Ongoing investment in Qatar’s transport sector has transformed mobility across the country over the past decade. Backed by long-term strategic planning, the government has focused on developing a comprehensive, multi-modal network that enhances connectivity. In the lead up to the 2022 FIFA World Cup, significant resources were channelled into expanding transport infrastructure to accommodate the expected surge in visitors. This included the development of roads, public transport systems and airport facilities. Looking ahead, authorities aim to boost uptake of modern public transport options while also promoting more sustainable modes of travel, such as walking and cycling, to meet the demands of a growing population.
Investment in transport has moderated slightly since the World Cup, but plans remain in place for several major expansion projects, including the development of a cross-country rail network and the introduction of air and water taxi services. As such, a shift in funding is expected, with the government aiming to attract increased private sector investment following several years of substantial public financing.
Structure & Oversight
The Ministry of Transport (MoT) oversees the sector, managing land, sea and air transport in line with the aims of Qatar National Vision (QNV) 2030 development strategy. The authority also ensures that Qatar’s transport sector adheres to international standards.
Some of the principal aims set out in QNV 2030 include the development of a metro system in the capital city of Doha and the construction of the Lusail Tram in the greater metropolitan area. It also focuses on the provision of a multi-modal transport system including electric buses, and improved routes for pedestrians and cyclists. The government aims to transform the entirety of its bus fleet to electric by 2030.
Qatar’s Third National Development Strategy 2024-30 outlines mid-term goals that support the overarching QNV 2030 objectives. It focuses on three growth clusters – logistics, manufacturing and tourism – and aims to establish Qatar as a re-export centre for select high-value products and to strengthen the country’s air transport sector to make it internationally competitive.
The Transport Master Plan for Qatar 2050 (TMPQ 2050), published in 2022, provides a strategic roadmap for the development of Qatar’s transport infrastructure. It echoes the overarching aims of QNV 2030, such as preparing Qatar’s transport sector for population and tourism growth, as well as economic diversification through the development of a strong logistics sector. TMPQ 2050 outlines 37 road network projects and 30 public transit network projects, as well as electric and low-emissions options. It develops over 60 national land transport policies, including initiatives for road networks, public transport, transport services management, laws and governance, and transport technologies.
Various organisations oversee the transport sector. Qatar Airways owns Hamad International Airport (HIA), while Qatar Rail oversees the railway network. Mwani Qatar, the government-owned ports management company, manages the seaports and shipping terminals.
The MoT is increasingly focusing on incorporating digital technologies into the sector to make it more internationally competitive, as well as on sustainable development that aligns with national aims for decarbonisation and an eventual shift to renewable energy. The Darb mobile phone application was launched by the MoT in March 2025 to enhance accessibility to the agency’s digital services. The app mainly provides digital services for Qatar’s maritime sector at present. It is expected to be expanded to cover other transport sectors, including land transport licensing.
Performance & Investment
The government invested heavily in the lead up to the 2022 FIFA World Cup, as it prepared for an influx of 1.4m visitors during the tournament. The MoT primarily focused on strengthening Doha’s transport network, including the delivery of the metro and the Lusail tram network, as well as road network projects, including improved bicycle and pedestrian routes.
Sectoral growth has stabilised since the conclusion of the World Cup, as the MoT shifts its focus to advancing its long-term strategic goals in line with QNV 2030. These include expanding Qatar’s transport network beyond Doha and strengthening connectivity within the GCC. Qatar’s strategic location — connecting Asia, Africa and Europe — supports the government in achieving its aim of establishing the country as a transport and logistics hub. The transport and storage sector contributed just over 5.4% to the country’s GDP in 2024.
The expansion of the transport sector plays a pivotal role in advancing the government’s strategy to diversify the economy beyond hydrocarbons. After substantial public investment, the government is now focused on attracting increased private financing to drive future transport projects. To support this shift, a new public-private partnership (PPP) law was introduced in 2020, designed to strengthen private sector participation and foster sustainable economic development.
Fostering relationships with regional and international players is key to establishing Qatar’s reputation as a transport centre. In September 2024 the government signed an amended agreement on the regulation of transit transport with Arab League countries, establishing clear guidelines to enhance efficiency, streamline Customs procedures and strengthen transport infrastructure — all aimed at deepening economic ties and reducing trade barriers between members.
