one that demands a company-wide commitment to execution and innovation. At QAS, we are driven by a relentless pursuit of advancement and excellence. The testing of autonomous vehicles, in collaboration with MATAR and Qatar Science & Technology Park, underscores our dedication to supporting our nation's vision while enhancing operational efficiency. We remain steadfast in our mission to redefine excellence, delivering unparalleled value to both our customers and employees."
Dr Jack Lau, President of QSTP, said: "At QSTP, we are proud to support the development and deployment of cutting-edge technologies that redefine industries. This collaboration demonstrates not only our commitment to advancing technology but also to driving the digital transformation of one of the world's most complex and high-risk sectors—aviation. The Level 4 autonomous vehicle solutions being trialed at Hamad International Airport, developed within QSTP to shape the future of smart mobility. As we push the boundaries of technological excellence, initiatives like this align seamlessly with Qatar National Vision 2030, reinforcing our collective role in fostering a sustainable, tech-driven economy."
The initiative emphasizes innovation, operational efficiency, and sustainability by minimizing manual interventions and optimizing processes. The successful implementation of this proof-of-concept project will lay the foundation for expanding the autonomous fleet, ultimately contributing to The State of Qatar's broader autonomous transportation framework.
Hamad International Airport, the gateway to Qatar and the world.
Designed to meet and exceed the expectations of global travellers, Hamad International Airport is a diverse lifestyle destination. Housed in one expansive terminal, the airport integrates contemporary shopping and dining options, entertainment and relaxation facilities, and a world-class art collection from internationally acclaimed artists.
In 2024, Hamad International Airport has been named the 'World's Best Airport' at the SKYTRAX World Airport Awards, winning the title for the third time. The airport also collected the 'Best Airport Shopping' for the second year running, 'Best Airport in the Middle East' for the 10th time in a row, 'Best Airport 40 to 50 million Passengers' and the 'Cleanest Airport in the Middle East' for the second time.
Hamad International Airport has successfully completed the first Phase of its airport expansion project, which has significantly increased capacity and enhanced its multi-dimensional offering. Delivering on its promise to be the 'airport-of-the-future', Hamad International Airport's expansion features a refreshing environment of lush greenery, as well as contemporary retail and dining concepts among other leisure attractions and facilities.
The airport's commercial and operation functions are managed by MATAR, the Qatar Company for Airports Management and Operation, and a corporate subsidiary of Qatar Airways Group.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
12 hours ago
- Zawya
Qatar's AI strategy sets SMEs on path to sectoral gains, long-term growth, says QDB report
Qatar Development Bank offers funding options, grants and technical assistance, QF provides initiatives and resources to support startups and QSTP offers services, such as office space, mentorship and funding opportunities. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Qatar are well-positioned for growth opportunities in high-potential industries backed by the government's massive investments in artificial intelligence (AI), Qatar Development Bank (QDB) stated in a report. Titled 'Qatar's Artificial Intelligence Sector SME Industry Series 2024', the report identified healthcare and financial services as the two sectors with the highest 'transformative potential' for AI-driven disruption. Similarly, the report identified manufacturing, e-commerce, and the technology, media and telecommunications industries as having 'promising potential.' Meanwhile, the report noted 'emerging potential' in energy, transport and logistics, and the automotive sector, where AI integration is expected to enhance operational efficiency and competitiveness. 'The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) has spearheaded the development of the AI sector, promoting governmental support for both existing SMEs to enhance their capabilities and for new SMEs looking to establish themselves in the country. 'To conduct a thorough analysis on the disruption potential of AI across sectors in Qatar, several key factors were considered: AI strategic relevance, innovation adoption readiness, regulatory compliance and guidelines, automation impact on workforce, sectoral efficiency enhancement, and AI investment allocation,' the report explained. According to the report, SMEs 'are investing in AI capabilities to develop new solutions and achieve operational gains in innovative medical services,' citing companies like Ablelyf, Avey, MedivAI, and eyeTech. Placing second after the oil and gas sector, Qatar's financial services sector 'is a key contributor to the country's GDP,' the report noted. 'Efforts to further develop this sector, led by key entities like the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) and Qatar FinTech Hub (QFTH), align with Qatar's goal of creating a robust and competitive ecosystem,' the report stated. It also reported: 'The manufacturing sector presents promising opportunities for progress through the adoption of AI, especially with the rise of smart manufacturing enabled by Industry 4.0. AI can enhance efficiency, stabilise supply chains, forecast demand, reduce operational costs, and minimise waste via predictive maintenance. 'Qatar's consumer habits are shifting due to the growing trend of digitalisation, compelling traditional businesses to transition online to stay relevant and competitive in the evolving market. AI holds a promising potential to transform Qatar's e-commerce sector.' In the technology, media and telecommunications industries, 'AI applications in content personalisation, advertising optimisation, and creative production tools are forecast to open new revenue streams and enhance audience engagement,' the report stated. In the energy sector, SMEs could develop niche AI tools for predictive maintenance in renewable energy and oil and gas operations, the report stated, while the transport and logistics can adopt AI for route optimisation, demand forecasting, and autonomous delivery solutions. The report added that the automotive industry, though still nascent in Qatar, may see a gradual AI-driven transformation in quality control and production efficiency. © Gulf Times Newspaper 2025 Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
