Qatar’s Self-Driving Taxis Are (Almost) Here!

Imagine hopping into a taxi with no driver, no small talk, and no awkward “card or cash?” convo. That future is closer than you think! Qatar is gearing up for a major tech leap with autonomous taxis hitting the roads soon and it’s giving futuristic vibes. The Ministry of Transport, in partnership with Karwa, just kicked off a pilot program that could change the way we move around Doha.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Lovin Doha | لوڤن الدوحة (@lovindoha)

Here’s what’s actually happening:

Before these high-tech cars can cruise through Doha on their own, Karwa’s starting with route mapping — think of it as setting the GPS for the future. This first phase is all about figuring out safe, efficient routes and ensuring the system understands the ins and outs of our streets. So while you might not see them on the Corniche just yet, this stage is laying the groundwork for a smooth ride ahead.

Autonomous Taxi Testing in Qatar

Meet the Robotaxi fleet

Each autonomous taxi is loaded with serious tech: we’re talking six cameras, four radars, and four LiDAR sensors (aka laser-based radars) to detect objects, traffic, and anything else that pops up mid-ride. The goal is safety, precision and a seamless ride without a driver in sight. It’s a bold step toward smart transport and Qatar’s taking the wheel.

Shopping
See more
More like this

Support Lovin

Loyal Lovin readers can support Lovin so we can continue to share the stories of all amazing cities

Minimum custom amount to enter is AED 2

By donating, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service