The fifth meeting of the Joint Russian-Qatari Commission on Trade, Economic and Technical Cooperation was held in Doha in March 2025, where the government discussed a draft memorandum of cooperation for transport with Russian representatives. The two countries aim to partner on several transport projects, including the construction of a railway, highway and port infrastructure in both Russia and Qatar, as well as joint projects in other countries.
The MoT is also focusing on integrating advanced technologies into Qatar’s transport systems to make them more internationally competitive. The need for greater digitalisation is highlighted in QNV 2030 and is seen as important for improving safety and efficiency.
Roads & Bridges
Qatar has experienced rapid population growth as well as economic expansion in recent years, a trend that is expected to continue. This has resulted in the need for improved land transport to support the industrial, commercial and service sectors. The enhancement of Qatar’s land transport network is viewed by the government as key to economic growth. The MoT plans to continue improving Doha’s roads and expand road networks outside of the capital. To this end, the MoT completed 9238 transactions, including licensing, granting building permits, planning, road safety and signage measures, in the land transport sector in the first nine months of 2024, a 75% increase from the same period in the previous year.
The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) is responsible for the development and maintenance of Qatar’s road network. The organisation’s Expressway Programme, launched in 2017, was completed before the World Cup, providing some 800 km of roads across 30 projects. The programme aims to alleviate congestion and enhance connectivity for commuters. It includes plans to incorporate reliable underground utilities, such as stormwater networks and electrical services, as well as to roll out intelligent transport systems equipped with advanced technologies. It also focuses on the safe and efficient movement of cyclists and pedestrians.
Ashghal recently inaugurated a new expressway in the Industrial Area of Doha, following an expansion from three lanes to four. The 5-km road accommodates around 16,000 vehicles per hour. The project included the development of new water, electricity and telecommunications infrastructure, as well as upgraded sewage and rainwater drainage systems. More contracts are expected to be awarded for road improvements over the next five years. This includes the North of Al Rifaa Street project, which will see the development of over 30 km of road infrastructure in the area and is projected to be completed by 2027. The long-delayed Qatar-Bahrain Causeway, known as the “friendship bridge”, was approved in 2023. The project was first announced in 2008 with a projected cost of $3bn to connect Qatar’s north-west coast to Bahrain, reducing travel time from five hours to 30 minutes. It supports the aims of enhancing connectivity between GCC countries set out in QNV 2030.
Rail
Qatar’s rail segment is forecast to grow substantially over the next decades as the MoT develops a national rail service to complement its new inner-city network. Supporting these networks, Qatar Rail was established in 2011 to develop, operate and maintain rail infrastructure in line with QNV 2030. Prior to this, Qatar did not have a domestic rail network. The long-term vision for the rail sector includes the expansion of the Doha Metro and Lusail Tram systems, alongside the development of a nation-wide high-speed passenger and freight rail service. The Railways Law took effect in June 2020, providing the country with a framework for operating and regulating the railways.
The government plans to support economic growth and deeper integration into the GCC through the development of a cross-regional railway network. During the 26th meeting of the Committee of GCC Ministers of Transport and Communications in November 2024, Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, the secretary general of the GCC, announced progress on the Gulf railway project. Albudaiwi said that the network is expected to carry over 8m passengers and 95m tonnes of freight by 2045.
Air
HIA, which opened in May 2014 and served 15.7m passengers in its inaugural year, experienced significant growth over the decade. In 2024, passenger numbers reached a record 52.7m, a 15% increase from the previous year. The airport has firmly established itself as a key transport leader in the MENA region, with 279,000 aircraft movements recorded in 2024 — around 10% more than in 2023. Cargo volumes also increased, with approximately 2.6 million tonnes handled — a 12% rise — alongside the processing of 41.3m bags.
HIA’s performance was recognised globally, winning the World’s Best Airport 2024 award at the World Airport Awards held in Frankfurt. It has also secured titles for the World’s Best Airport Shopping and Best Airport in the Middle East. Local passenger traffic surged by 16% in 2024, surpassing transfer traffic as Doha’s popularity as a tourist destination grew. The airport expanded its flight network to 197 destinations served by 55 airlines. New carriers joining the roster included China Southern Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Japan Airlines, Garuda Indonesia and Akasa Air.
