Doha
UMR Index
Score: 48.1%
Sustainable Mobility
Score: 30.0%
Public Transit
Score: 47.0%
| Population | 1.3 million |
| Surface area (km2) | 575 |
| Population-density (people/km2) | 2,212 |
| GDP per capita ($) | 83,393 |
What Doha Does Well in Urban Mobility
The Qatari capital provides the latest example of how hosting a major global event can do wonders for urban mobility. In preparation for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, authorities built a metro system with automated lines and improved bus and light-rail infrastructure to enable residents and tourist to travel easily around the city.
The city also has a well-connected network of roadways. Qatar is expanding the Al Wakra Main Road, a main artery connecting the capital to the coastal city of Al Wakra just to the south, to increase its capacity by 50%. The project, scheduled for completion by the end of 2023, intersects with two metro stations and includes cycling and pedestrian paths.
Urban Mobility Readiness Index, Sustainable Mobility and Public Transit scores
Challenges and Opportunities for Doha’s Transportation System
As in much of the Middle East, Doha has struggled to promote active mobility modes, like walking and cycling, as residents prefer cars. Poor cycling infrastructure and lack of car-free zones have impeded progress. Authorities are taking steps to encourage those alternatives. Doha boasts one of the most affordable public transit and provides free bus and van services to major metro stations.
Only a small proportion of personal cars are electric vehicles (EVs), and the government hasn’t invested heavily to incentivize purchases or develop charging stations. The authorities are promoting the electrification of the public bus network and development of associated charging infrastructure, though, with the aim of having a fully electric fleet by 2030.
Dimensions of the Urban Mobility Readiness Index score
How Doha Can Improve Its Public Transportation and Sustainable Mobility
Doha could increase monetary incentives for EVs with purchase subsidies or tax exemptions. It also could introduce non-monetary incentives like EV-dedicated lanes or a low-emission zone to limit combustion engine cars. In June, Qatari firm EcoTranzit announced plans to design and manufacture a line of electric vehicles with international partners, with a goal of converting 25% of personal cars to EVs.
Doha's public transit system is underutilized. To increase its attractiveness, the city can increase operating hours and commute speeds, and invest in expanded metro infrastructure. Current plans call for extending metro lines and introducing a new line. Implementing car-free zones, meanwhile, can encourage commuters to use public transit.