Qatar has achieved many goals set under country’s vision to transform its transport system into an eco-friendly and sustainable model to address global challenge of climate change.
Qatar is continuously pursuing an electric and sustainable transportation system, incorporating both electric vehicles (EVs) and autonomous vehicles (AVs) into its vision which is in line with goals like Qatar National Vision 2030 and Qatar’s National Environment and Climate Change Strategy.
Now under a new welcome initiative, Minister of Transport H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Thani has laid the foundation stone for an electric bus assembly plant at Um Alhoul Free Zone, in collaboration between Mowasalat (Karwa), Yutong and Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ).
The project aims at establishing a production hub for EU-standard electric buses on an area of nearly 53,000 square metres. The construction is set to be complete by the end of 2025. By then, the facility will have begun producing electric city buses, metro feeder buses, school buses, and more, with an initial output capacity of 300 buses a year. Over time, the facility will scale up to meet both local demand and the growing needs of international markets across the MENA region and Europe.
This greenfield plant, equipped with state-of-the-art welding, painting, assembly, and testing workshops, will utilise cutting-edge electro-mobility technologies, ensuring efficient and sustainable production processes. The plant is expected to be a pioneer project in delivering experience and industry localisation. The project is leveraging the advanced capabilities of both Mowasalat and Yutong, and expanding Yutong’s manufacturing footprint in the free zones in Qatar.
Transitioning to electric buses and embracing autonomous vehicles will bring in cleaner air, lower energy consumption, and a safer, more efficient transportation system, ultimately enhancing the well-being of citizens and residents.
The Ministry of Transport (MoT) is working to achieve the gradual transition of Qatar’s public transport bus system to 100% electric fleet by 2030. Qatar ranked ninth globally in the 2023 Global Electric Mobility Readiness Index as it actively supports the adoption of EVs as part of its transport infrastructure.
The Ministry also launched the Autonomous Vehicles Strategy to regulate the terms and conditions of using such vehicles in Qatar aiming to provide smart, and environmentally conscious transit systems. This enhances Qatar’s global position in terms of adopting e-mobility, supporting innovation, and keeping pace with eco-friendly mobility industry advancements.