National carrier Qatar Airways added several new routes in 2024, connecting Doha to cities like Hamburg, Lisbon, Osaka and Toronto. Market expansion was particularly notable in China, which saw an 87% increase in traffic. Emerging Asian markets such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam also contributed to growth. Meanwhile, flights to established European destinations, such as France, Germany, Spain and the UK, continued to see double-digit increases.
The government signed the EU-Qatar air transport agreement in 2021, committing both sides to fair competition and to social and environmental protection. The agreement permits EU airlines to operate direct flights from any airport in the bloc to Qatar and allows Qatari airlines equal access to EU countries. However, in February 2025, reports emerged that several major European airlines had raised questions about aspects of the agreement. The European Network Airlines Association (ENAA) contacted the European Commission to request further clarity on the implementation of the deal, citing the importance of financial transparency. While these discussions reflect the competitive pressures within the sector, the agreement remains in provisional force and continues to support increased connectivity between Qatar and the EU.
Ports
The expansion of Qatar’s maritime and logistics sector is viewed as key to achieving the economic growth and diversification aims set out in QNV 2030. Qatar Ports Management Company (Mwani) manages the maritime sector and works closely with the International Maritime Organisation to ensure national legislation aligns with international shipping standards. Several other entities also participate in port management, including the MoT’s Maritime Transport Planning Department, Maritime Transport Licensing Department, Ship Registry and Seafarers Affairs Department, Marine Systems and Investigations Department and Maritime Safety Department.
There are three main ports in Qatar: Doha, Hamad in the Umm Al Houl area and Al Ruwais in the north of the country. The Hamad and Al Ruwais ports provide Qatar’s main trade shipping routes, while Doha Port is integral to the country’s growing tourism industry. Together, the ports handled 351,564 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), in the first quarter of 2024, marking a 4% year-on-year increase. Approximately 367,350 tonnes of cargo were processed during this period.
Mwani Qatar recorded a 23% increase in trans-shipment cargo in 2024 compared to 2023. The three ports handled 1.5m tonnes of general cargo, 1.3m TEUs, 499,376 heads of livestock and 278,742 tonnes of building materials in 2024, with 2542 vessels docking.
Since the expansion of Hamad Port was completed in 2024, it connects to over 100 maritime destinations worldwide, through 30 direct shipping lines. Recent investments in port improvement projects have helped establish Qatar as a regional maritime leader. In the World Bank Container Port Performance Index, Hamad Port’s ranking rose from 38th globally in 2020 to third out of 370 in 2021. The British Safety Council awarded Mwani Qatar the Globe of Honour Award and the Sector Award in 2024, recognising the group for successful environmental management and significant contributions to sustainable development.
In line with QNV 2030, the MoT and Mwani have incorporated several advanced technologies into Qatar’s ports and have used sustainable development practices throughout the development of the ports. The Hamad Port expansion project included several environmental protection measures, such as the installation of fixed and mobile environmental monitoring systems that measure ambient air quality, noise, groundwater, water quality and the marine environment.
Urban Transport
Commuters and tourists in Qatar are increasingly choosing to use public transport due to its convenience, affordability and sustainability. The government invested heavily in public transport infrastructure, particularly in preparation for the influx of tourists during the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Moreover, new networks have been fitted with contactless payment systems and real-time tracking, as well as other technologies, to improve efficiency.
A comprehensive public transport system will help alleviate traffic as the population of Doha increases from 2.5m in 2015 to around 3.2m by 2030. The government is working to encourage more people to use public transport by offering fare subsidies and also by implementing stricter regulations on private vehicles.
The public transport sector in Qatar is expected to attract a revenue of $517.4m in 2025, which is forecast to increase at an annual rate of 2.9% from 2025 to 2029, to $579.8m. Public transport users are forecast to total 1.7m by 2029, with a projected user penetration rate of 51.5%. As the government encourages greater digitalisation and the incorporation of modern technologies into public transport networks, approximately 26% of the sector’s revenue is expected to be generated through online sales by 2029.
Metro & Tram
The first phase of the Doha Metro was inaugurated in 2019, with the launch of three lines – the red, green and gold lines – covering 76 km and 37 stations. The network has 110 driverless trains capable of reaching speeds of 100 km per hour and with a total capacity of over 32,000 passengers per hour in each direction. The metro connects Doha city centre with HIA and other greater metropolitan areas.
