Overview
The Doha Metro is a rapid transit system serving the capital city of Qatar and its surrounding areas. The system is operated by Qatar Rail and forms the backbone of Qatar’s public transport strategy, which aims to reduce road congestion, lower carbon emissions from transport, and provide efficient mobility across the metropolitan area.
The Metro was developed as part of the infrastructure programme associated with the FIFA World Cup 2022, though its role extends well beyond the tournament as a permanent urban transit system.
Network
The Doha Metro comprises three lines:
- Red Line (Coast Line) — runs from Al Wakra in the south to Lusail in the north, connecting the southern suburbs, Hamad International Airport, central Doha, West Bay, and Lusail City. It is the longest line in the network.
- Green Line (Education Line) — runs from Al Mansoura to Al Riffa, serving Education City, Al Shaqab, and the Qatar National Library.
- Gold Line (Historic Line) — runs from Ras Bu Abboud to Al Aziziyah, serving the National Museum of Qatar, Souq Waqif, and Sports City.
The three lines converge at Msheireb Station, the central interchange hub located in downtown Doha. The station is one of the deepest underground structures in Qatar.
Construction and Design
The Metro was built using tunnel boring machines and cut-and-cover methods, with stations designed by international architectural firms. Several stations feature distinctive architectural treatments that reference Qatari cultural motifs. The system is fully driverless, using automated train operation technology.
Integration
The Metro is designed to integrate with other transport modes, including the Lusail Tram, public bus services operated by Mowasalat (Karwa), and park-and-ride facilities. Combined, these systems form an integrated public transport network intended to offer a viable alternative to private car use.
Significance
The Doha Metro is the most significant public transit investment in Qatar’s history. It represents a structural shift in the country’s approach to urban mobility — from an entirely car-dependent model to one that incorporates mass transit. The Metro is central to the Environmental Development Pillar of the National Vision 2030, which calls for sustainable urban planning and reduced transport-related emissions.