Old Doha Port unveils Minakom: a new standard for seamless arrivals through Qatar's maritime gateway
Doha, Qatar: Old Doha Port, Qatar's gateway to marine tourism, has announced the launch of Minakom, a pioneering digital platform that allows maritime tourists and visitors arriving by yachts and boats to complete entry procedures into Qatar (e.g. passport control and customs procedures) without disembarking their vessels.
This milestone sets a new standard in maritime tourist arrival experiences, reinforcing Old Doha Port's position as a global gateway where tradition, technology, and hospitality converge, as well as offering visitors an exceptional entry to Qatar through this distinguished maritime gateway, similar to other well-known ports.
Accessible through the official Old Doha Port website, Minakom offers a seamless experience for travelers sailing into Qatar. Visitors simply complete a digital inquiry form, connect with a logistics agent certified by the port to complete all necessary procedures with the relevant government officials, all from the comfort of their vessel.
This process marks a first in the field of government services, reinforcing Qatar's national digital transformation and reflecting Old Doha Port's dedication to delivering best-in-class maritime hospitality while supporting the maritime sector and marine tourism.
Engineer Mohammed Abdulla Al Mulla, CEO of Old Doha Port, commented on the significance of the platform: 'Minakom embodies our vision of a reimagined harbor where heritage and innovation move in harmony. As we align with Qatar National Vision 2030, this launch strengthens our position in digital infrastructure, enhances tourism excellence, and redefines the arrival experience for maritime visitors to our shores. We also extend our gratitude to the involved partners from governmental entries for their cooperation during the planning and preparation phases and their collective efforts, which led to the development of a distinguished entry process for yacht and boat owners–an initiative that aligns with the port's goal to support marine tourism, which stems back to the port's opening in 2022. '
Since its soft launch, Minakom has facilitated the seamless entry and departure of 250 private vessels, underscoring growing demand for digital-first maritime services in Qatar.
While Minakom is designed exclusively for those arriving aboard private yachts and other non-cruise vessels, its launch comes at a time of strong momentum for Old Doha Port.
During the 2024/2025 cruise season, the terminal welcomed 87 large cruise ships and 396,265 passengers. This marked a 5% increase in visitor arrivals and a 19% rise in ship calls compared to the previous season.
Together, these milestones highlight Old Doha Port's expanding role in supporting Qatar's broader tourism growth, both through traditional cruise channels and now through digital maritime services.
The previous period saw an increase in the number of visitors arriving by private yachts, whose entry and exit processes are completed through Old Doha Port using the Minakom service.
Through the Old Doha Port Marina, visiting yacht owners and marine tourists enjoy a range of special offers and a full suite of dedicated services designed to deliver convenience, comfort, and seamless support throughout their stay.
For vessels up to 30 meters, the marina provides shore power connections (125 amps), freshwater supply, black water vacuum services, and around-the-clock professional line handlers to assist with secure mooring, ensuring a smooth docking experience from the moment they arrive.
Additional amenities include two floating fuel stations inside the port supplying both diesel and petrol, and a floating local supermarket, with designated docking spots for easy access to essential groceries and supplies without leaving the water.
The port also features a high-capacity maintenance yard, equipped with a 100-tonne crane to accommodate larger vessels, alongside a variety of marine workshops offering repairs, parts, and technical support on-site.
With every innovation, Old Doha Port strengthens its role as the Middle East's leading hub for smart maritime tourism. As Qatar's official seaport, it stands at the intersection of heritage and innovation, delivering seamless guest experiences that advance national goals and set new global benchmarks for smart, sustainable maritime hospitality.