The Lusail Tram network has four lines with 28 electric trams, connect with two metro stations – Legtaifiya and Lusail – with 25 stations, 10 of which are underground. The government decided to develop a tramline to make Doha’s public transport system more sustainable and the Lusail tram is expected to become the primary transport network in Lusail City, a sustainable and smart urban development.
Buses & EVs
The MoT’s Public Bus Infrastructure Programme aligns closely with the goals of QNV 2030, supporting the expansion of a sustainable public transit network that serves all urban areas and link with the Doha Metro network. The programme encompasses the construction and upgrading of eight bus stations and four bus depots, equipped with over 650 charging stations for electric bus (e-bus) operations. Additionally, it includes the development of four park-and-ride facilities. The ministry aims to establish a total of 2300 bus stops both within Doha as well as in surrounding areas.
In line with the Qatar National Environment and Climate Change Strategy, the ministry has outlined targets to make 35% of all vehicles – and the entire public bus fleet – electric by 2030. By the first quarter of 2024, Qatar achieved a 73% electrification rate for its public bus fleet, a significant milestone that puts the country on track to meet its end-of-decade objective. This progress supports the government’s broader commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions in the transport sector in the coming decades.
In 2024 Qatar’s public transport provider Mowasalat – the operator of Karwa services – entered into a strategic and forward-looking partnership with the Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Yutong to conduct trials of an autonomous electric bus at the Lusail Bus Depot. The trial aims to evaluate the performance, safety and efficiency of driverless e-buses under local conditions, paving the way for the future adoption of fully autonomous public transit solutions across the country’s urban landscape.
Further bolstering this vision, Mohammed bin Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Thani, the minister of transport, laid the foundation stone in December 2024 for an electric bus manufacturing plant in the Umm Alhoul Free Zone. The 53,000 sq metre facility is anticipated to become a production facility for EU-standard electric buses, with construction expected to finish before the close of 2025. Upon completion, the plant will have the capacity to produce up to 300 electric city, metro feeder and school buses annually, catering both to local demand and export markets.
Air & Water Taxis
There are extensive taxi services available in Qatar. Mowasalat has a 24/7 online taxi-hailing service through its mobile application, website or via its call centre. The company announced a strategic partnership with Uber in May 2024 to offer Karwa taxi services via the Uber platform, further enhancing accessibility. The MoT announced in 2024 that it planned to take legal action against unlicensed taxis, stating that there were only seven transport organisations in Qatar that were licensed to operate as ride-hailing services: Uber, Karwa Technologies, QDrive, Badr, Aber, Zoom Ride and Ryde.
The government plans to expand its taxi services by developing both sea and air options. The MoT completed phase one of its Doha water taxi project in November 2024, which connects with the public transit network and is expected to help ease congestion. Phase one included the development of the Lusail Ferry Terminal, the Pearl Ferry Stop and the Corniche Ferry Stop. Planned future expansions include services to Katara, Old Doha Port, HIA and Al Wakra. The aim is to eventually link Old Doha Port to Al Khor, passing through Lusail City and Simaisma.
The government held the first session of the Autonomous e-Mobility Forum series entitled “The Future of Air Mobility: Innovations and Emerging Trends” in August 2024 to support the development of Qatar’s autonomous transport sector. Officials discussed the implementation of an air taxi programme in 2025. If it goes ahead, air taxis will be fitted with artificial intelligence and advanced navigation systems to enable autonomous or semi-autonomous flights. The government hopes to develop the project through a PPP.
Outlook
After approximately a decade of significant and sustained public investment in Qatar’s transport sector, future development is expected to rely increasingly on higher levels of private financing and participation. The introduction of robust and forward-looking transport policies, aligned with the broader goals of QNV 2030, is likely to support this transition by fostering a more attractive environment for private investors. In parallel, a number of road, rail and public transport expansion projects are scheduled for completion over the next 25 years, reinforcing the long-term growth of the sector.
The government’s proactive embrace of digitalisation has enabled the development of a modern, integrated transport network equipped with advanced technologies that enhance operational efficiency and overall international competitiveness. These innovations will enable the facilitation of smoother operations while also improving the overall travel experience for both passengers and freight. At the same time, upgrades to ports and the establishment of strategic economic free zones have collectively strengthened Qatar’s position as a major logistics destination linking Asia, the MENA region and Europe.
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