HE the Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani is being briefed on Hamad Port’s operations. He was joined by HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid al-Mahmoud, HE the Minister of Transport Jassim Seif Ahmed al-Sulaiti, HE the Minister of Labour and Social Affairs Dr Abdullah Saleh Mubarak al-Khulaifi and HE the Minister of Municipality and Urban Planning Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz al-Thani. Right: HE al-Sulaiti addressing the gathering.

Qatar will continue to expand its transport infrastructure, developing its road, air, sea and rail links as it prepares to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, HE the Minister of Transport Jassim Seif Ahmed al-Sulaiti has said.
“Hamad Port and the Ministry of Transport’s solutions will provide a safe, effective and environment-friendly transportation system that supports economic growth, quality of life and the long-term sustainability of Qatar,” said HE the Minister, who was speaking at a programme organised to mark the start of Hamad Port’s “early partial operations” yesterday.
The opening ceremony was witnessed by HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani, HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid al-Mahmoud, HE the Minister of Labour and Social Affairs Dr Abdullah Saleh Mubarak al-Khulaifi and HE the Minister of Municipality and Urban Planning Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz al-Thani.
As it maintains the country’s seafaring past and culture, HE al-Sulaiti said Hamad Port is well on its way to becoming Qatar’s primary trade link to the world.
He noted that the new port is unique and features world-class systems and technology that will enhance logistics capability and support the development of the local industry.
“It will modernise the way Qatar handles ocean imports and exports, increasing our maritime trade and facilitate growth and diversification of the country’s economy,” HE al-Sulaiti said.
In line with the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030, he added that the port would support economic diversification and improve the region’s competitiveness by transforming the country into a regional sea trading hub.
“This demonstrates how the leaders of the State of Qatar are developing the potential of the country to achieve prosperity and sustainability for both the nation and its citizens,” HE al-Sulaiti said.
He stressed that they remain committed to provide the country with an integrated multi-modal transportation system.
This, he said, would stimulate trade, enhance the flow of people and goods, encourage economic and social sustainability and growth, access a talented workforce and enhance quality of life for citizens and residents.
HE al-Sulaiti believes that effective transportation systems grow and sustain economies and communities.  
In July, Hamad Port received its first commercial vessel - heavy load carrier Zhen Hua 10. The ship was welcomed by HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior and a number of dignitaries.
Phase 1 of the project is expected to be completed by the end of 2016, allowing Hamad Port to handle 2mn containers annually. Once fully operational, it will be able to handle more than 6mn containers.