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More than 2,500 trial trips have been completed since the first phase of the country's autonomous electric taxi pilot began in August 2025, with the operation succeeding more than 94% of the time without any human intervention — and user satisfaction running high, even with a safety officer aboard throughout.That record has cleared the way for phase two: full operation, no driver.Eng Nayla Khaled al-Nuaimi, In-Charge of the Road Affairs Department at the Ministry of Transport, said the pilot — run with Mowasalat (Karwa) — confirms that the operational and technical systems are ready for wider driverless service, and that the second phase can proceed in co-ordination with the competent authorities. The first phase tested the operational, technical and regulatory dimensions of the technology, traffic safety, infrastructure readiness and how such vehicles might slot into the existing transport system.The robotaxi is the visible edge of something much larger. The Transportation Master Plan for Qatar-2050 directs investment into infrastructure and into road and public transport networks tied to urban expansion, population growth and future demand for both mobility and freight.The ministry expects measurable returns: higher revenue, lower vehicle operating costs, shorter journey times, fewer crashes and fewer emissions — and a place among global leaders in safe, sustainable transport.Sustainability sits at the centre of the plan: expanding eco-friendly modes, cutting carbon emissions, rationalising energy and fuel consumption, strengthening the sector's financial footing through transport demand policies, and widening partnerships to build and operate projects.Underpinning all of it is data. A national project to collect traffic data has established the case for a Transportation Data Management System — a digital platform built on advanced spatial and geographic databases that lets government agencies and consultancies analyse traffic flows, conduct studies and support decision-making against the latest global standards.Elsewhere, the ministry is building out smart traffic management systems that analyse data and propose fixes for road safety, camera and sensor monitoring networks, integration between the Doha Metro, buses, taxis and limousines through digital applications, and passenger information systems delivering real-time trip and arrival data.Al-Nuaimi said the ministry intends to intensify the use of electric and self-driving buses and vehicles across public transport, while expanding the digital infrastructure that connects vehicles to roads, developing legislation to regulate land transport activities, and applying data analysis and AI to the planning, operation and maintenance of road networks.Two further plans are in motion. A comprehensive public transport plan aims to improve network efficiency, ease congestion, raise connectivity between modes, support urban expansion and set a long-term vision for a more integrated network. A comprehensive bicycle plan promotes active mobility and folds bicycles and micro-mobility into the urban transport system — better quality of life, lower fuel use, fewer emissions.Internationally, the ministry takes part in specialised conferences and workshops on AI applications, smart traffic management, connected and self-driving vehicles, rail and metro projects and integrated transport, alongside co-operation with international institutions.Technology alone will not carry it, al-Nuaimi cautioned. Success depends equally on legislation, cybersecurity, data quality and persuading people to use public transport.Forecasts point to cities leaning harder on self-driving vehicles, on-demand services and AI-based traffic management in the years ahead. Qatar is building the digital infrastructure to meet that shift — and positioning itself as a regional centre for transport innovation. 

The Ministry of Interior, through the General Directorate of Traffic, has launched a public awareness campaign in the Sealine area to promote traffic safety culture among car and motorcycle sports enthusiasts. The campaign included a visit to the Sealine Car Track and meetings with supervisors, participants and spectators to highlight safety procedures and the importance of following them. It also featured awareness activities, interactive competitions and the distribution of educational materials to help raise awareness among young people and reduce risks. **media[382254]** Lt. Col. Hadi Mohammed al-Hajri, media and communications officer at the General Directorate of Traffic, said during the campaign that the directorate is committed to the safety of visitors to the Sealine area and to promoting traffic awareness across all segments of the community. He noted that the awareness messages rely on being physically present among the target audience to ensure clarity and impact. Lt. Col. al-Hajri stressed the importance of protecting the lives of racers and motorsport enthusiasts by adhering to safety rules and requirements, adding that they should set an example for other young people. He also praised the efforts of the Qatar Traffic Safety Society and the organisers of the Sealine track, commending their co-operation in providing a safe environment that enables young people to pursue their interests within well-regulated guidelines.