Doha: The Ministry of Transport (MOT) held a press briefing on Monday regarding the 2nd edition of the Autonomous e-Mobility Forum (AEMOB). Held under the patronage of HE Minister of Transport, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Thani, the event will take place at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC) on September 7 and 8.
According to Qatar News Agency, MOT's Assistant Undersecretary for Land Transport Affairs, Eng. Abdullah Saif Al Sulaiti, stated that Qatar's transportation industry has been witnessing rapid progress and achieving well-recognized milestones both regionally and globally. This progress is driven by the MOT's commitment to delivering smart, sustainable transportation solutions and providing supporting logistics services that meet modern cities' demands and contribute to a better quality of life.
Electric transportation technologies and autonomous vehicles are emerging as key priorities for the Ministry of Transport. The ministry aims to cement Qatar's profile as a trailblazer in adopting smart mobility systems and solutions, specifically through projects leveraging AI. These technologies offer promising opportunities to enhance transportation system efficiency, reduce harmful environmental and health emissions, improve safety, and foster more flexible and sustainable mobility experiences, Eng. Al Sulaiti added.
Eng. Al Sulaiti highlighted that the MOT launched the Autonomous Vehicles Strategy and has teamed up with partners to supervise the execution of the first phase of electric robotaxi trials to test operational and technical aspects while evaluating safety and efficiency levels. The second phase of testing is expected to commence soon, paving the way for the future expansion of their use within the country's public transit system.
He also noted that Qatar has made remarkable progress in switching its public transit system to eco-friendly alternatives. More than 70% of its public transit fleet is now electric, with a target of 100% by 2030. This includes modernizing the necessary infrastructure to support that transition and ensure its sustainability.
The Ministry will continue working to develop an integrated smart transport system by leveraging digital technologies, modern systems, and artificial intelligence in the planning, management, and operation of the transport and mobility network, he added.
Chief of Service Delivery at Qatar Railways Company (Qatar Rail), Eng. Ahmed Mohammed Al Saleh, said that Qatar Rail's participation in the second edition of the Autonomous e-Mobility Forum reflects the company's commitment to supporting national initiatives aimed at advancing sustainable transport in Qatar. This participation aligns with the national vision and the Ministry of Transport Strategy 2025-2030, which seeks to build an integrated, safe, flexible, and sustainable public transport system while strengthening connectivity between railway networks and other modes of transport.
Eng. Al Saleh noted that through its participation in the forum, Qatar Rail looks forward to highlighting the role of Doha Metro and Lusail Tram in supporting smart, reliable, and sustainable mobility, while showcasing the solutions, services, and opportunities its networks provide for institutions, individuals, residents, and visitors.
This year's AEMOB Forum will bring together more than 40 international and regional speakers, representing government, industry, academia, technology, research, and the wider mobility ecosystem. Across its two-day professional conference, AEMOB Forum 2026 will feature more than 50 keynote sessions and panel discussions spanning 10 dedicated mobility and industry tracks. It will create a multidisciplinary program exploring autonomous and electric mobility through technology, policy, regulation, sustainability, infrastructure, research, public adoption, and real-world implementation.
Building on the success of the Forum's inaugural edition in 2024, AEMOB Forum 2026 will extend beyond its professional conference through a robust community program. Activities including the SME Competition, Startup Showcase, and 3-Minute Thesis Challenge will provide additional platforms for entrepreneurs, start-ups, students, young professionals, and emerging innovators to engage with the mobility sector and contribute ideas to its future development.
Alongside its conference and community programs, AEMOB Forum 2026 will feature more than 20 exhibition spaces at QNCC, bringing autonomous vehicles, electric mobility solutions, smart infrastructure technologies, and emerging innovations directly to delegates and visitors.
Director of Business Development at Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ), Saoud Abdullah Al Saadi, said that QFZ provides a business environment and infrastructure that support global and regional companies in developing solutions, testing technologies, and expanding from Qatar into regional and global markets. This is not limited to electric vehicles or autonomous driving; rather, it extends to supply chains, ports, warehouses, distribution centers, and the efficiency of logistics and industrial operations.
Al Saadi highlighted that QFZ enjoys strategic locations, direct connectivity to ports and airports, and a business ecosystem that enables companies to grow and expand efficiently. He emphasized that the Authority's objective is to attract companies that develop practical solutions to enhancing transport and logistic service efficiency and supporting supply chains' sustainability and resilience.
The Director of Business Development at QFZ affirmed the Authority's commitment to supporting future-oriented sectors that enhance the Qatari economy's competitiveness and reinforce the country's position as a regional hub for innovation and advanced logistics services. Through this forum, QFZ looks forward to establishing practical partnerships with investors, technology companies, logistics service providers, and stakeholders involved in developing a smarter and more sustainable transport ecosystem, Al Saadi said.
Marketing and Public Relations Manager at Mwani Qatar, Hamad Ali Al Ansari, highlighted the importance of supporting innovation, exchanging knowledge and expertise, and strengthening strategic partnerships as key foundations for the company's contribution to building more efficient and sustainable transportation systems. This aligns with the objectives of the Third National Development Strategy and the Qatar National Vision 2030.
Mwani Qatar is keen on ensuring that this approach is reflected in its operations and projects on the ground by expanding the use of electric operational equipment and adopting automation and environmentally friendly mobility technologies. This includes further developing its digital ecosystem, enhancing operational efficiency, and raising performance levels across its ports, Al Ansari added.
Mwani Qatar's participation in the Forum is an extension of its approach to adopting innovative solutions and exploring opportunities that contribute to shaping a smarter and more sustainable future for the transport and logistics sectors.
The scale of AEMOB Forum 2026 is further reflected in the support of more than 20 sponsors and partners, bringing together a diverse lineup of speakers representing a range of areas of expertise.