Qatar Hosts Autonomous e-Mobility Forum in Doha, Showcasing Leadership in Electric Vehicle Infrastructure

The inaugural Autonomous e-Mobility Forum kicked off in Doha, Qatar on April 30, 2024, bringing together experts and stakeholders from around the world to discuss the latest trends, innovations, and policies in sustainable transport solutions.

The three-day event, held under the patronage of Qatar's Minister of Transport and organized by the Ministry of Transport and Just us & Otto Marketing Services, aims to highlight advancements in electric transport and self-driving mobility.

Qatar has been at the forefront of embracing connected, autonomous, and electric vehicle technologies, providing the necessary environment, facilities, and investment to become a leading destination for advanced mobility. The forum, taking place at the Qatar National Convention Centre, showcases Qatar's leadership in electric vehicle charging infrastructure and its commitment to the National Vision 2030 through robust policy frameworks, financial incentives, and consumer awareness initiatives.

In his opening speech, the Qatari Minister of Transport, HE Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti, emphasized Qatar's efforts to develop a sustainable, integrated, and eco-friendly transportation system under the leadership of the Amir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. He highlighted the successful transportation experiences during major events like the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 and the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, with millions of fans relying on public transportation.

Qatar has made significant progress in electrifying its public transportation, with 73% of public buses being electric in the first quarter of 2024. The country is on track to achieve a 100% electric public bus fleet by 2030, placing it among the top nations in the transition to zero-emission transportation, in line with Qatar's National Environment and Climate Change Strategy.

Why this matters: Qatar's hosting of the Autonomous e-Mobility Forum and its rapid progress in electric vehicle adoption demonstrate the country's commitment to sustainable transportation and its potential to become a major hub for electric vehicles in the MENA region. The forum serves as a platform for global collaboration and knowledge sharing, driving innovation and accelerating the transition to cleaner mobility solutions.

The Minister also announced that the Ministry of Transport will soon establish a specialized center to inspect and test electric vehicle specifications to ensure compliance with Qatar's approved standards. This initiative reinforces Qatar's aspirations to become a leading destination for electric vehicles in the region.

"Qatar is taking a comprehensive step towards programmed electrification transformation, with 220 to 300 charging stations for small vehicles currently operating across the country," stated HE Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti, underlining the nation's readiness to support the growing electric vehicle market.

The Autonomous e-Mobility Forum features panel discussions on topics such as designing smart cities, accelerating innovation in autonomous mobility, and balancing mobility, energy, and the environment. The event also includes an exhibition showcasing the latest technologies and solutions in the field, as well as a demonstration of an autonomous electric bus equipped with advanced safety features.

Key Takeaways

• Qatar hosted Autonomous e-Mobility Forum, showcasing EV and autonomous tech
• Qatar aims for a 100% electric public bus fleet by 2030, a regional leader
• Qatar establishes EV testing center to ensure compliance with standards
• Qatar has 220-300 EV charging stations, supporting growing EV market
• The forum features discussions on smart cities, autonomous mobility, and sustainability