Doha, 10/12/2014 - Under the Patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Saoud Bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Chairman of Qatar Fuel (WOQOD) , the first new center for vehicle inspection (FAHES) in Wadi al-Banat (North University) was inaugurated today, Wednesday 10 December 2014.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by WOQOD Board members, WOQOD CEO, Engineer Ibrahim Jaham Al-Kuwari, in addition to representatives from the Traffic Department/Ministry of Interior, concerned public authorities and departments, WOQOD's management team and honorable guests.

On this occasion, Engineer Al-Kuwari issued the following statement: "We are pleased today to inaugurate the first center for vehicle inspection in Wadi al-Banat region. The center which occupies an area of 7500 square meters and has an estimated cost of 23 million Qatar Riyal, is the first among WOQOD's Smart FAHES inspection projects. It comes as part of a series of smart inspection centers that are being currently developed by WOQOD in various regions of the State. We are also working towards the inauguration of another center of the same series in the Mesaimeer region very soon, in addition to other four new centers that are currently in the design and construction phases in the regions of: Al-Wakra, al-Shamal, Al-Shihaniyyah and Al-Khour. These projects are expected to be inaugurated and operated during 2015. As part of its future strategic plan, WOQOD will also establish several new smart inspection centers in its fuel stations where there is sufficient space to establish such centers.

About the technical inspection mechanism in the new centers, Eng. Al-Kuwari added: "We are proud that these centers are a pioneering experience in the technical inspection of vehicles, as they are built according to the highest modern standards to ensure comfort and smooth workflow, where the client drives his vehicle throughout the various inspection stages. Additionally, the centers provide the necessary parking spaces and modern infrastructure, including restrooms, cafeteria, waiting areas and entertainment areas.

The center is equipped with state of the art equipment and facilities to ensure highly accurate outcomes that meet the highest environmental and safety standards, in cooperation with a specialized international company. FAHES smart inspection centers will also stand out with the single window system that is directly connected to the Traffic department at the Ministry of Interior, a system that will be implemented in two stages:

The first stage is to establish a direct connection between each individual center and the Traffic Department, while the second stage entails connecting Fahes network centers with each other on one hand, and with the Traffic Department on the other hand. Such a modern system will allow for data exchange between the centers and the Traffic Department, while significantly minimizing the total time needed for completing the inspection process.

FAHES Smart inspection centers guarantee the accuracy and centralization of the inspection data, hence minimizing the incidents of manipulating inspection data by employees or other agencies and ensuring high reliability of the electronically produced reports (paper reports were completely replaced/dismissed). Through the single window system, these centers also allow the client to pay traffic violation tickets and insurance premiums, if they desire so, with the center playing an intermediary role between the client and local insurance companies".

In the same context, WOQOD's future prospects and strategic plans include the continued development of the smart inspection systems currently implemented at the main center in the industrial zone and other branches, with the objectives of simplifying the process, minimizing the waiting time, making these systems more suitable to the modern daily lives, and making a quantum leap in the service delivery.

It should be noted that Qatar Fuel had already set future plans and studies to be implemented in cooperation with the Traffic Department, to further develop the concept and vision of the technical inspection process beyond being a mere regular technical inspection process to include important concepts of road safety, public safety and the local environment, through campaigns that raise awareness about road accidents, carbon emissions, and other issues of better interest to both the client and the general public.

Finally, WOQOD is sincerely grateful to all the public and civil authorities that contributed to the completion of this project. Special thanks and gratitude is extended to His Excellency Sheikh Abdullah Ben Naser Al Thani , Prime Minister , and Minister of Interior for his unlimited support to our company. Our thanks is also extended to the Ministry of Municipalities and Urban Planning, and all other concerned authorities and stakeholders.