Foreign Ministry in Qatar launches smartphone app

HE Assistant Foreign Minister for Services and Follow-up Affairs Mr. Rashid bin Khalifa Al-Khalifa has on Tuesday officially launched the Foreign Ministry's smartphone application.
In a press conference held today, the ministry's information systems and technology department manager Dr. Saif Mohamed Saif Al-Saif Al Kuwari said the app comes as part of the ministry's efforts to facilitate citizens' access to its services and information, adding that the app is now available for iPhone, Blackberry, Android and Windows Mobile devices.
He added that the services and information on the app are the same as on the ministry's website but the app would serve as a second channel to access this information.
Dr. Al Kuwari said the new app is available in Arabic and English and allows for communication with diplomatic missions abroad and provides information on how to communicate with accredited missions in Qatar as well.
The app has information on visa requirements for Qatari citizens as well as non-Qatari residents interested in travelling abroad. In addition, it allows citizens to register their travel details in order for the ministry to be able to contact in cases of emergency.
On services that may require online payments Al Kuwari said this feature is not available at this point but might be added in the future, especially for services and ratifications.