The International Road Federation (IRF) successfully concluded a three-day Introduction to Road Safety Audits course in Doha, Qatar, from 25–27 May 2025. Organised jointly with the Qatar University’s Transportation and Traffic Safety Centre (TTS Centre) and the World Conference on Transport Research Society (WCTRS), the programme was hosted at the Le Méridien Hotel.

A total of 20 participants including highway engineers, traffic safety specialists and planners from Qatar’s public agencies and consulting firms took part. The course was led by Dr Wael K. M. Alhajyaseen (Associate Professor at Qatar University) and Miguel Ángel Serrano Santos (IRF Lead Trainer and UNOPS road safety specialist), who brought extensive global expertise to the training.

The course covered the full range of road safety audit (RSA) procedures and requirements. It emphasised the importance of conducting audits and implementing their recommendations to identify and address potential hazards on roads. Participants learned the latest methodologies and technologies for reducing traffic injury risk. The programme blended theoretical background with practical exercises, using examples from Qatar’s own road network to ensure that risk identification skills would be effective and impactful.  

• Rigorous methodology: The programme stressed a thorough, systematic approach to road safety auditing as a cornerstone of preventing crashes.   

• Comprehensive curriculum: Topics ranged from audit procedures and standards to effective implementation of safety recommendations.   

• Practical focus: Real-world case studies and exercises, tailored to Qatar’s road environment, helped participants apply their knowledge directly to local infrastructure.   

• Expert instructors: International and local road safety specialists shared best practices and guided attendees through hands-on analysis.   

• Certification: All 20 participants earned an official IRF training certificate upon completing the course.  

Participants and organisers emphasised that this capacity-building initiative will directly contribute to safer roads in Qatar. “This course demonstrates the significance of a rigorous approach to road safety audits, equipping engineers with the expert knowledge needed to keep our roads safe.” — Commented Miguel Ángel Serrano Santos, IRF Lead Trainer.    

Dr Wael K. M. Alhajyaseen, Qatar Transportation and Traffic Safety Centre added “Capacity building and collaboration are key to improving road safety. By working together, local authorities and international experts can share knowledge and strengthen skills to reduce traffic risks.”    

“IRF is committed to advancing safer roads through knowledge exchange and technical training. This course exemplifies our mission to empower transport professionals with the latest road safety expertise.” — Gonzalo Alcaraz, Acting Director General of IRF