Doha, Qatar: The 2nd edition of the Autonomous e-Mobility Forum (AEMOB) kicked off Monday at the Qatar National Convention Centre, hosted by the Ministry of Transport and organized by Just us & Otto.
In his inaugural remarks, HE Undersecretary of the Ministry of Transport Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Ibrahim Al Maadheed said the transport sector has undergone a profound metamorphosis in terms of its stature and developmental role, evolving from a supportive sector into a strategic pillar of national development that drives economic competitiveness and enhances quality of life.
Electric mobility and automated driving systems (ADS) are shaping the future of transportation, Al Maadheed noted, stressing that navigating the challenges of this transition - from energy and digital infrastructure to regulatory frameworks and safety - requires a holistic approach and incredible collaboration among governments, the private sector and think tanks.
He said the government's role extends beyond regulation to creating an enabling investment environment that unlocks opportunities for the private sector to drive innovation and accelerate the adoption of cutting-edge technologies.
Over the past years, Qatar, under its judicious leadership and ambitious vision, has developed sophisticated infrastructure supporting its national development pathway, including modern road networks, subway and transit fleets, ports, airports and logistics hubs, the Undersecretary said.
Al Maadheed added that, in line with the objectives of the Third National Development Strategy, the focus is now shifting from infrastructure creation to maximizing its utilization through transportation electrification, digital infrastructure development and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS).
The forum serves as a powerful platform for sharing expertise and forging strategic, actionable partnerships that can help shape the future of transportation, he underscored.
Al Maadheed said the sector's future will be defined by advanced ITS and its ability to leverage technology and data for the benefit of people.
Chairman of the AEMOB Forum Executive Committee, Eng. Ahmad Ali Al Ansari, said the sector is undergoing its most consequential evolution since the invention of the internal combustion engine (ICE), noting that electric vehicles (EVs) and automated driving systems (ADS) are no longer a distant vision of the future, but an everyday reality that continues to evolve.
This evolution is an urgent imperative for protecting communities, reducing carbon emissions and bolstering road safety by pursuing alternative energy sources and reduced reliance on fossil fuels, Al Ansari said.
Al Ansari further noted that the forum focuses on state-of-the-art technologies in electric transportation and AI-powered ADS, while examining infrastructure readiness and the regulatory frameworks governing the sector, in pursuit of turning innovation into safe, practical and deployable solutions for society.
Alongside this forum, the Undersecretary inaugurated the exhibition and was briefed on the latest technologies and innovations showcased by exhibitors in electric and automated vehicles.
The 2026 forum convenes more than 40 regional and international keynote speakers from government, industry, policymaking, academia, technology and research, as well as various segments of the mobility sector, to share expertise and perspectives on key transportation issues.
The event also features more than 50 keynote speeches and panel discussions across 10 professional tracks, offering a multidisciplinary program spanning automated mobility and electric transportation, technology, policy, regulation, sustainability, infrastructure, research and real-world deployment.
The forum also expands beyond the technical conference to engage the public and create new opportunities for entrepreneurs, startups, students, young professionals and innovators to help shape the future of mobility.
The forum is backed by more than 20 sponsors and partners. Its inaugural edition was held from April 30 to May 2, 2024.
