Qatar has begun operational trials of self-driving electric taxis, marking a major step in its Autonomous Vehicles Strategy.

The initiative, led by Mowasalat (Karwa) in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport, aims to integrate AI-powered, zero-emission transport into the country’s broader mobility network.

The pilot will be conducted in selected tourist and service zones and unfold in two distinct phases. The first phase involves unmanned trial runs without passengers, during which a specialized team will monitor vehicle performance and assess technical readiness. In the second phase, scheduled to continue through the first quarter of 2026, the robotaxis will operate with passengers on board without a human driver.

Each Level 4 autonomous taxi is equipped with six medium and long-range cameras, four radar sensors, and four LiDAR units (light detection and ranging). These allow the vehicle to detect its surroundings, make real-time driving decisions, and navigate safely through complex urban environments.

This initiative builds on the success of Qatar’s earlier autonomous electric bus trials and aligns with the country’s long-term plans to integrate advanced, sustainable technologies into public transportation. In addition to evaluating vehicle performance, the trials will help shape future regulatory frameworks and guide infrastructure development to support next-generation mobility.

By investing in advanced pilot programs, Qatar continues to position itself at the forefront of smart transport innovation in the region.