Qatar has achieved a remarkable position as the leading country in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region regarding the ‘Share of Populations with Convenient Access to Public Transport’, boasting 91.7 percent, as reported by the International Association of Public Transport (UITP) in the ‘MENA Transport Report 2025’, released by the Centre for Transport Excellence, Ministry of Transport, in a statement on Tuesday.
The statement elaborated that this year’s report expanded its analysis, encompassing public transportation systems in 40 cities across 14 MENA countries.
Doha city stands out for having the world’s highest number of kilometers per million inhabitants (64 km per 1 million population) compared to numerous global capital cities. Additionally, Doha ranks third worldwide for the number of public buses per million inhabitants (969 buses per 1 million inhabitants), underscoring Qatar’s substantial investment in public transportation, QNA reported,
In terms of its metro network fleet, Doha is positioned fourth globally for the number of metro cars (278 cars per 1 million inhabitants), as noted in the statement.
Efficient public transport fares
The UITP report ranks Qatar among the top 20 countries globally concerning public transportation user experience, alongside cities like Amsterdam, Geneva, and Singapore. It highlights Qatar as one of the most efficient nations in terms of public transportation fares, assessed through Purchasing Power Parity (PPP), thereby making public transportation accessible to all.
Furthermore, the report emphasizes Qatar’s high ranking in the MENA region for environmental sustainability within its transportation system, supported by comprehensive plans for transitioning to clean energy.
Qatar is also recognized for its advanced smart infrastructure in public transportation, featuring an integrated network bolstered by digital transformation and sustainable facilities.
The report commends Qatar’s qualitative advancements in enhancing its public transportation system, focusing on infrastructure, sustainability, digital transformation, and the integration of various mobility modes. This progress effectively meets the needs of both the local population and visitors, aligning with Qatar National Vision 2030.
It underscores that such significant advancements have positioned Qatar as a leader in public transportation both regionally and internationally.
The Doha Metro is celebrated as one of the most sophisticated and efficient mobility systems globally, thanks to its fully driverless automation and high ridership rates per million inhabitants. The report also highlights the critical role of the Doha Metro in facilitating major events hosted by Qatar, most notably during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, where fans experienced safe and seamless transportation.
World’s largest e-bus depot
The report notes that the Lusail Tram exemplifies ambitious urban planning, serving the smart city of Lusail with the highest kilometers per million inhabitants compared to similar cities. The Lusail tramway network showcases a forward-thinking vision aimed at enhancing urban mobility.
“Qatar has taken significant steps toward electrification, with Doha integrating electric buses into its public transport network. Qatar has outlined plans to transition its public bus fleet to full electrification by 2030, supported by an expanding charging infrastructure and investments in smart mobility,” the report states.
Moreover, it mentions that Lusail is home to the world’s largest e-bus depot powered by solar energy, equipped with advanced infrastructure, including smart charging stations, digital tracking systems, and green maintenance centers.
The report further applauds Qatar’s achievement in integrating diverse transportation modes into a unified system, providing users with multiple solutions such as electronic payments via cards and applications, as well as smart platforms for trip planning and bus tracking. This integration facilitates smooth and efficient connectivity between metro networks, buses, trams, and shared mobility options.
According to the UITP report, Qatar’s public transportation experience serves as a model both regionally and globally, merging operational efficiency, environmental sustainability, and technological innovation.
It also reflects the nation’s commitment to fulfilling the Qatar National Vision 2030 and sustainable development goals, enhancing its preparedness for major events and providing a world-class urban mobility experience.
