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Doha, Qatar: Qatar is moving into a new phase of transport and logistics development, with the Ministry of Transport advancing autonomous mobility and long-term public transport planning while Mwani Qatar reports strong cargo activity at the country’s commercial ports.
One of the most notable developments is the Ministry’s electric robotaxi programme. The first phase, which began in August 2025 and later moved into pilot commercial service through the Karwa application, completed around 2,500 trips.
According to the Ministry of Transport, 94% of the trips were completed without human intervention, with the pilot operating under the supervision of a trained safety officer.
The Ministry recently said the next phase will test two autonomous robotaxis without a safety officer onboard, using remote operation.
Three routes have already been tested and approved including Old Doha Port–The Gate Mall, Souq Waqif–Sheraton Doha Hotel and the Museum of Islamic Art–West Bay. The service will be introduced gradually, with each stage dependent on meeting the required safety standards.
The second phase will be carried out gradually on each route separately so that moving from one phase to another is conditioned on meeting all the necessary safety requirements. The service will be made available to the public via Karwa app after verifying and guaranteeing a fully safe deployment and operation.
The autonomous-vehicle programme is part of a wider effort to reshape public transportation in Qatar. In June, the Ministry held the first workshop for its new Qatar Public Transport Master Plan, which is intended to create a more integrated and sustainable transport network, improve accessibility, reduce congestion and decrease reliance on private cars.
The plan is being developed as a long-term framework for planning and operating public transport as Qatar’s population, urban areas and economy continue to grow. The Ministry said the project will also provide tools to help policymakers prioritise future transport investments and infrastructure.
At the same time, Qatar’s maritime sector is recording significant cargo activity. Mwani Qatar reported through its official X account that its ports handled more than 493,000 TEUs and nearly 273,000 tonnes of general cargo during the first half of 2026.
The figures indicate the continuing importance of Hamad Port, Doha Port and Al Ruwais Port to Qatar’s supply chain and wider economic activity. Industry reporting based on Mwani’s figures said the ports handled 493,105 TEUs, 273,325 tonnes of general cargo and more than 324,000 tonnes of bulk cargo between January and June, alongside almost 25,000 Ro-Ro units and more than 112,000 livestock. The ports received 866 vessel calls during the period.
Taken together, the developments show two sides of Qatar’s transport strategy which is modernising how people move within the country while strengthening how goods move through it.