© Dar Al Sharq Press, Printing and Distribution. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Khaleej Times
an hour ago
- Khaleej Times
From matcha runs to cookie tasting: Things to do in UAE from June 6-8
Long weekends are perfect for discovery. A little indulgence, a touch of adventure, and plenty of flavour. Whether you're in the mood for a matcha day out, beachfront beats, or a fresh cookie drop, this week's round-up brings you the best of what to eat, sip, and do across the city. A meaty affair From smoky South American grills at Argentina Grill to elevated sushi with a Wagyu twist at Origami, and truffle-topped pizza at Moon Slice — this Eid, Dubai's dining scene promises bold flavours and unforgettable vibes. Gather your crew and celebrate the festive spirit one bite at a time. Where: Dubai Creek Harbour. Blueprint Cookies Florida's cult-favourite cookie brand, Blueprint Cookies, is opening its first international store at Mall of the Emirates on June 6. Expect ultra-thick, flavour-packed cookies with playful monthly drops, including a special Dubai Drop cookie infused with pistachio and rose. The first 100 guests get a limited-edition tumbler; the first 30 dozen-buyers score an exclusive Labubu. Plus, a free cookie with every purchase all day. Located next to Jones the Grocer, this is one sugar rush you won't want to miss. Kokoro's greatest hits are back After rolling over half a million handrolls in just a year, Dubai's first handroll bar is throwing it back with The Greatest Hits Vol. 1 — a fan-curated, 10-course tasting menu celebrating Kokoro's most iconic bites. Expect two bold starters, four signature handrolls, and luxe nigiri from A5 Wagyu to Otoro. Available from June 4 at Kokoro's Alserkal Avenue and The Square by NAS locations. Dh490 per person. Find out more on: @ Fun for all This Eid Al Adha, trade the malls for mayhem with Loco Bear's All-Day Eid Pass starting from Dh299. Think laser tag, trampolines, VR thrills, HyperBowling, ninja courses, and a glow-in-the-dark Slime Universe: all under one massive roof in Al Quoz. Little adventurers and adrenaline junkies alike will be spoiled for choice. Bonus: score a free meal when you buy any dessert. Open daily for two full weeks of non-stop fun. Book now at and make this Eid unforgettable for the whole crew. Matcha day out Of course, a long weekend in Dubai calls for a refreshing matcha day out, and there's no better place than Toby's Estate to indulge in this colourful green delight. Known for its specialty coffee and artisanal beverages, Toby's Estate offers a Vanilla Matcha Latte that's both creamy and sweet, perfect for those new to matcha or seasoned enthusiasts seeking a twist. Toby's Estate has several locations across Dubai, from Jumeirah, to Dubai Hills Mall to Dubai Mall, each offering a unique ambiance! Cooling down This June, Abu Dhabi's Fahid Beach Club by Barbossa is turning up the summer vibes with barefoot luxury and breezy beachfront fun. From weekday lounging to weekend cabanas, the fully redeemable day pass gives you access to kayaking, volleyball, seaside padel, and even ice baths. With a pet-friendly policy, no minimum spend, and a boho beach bar serving Mexican-inspired fare, this sun-soaked escape is the season's ultimate chill-out spot. Work hard, play harder Whether you're sealing a deal over lunch or sipping some cool beverages with the girls, Leen's at Emirates Towers brings the flavour all week. Enjoy a refined 3-course Business Lunch (Dh115) from Monday to Friday, featuring dishes like Salmon Poke and Sticky Date Pudding. With its casual-gourmet charm and iconic Museum of the Future backdrop, Leen's is your go-to for weekend magic.
Khaleej Times
an hour ago
- Khaleej Times
How to write that perfect CV in the UAE: Tips by an HR professional
One page can change your life. This one piece of paper is your invitation to a meeting, your certificate of excellence, and your chance to get a bumper raise before you've even begun a new job. What's on this precious note? Your CV. 'The worst thing you can do for your CV is write down your job description,' says HR veteran Anam Irfan, who has worked with the likes of Majid Al Futtaim and Tenaris, and across industries such as oil and gas and construction. The Pakistani expat, who has been in the UAE for 35 years, is currently the chief people officer and partner at byteSpark AI, and spoke to wknd. about the difference between a good CV and an effective one, what companies can do to draw and retain talent, and what you can do to boost your own profile in the tough-as-stone job market. Her firm is a headhunting initiative that uses AI to pursue candidates and link the right person to the right job. 'Our platform does a recruitment with speed, with efficiency. That, and we help people with CV-building skills,' explains Anam. If you are looking for a new job this year, you are, unsurprisingly, not alone. According to a survey by Censuswide, 75 per cent of the professionals in the UAE are searching for new employment in 2025. But to make your CV (and application) stand out, says Anam, 'Don't tell me what you were hired to do, impress me with what you have done. What you have achieved. A CV needs to be clear, concise, impactful. That means talking about outcomes, numbers.' To make things more engaging, she recommends paying attention to your personal brand. 'After all, if you don't write about your accomplishments on social media (or LinkedIn), how will a recruiter know about your abilities? With the new generation that is coming into the workforce, Gen-Z and Alpha, it will be all about the personal brand. They're all on social media, whether it's Instagram, or LinkedIn, or TikTok. If you want to excel, you need to up your game on these platforms.' Closing the gender gap As a woman who has worked in traditionally male-dominated industries, Anam says her formula for being seen and heard is simple: Show up with irrefutable data. 'If you have your own clear voice and influence at the table, and you come backed up with data — that's when magic really happens. I make sure that when I speak, it is with facts and figures, making them curious about 'why did she say what she said',' she adds. Having a comfortable relationship with your audience will also smooth your way to a receptive audience, the HR executive adds. 