Qatar Tourism and Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen off-road safety awareness among residents, families and high-risk groups engaging in desert activities, according to the Qatar Tribune.
The agreement aims to enhance coordination between the two organisations, with a focus on promoting safer off-road and leisure experiences, particularly during the popular camping season. Under the MoU, both parties will maintain open communication channels and roll out targeted awareness initiatives across schools and communities.
Planned measures include school-based programmes delivered in collaboration with Road Safety Officers, as well as community campaigns and seasonal events designed to address risks linked to all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and four-wheel drive activities. The initiatives will highlight common injuries associated with off-road driving and promote preventative practices.
Omar Abdulrahman Al Jaber, chief of the Tourism Development Sector at Qatar Tourism, described the agreement as part of a broader public sector collaboration to enhance desert tourism while prioritising safety.
“This agreement is a key component of a broader collaborative initiative with public sector stakeholders aimed at enhancing the desert experience while ensuring the utmost safety and security for residents and visitors,” he said.
“Given that desert excursions are a significant part of our Qatari culture and a popular tourism activity, we are delighted to work closely with HMC to improve safety measures and ensure residents explore Qatar’s landscapes safely.”
Dr. Hassan Al Thani, head of Trauma and Vascular Services at HMC, said data-driven insights have informed the partnership. Analysis from the Qatar National Trauma Registry of patients injured in ATV-related incidents showed that serious accidents did not occur at facilities managed by Qatar Tourism.
“Based on the findings, HMC’s Hamad Trauma Center recommends using these facilities for ATV-related activities, as they are designed and managed by a specialized team that prioritizes user safety and comfort, and adheres to internationally recognized standards,” he said.
As part of the collaboration, both organisations will exchange best practices, deliver specialised courses and workshops, and share monitoring techniques and databases. HMC will also provide updated data on severe off-road traffic crashes and injuries linked to recreational driving.
Qatar Tourism will use this information to assess high-risk locations, evaluate well-known off-road sites and implement risk mitigation measures, reinforcing its commitment to safer desert tourism experiences across the country.