11-08-2025
- Zawya
Qatar positions itself as Gulf's premier logistics hub
Doha, Qatar: Qatar is accelerating its transformation into a regional logistics powerhouse, leveraging billions in infrastructure investment, strategic free zones, and advanced digital systems to capture a larger share of global trade, an official said. In the past decade, the country has expanded Hamad Port into one of the most advanced maritime gateways in the Middle East, capable of handling 7.5 million containers annually. Coupled with the growth of Hamad International Airport, Qatar's integrated air-sea logistics network now serves over 200 destinations. Speaking to The Peninsula, Omar El-Haddad, regional director for a multinational freight company, said, 'Qatar's logistics sector is not just about moving goods faster. It's about offering an end-to-end value proposition — bonded warehousing, re-export capabilities, and advanced customs clearance — that make Doha a natural choice for companies looking to access the GCC, Africa, and South Asia in a single hop.' The government has made logistics a priority sector in its Third National Development Strategy, aiming to double non-oil trade volumes by 2030. Free zones such as Ras Bufontas and Umm Alhoul have been tailored for logistics and light manufacturing firms, offering 100% foreign ownership, zero customs duties, and integrated digital clearance platforms. El-Haddad stated, 'When our containers land at Hamad Port, the clearance process is pre-approved using AI-driven risk profiling. What used to take days in other ports takes hours here. That speed is a game-changer for high-value goods.' Inland, Qatar has been building state-of-the-art logistics parks equipped with cold-chain storage, automated racking, and smart inventory systems. These facilities are designed to support everything from e-commerce fulfillment to perishable food imports. 'Qatar is positioning itself to be the 'Amazon' of the Gulf in terms of logistics sophistication,' the market expert said. 'If you can deliver a product in Doha within four hours of a customer's online order, you can apply that same infrastructure to deliver across the GCC within 24 hours.' The sector's growth is also tied to broader economic diversification. Logistics services accounted for an estimated 5 percent of Qatar's GDP in 2024, with the Ministry of Transport projecting an increase to 8 percent by 2030. This aligns with the country's ambition to reduce its dependency on hydrocarbons by building trade and re-export capabilities. However, competition is fierce as regional rivals such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia have their own logistics ambitions. To stay ahead, Qatar is focusing on specialised niches including pharmaceutical logistics, high-tech manufacturing supply chains, and green logistics solutions with electric fleets. El-Haddad added, 'Speed and reliability are no longer enough. The future will belong to the logistics hubs that can offer sustainability, traceability, and seamless integration with global value chains. Qatar is moving fast in that direction'. With infrastructure in place, policy support aligned, and technology adoption accelerating, Qatar's logistics hub ambitions appear well-positioned to reshape the flow of goods in the Gulf and beyond. Moreover, Qatar's strategic geographic location, bridging Asia, Africa, and Europe, continues to attract multinational corporations seeking a reliable gateway to emerging markets. The ongoing expansion of Qatar Rail's freight corridors further enhances inland connectivity, reducing transit times and costs across the peninsula. The country is also pioneering the use of electric vehicles and solar-powered warehouses to reduce the carbon footprint of its supply chains. With these elements in place, Qatar is steadily solidifying its role as the logistics linchpin of the Gulf region. © Dar Al Sharq Press, Printing and Distribution. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Arabian Business
07-08-2025
- Arabian Business
Qatar Airways announces massive expansion with extra flights to global destinations, including record 10 daily London services
Qatar Airways has ramped up its global network for the Winter 2025 season, increasing frequencies to more than 15 key destinations worldwide, including a record-breaking 10 daily flights to London Heathrow—its highest-ever frequency on the route. The award-winning carrier is responding to surging demand by offering greater connectivity through its Doha hub, Hamad International Airport. Qatar Airways will increase frequencies to major cities across Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Qatar Airways flights Key highlights include: Abu Dhabi: From five daily flights to up to six Berlin: From 18 weekly flights to up to 21 Canberra: Services to restart this winter Cape Town: 10 to 12 weekly flights Casablanca: From four weekly flights to five Dublin: 14 to 17 weekly flights Frankfurt: From 18 weekly flights to up to 21 Johannesburg: 14 to 18 weekly flights London Heathrow: Up to 10 daily flights (complemented by British Airways' 2x daily) Madrid: From 14 weekly flights to 17 Maldives: From three daily flights to up to four Mancheste r: From 21 weekly flights to up to 24 Melbourne–Doha: Capacity boosted to three daily flights, thanks to Virgin Australia partnership São Paulo: 14 to 18 weekly flights Sharjah: Three to seven daily flights Tokyo Narita: From 11 weekly flights to up to 14 Toronto: From five weekly flights to seven In total, the airline is increasing flights on more than 15 routes, offering travellers enhanced flexibility and convenience for both business and leisure travel. Qatar Airways also continues to lead in in-flight innovation, with more than 50 of its Boeing 777s now offering free, Starlink Wi-Fi, with speeds of up to 500 Mbps, available to all passengers in both Economy and Premium cabins — from gate to gate. Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer, Mr. Thierry Antinori, said: 'Qatar Airways is consistently witnessing a steady rise in demand for our 5-star services to some of the most prominent destinations in the world, most notably for London, Dublin, Cape Town, and São Paulo. 'This winter, in partnership with Qatar Airways, Virgin Australia will launch flights from Melbourne to Doha, increasing capacity to three daily flights between the two cities. Qatar Airways will also restart services to Canberra, reinforcing its commitment to enhance connectivity between Australia and the world'.