'You have to make sure that you're building relationships through the journey. Women have the gift of empathy; relationship-building is natural. When you do that, things become easy.' The first challenge to success — both when it comes to speaking to colleagues and presenting an argument (or counter-argument, for that matter), she says, is the negative self-talk that women tend to suffer from. According to a study, published by the US-based National Library of Medicine, positive self-talk has the ability to improve cognitive performance. 'We women sometimes lose out because we are very self-critical, thinking we need to over-prepare. Sometimes, we overthink and stop ourselves from expressing a certain viewpoint. You don't say it, but someone else does. And you are left reeling,' she says, adding that one needs to curb that instinct to keep mum at important moments. Don't tell me what you were hired to do, impress me with what you have done. What you have achieved. A CV needs to be clear, concise, impactful. That means talking about outcomes, numbers" Anam believes the foundation to professional success then begins in one's formative years. 'If you don't have a very good childhood, it impacts you and your personal skill set,' she explains. However, if you are taught resilience in the face of diversity, it will hold you in good stead. If you do find yourself without glowing personal skills though, remember that many things can be learned — all you need is a growth mindset; that ability to find lessons in everything. It's also why grooming is so important in a work place; it helps your discover and grow your abilities. 'You may have your own mindset and your own aspirations, but if the opportunity is not given in the right organisation, it changes everything,' she says. 'When I was just in training,' she recalls, 'I was already presenting budgets to CEOs — my mentors and leaders put me in the room and pushed me to learn by doing. My confidence was built up like this.' Anam is the mum of a six year old, and she laughs when asked about work-life balance. 'There is no such thing,' she says. 'For me, it's not about a work-life balance, it's really about integration. So, I have boundaries — at five, I have to leave. My son is six. He needs a mom. I need to spend at least couple of hours with him once he's back from school. He needs to have mealtimes with me. He needs to have his sleeping time with me. He needs to have some reading time with me. Once he's gone to bed, I can get back to any pending work that I have. The key is to know when to take a break and pause.' Corporations need to understand that you cannot have those legacy annual performance reviews. You need to move beyond that. Things are agile. That's where frustrations happen in employees — they feel it's not a fair assessment" Organisations too need a shift While she's quick to say that she's only worked in supportive firms, she does admit that the way many organisations do things leave a lot to be desired. 'Performance management systems are so outdated. There is usually an annual goal-setting in organisations and annual reviews; but the goal posts are constantly shifting. 'Corporations need to understand that you cannot have those legacy annual performance reviews. You need to move beyond that. Things are agile. That's where frustrations happen in employees — they feel it's not a fair assessment.' 'The other thing is, teaching employees about their potential growth trajectory. The more you know where you are heading, the greater will be your commitment to your cause,' she explains. At the end of the day, your turn with a company begins with an introduction — and you owe yourself the best one. Begin by working on an effective CV.
Khaleej Times
an hour ago
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Travelling for Hajj? New smart medical bag launched for pilgrims
A smart medical bag, that marks a new advancement in portable healthcare for Hajj pilgrims, has been introduced with the launch of 'Masand'. This innovative unit is tailored to assist healthcare teams in fast-paced, mobile environments where prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential. This bag has been developed by health-tech company Doctory in collaboration with the Sharjah Open Innovation Lab (SoiLAB). The innovative medical bag integrates advanced diagnostic tools into a single portable unit, allowing for rapid and effective health assessments during the pilgrimage. Developed through close cooperation between Doctory's healthcare experts and SoiLAB's engineering team, 'Masand' harnesses technologies including 3D printing, additive manufacturing, laser cutting, and precision electronics. The launch reinforces the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park's (SRTI Park) reputation as a regional hub for next-generation medical devices, born from dynamic partnerships between government, academia, and industry. Hussain Al Mahmoudi, CEO of SRTI Park, said, 'Doctory's innovative products, designed within SoiLAB, are a model of health innovation. This project reflects our commitment to empowering creative and innovative companies to turn their ideas into tangible solutions that improve lives. The Hajj season provides a unique opportunity to test these solutions in real-world conditions, showcasing SRTI Park's ability to turn research and innovation into practical outcomes.' He added, 'We are dedicated to enabling innovators by providing world-class research and development facilities, advanced industrial expertise, and supportive investment networks. Our goal is to create an environment where pioneering ideas in health technology can thrive, transforming how medical solutions are developed and implemented.' How does it work? The 'Masand' medical bag can directly connect patients with a network of specialised doctors, enabling remote diagnosis and treatment — even in areas with limited access to healthcare facilities. The bag has attracted significant attention from medical authorities and regulatory bodies during the current Hajj season, where it has proven effective in managing emergency health cases at the holy sites. Osama Shamsi Pasha, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Doctory, said, "The 'Masand' medical bag represents a significant leap in mobile healthcare, made possible by the advanced innovation environment and world-class team at SoiLAB. We have had previous successful collaborations with SoiLAB, such as developing the 'Doctory Chair,' which reinforces our confidence that SRTI Park is the ideal environment for testing ambitious ideas and turning them into practical products."
