The State of Qatar is keen on providing better transport services for citizens and residents alike.
Numerous modern means of transport are available in Qatar through the official land transport company Mowasalat. These include airport taxis, regular taxis, VIP limousines, standard limousines, public transport buses, school buses and private cars for hire.
Taxis
There are two types of taxi services available: regular taxis and airport taxis. All vehicles are newly manufactured, air conditioned and equipped with the latest communication and navigation systems. The vehicles are radio-controlled by a state of the art communications centre and driven by trained and qualified drivers.
Airport Taxis
These are station wagons that take up to six passengers. They were chosen for their suitability for trips to and from Doha International Airport, where the airport taxi cars are found around the clock, seven days a week and throughout the year. They can be booked in advance through the communications centre at the company.
Regular Taxis
These are modern saloon cars that take up to four passengers. They are always available on the streets and at the numerous taxi ranks at commercial centers, clubs and hotels. They can also be booked in advance through the communications centre by calling the company.
Visitors can request the bright turquoise taxis wherever they are or book them in advance by calling (+974) 4588888 round the clock, or via the Internet at the Mowasalat website. The meter starts at QR 4 and adds QR 1 for every kilometer in addition to QR 1 for booked taxis.
Limousines
There are two types of limousine services available: first class limousines and regular limousines.
- VIP Limousines
These are first class luxury cars suitable for businessmen or those who are looking for a bit of luxury. They can be rented from the Taxi and Limousine Department of the company or through the communications centre. This service is also available at Doha International Airport and five star hotels.
- Standard Limousines
These are medium-class cars that do not carry the company’s logo or colors and have been found to be suitable for customers who are looking for a bit of privacy and a high level of service. They can be used for one way or multiple trips. They can also be rented on both a short-term or long-term basis. You can reserve limousines for a specific trip or on an hourly basis. The minimum rate to rent a limousine ranges from QR 10-15 and then two riyals for every kilometer. Hourly rates range from QR 35-40. The drivers of these cars wear official uniforms and are proficient in English. The transport company maintains a fleet of taxi cars which include BMW 7S specialized for Doha dignitary’s limousine service.
Rent a Car
Visitors can enjoy hiring the latest car models starting from as little as QR 80 per day, as several worldwide car hire companies are competing in the Qatari market. Qatari Traffic Law allows visitors to obtain a temporary drivers license.
Buses
Buses provide a very affordable, comfortable, air-conditioned ride to most areas of Doha from the newly built Al Ghanim Bus Station off Grand Hamad Street. Inner city rides cost QR 2. Buses also connect Doha with all parts of the Industrial Area and all major towns for up to QR 7.
Within the framework of developing public transport services, Mowasalat added new air conditioned buses to its fleet. The company embarked on a pioneering step in the region when it added to its fleet of buses serving in Doha modern electric-powered buses in order to protect the environment and provide better safety and comfort for passengers.
The company adopts a strategic vision for the future of Qatar's transport sector. It works tirelessly to achieve the following goals:
- To be customer and market focused
- To be focused on Qatarization
- To be the employer of choice
- To contribute to the image and the development of Qatar
- To be recognized brand
- To be a successful franchisor
- To be the provider of choice within the integrated ground transport industry
- Operational Excellence
- To be environmentally friendly
- Values:
- Customer driven
- Best of breed/world class
- Integrity
- Transparency
- Employee Development
- Accountability
- Empowerment
- Progressive
- Passionately committed, energized and diverse workforce.