Doha: Qatari newspapers have underscored Qatar's ongoing initiatives to enhance smart transportation systems and advance its digital transformation agenda, emphasizing the Hayya platform's recent international accolade as evidence of the nation's technological progress and strategic development vision.
According to Qatar News Agency, local editorials on Tuesday focused on Qatar's strategic commitment to expanding its smart transportation infrastructure as a foundation for economic and urban development. Al-Raya, in its article titled "Qatar Expands Smart Transportation Systems," highlighted the country's prioritization of the transport sector, which plays a crucial role in bolstering service efficiency and supporting rapid national growth. It also reported on Qatar's integration of advanced technologies and artificial intelligence to optimize traffic management and public transportation. The newspaper detailed ongoing efforts to introduce electric and autonomous vehicles, aimed at enhancing road safety, reducing travel times, and minimizing emissions.
Al-Raya further elaborated on Qatar's Transportation Master Plan 2050, which outlines plans for continued investment in infrastructure and the expansion of public transport networks to address urban expansion and population growth. The editorial noted Qatar's achievements in testing autonomous electric taxis, with over 2,500 successful trial trips, indicating the country's progress toward a modern transport system aligned with international standards.
Meanwhile, Al-Arab, under the headline "Hayya Boosts Qatar's Tourism Appeal," highlighted the Hayya platform's Silver Award at the 2026 Stevie Awards for Technology Excellence. The platform's evolution into a comprehensive digital gateway for travelers signifies Qatar's digital transformation efforts aimed at enhancing its tourism sector. The editorial praised the platform's integration of identity verification, payments, and entry permits into a single process, simplifying travel for visitors.
Al-Arab reported that the Hayya platform processed approximately 850,000 applications in 2025, with a low amendment rate of 5%. It emphasized the platform's utilization of artificial intelligence and automated verification technologies, which bolster its reputation as a leader in smart government services. The recognition of the Hayya platform is seen as a testament to Qatar's success in providing an efficient digital visitor experience and aligns with the National Tourism Strategy's goal of attracting six million visitors annually.