Mowasalat (Karwa), Qatar’s state-owned transport company, has successfully completed the initial trial phase for its electric robotaxis in Doha. The project, conducted under the supervision of the Ministry of Transport (MOT), is now preparing to launch its second phase, which will feature fully driverless vehicles operating on public roads.
Quick Facts
- Phase one included 2,500 autonomous trips.
- The pilot achieved a 94% success rate.
- Phase two will feature fully driverless vehicles.
From Trial to Public Roads
The initial trial involved autonomous vehicles making round trips between the MOT headquarters and the Old Doha Port. This phase, which began in August 2025 and launched a pilot commercial service via the Karwa app last December, saw the completion of 2,500 trips. Each vehicle operated with a trained safety officer in the driver’s seat.
The pilot reported positive outcomes, with a 94% success rate where no human intervention was required, exceeding initial safety and passenger satisfaction targets.
“This pioneering project aligns with the plans of the Autonomous Vehicles Strategy developed by the MOT and which aims to leverage advanced technology applications—incorporating the latest smart, ecofriendly systems—within the public transportation industry,” said Abdullah Saif Al-Sulaiti, MOT’s Assistant Undersecretary for Land Transport Affairs.
The Next Phase: Removing the Driver
With the initial trials complete, the project is set to advance to its second phase. This stage will introduce two autonomous robotaxis operating with no safety officer onboard. These vehicles will be monitored remotely.
According to Eng. Nayla Khaled Al Noaimi of the MOT’s Road Affairs Department, the successful pilot demonstrates that the operating and technical systems are ready for broader adoption. The goal of the next phase is to “advance to the full run of autonomous vehicles, without a driver, in coordination with the authorities concerned in Qatar.”
The driverless service will be rolled out gradually on three pre-approved routes: Old Doha Port–The Gate Mall, Souq Waqif–Sheraton Doha Hotel, and MIA–West Bay. The service will be made available to the public through the Karwa app after all safety requirements are met.
A National Vision for Smart Mobility
The initiative is a key part of Qatar’s strategy to integrate sustainable and intelligent mobility solutions, aligning with the goals of the Qatar National Vision 2030.
“We are working side-by-side with and under the supervision of the Ministry of Transport on this vital project,” said Ahmed Hassan Al-Obaidly, CEO of Mowasalat (Karwa). “At Mowasalat, we dedicated all necessary resources… to ensure the success of this initiative across all its stages. Our goal is to deliver the service to the public with the highest standards of safety and comfort.”
About Mowasalat (Karwa)
Mowasalat, operating under the brand name Karwa, is the primary transport service provider in Qatar. The state-owned company manages a fleet of taxis, public buses, and provides transport solutions for major events. It is central to Qatar’s efforts to develop and modernize its public transportation network with a focus on smart and sustainable technologies.
Source: Zawya
