Mowasalat
Mowasalat (Karwa) is Qatar's state-owned public transport company operating public buses, taxis, limousines, and an autonomous robotaxi service with the region's largest electric bus fleet, serving commuters, schools, corporates, and events.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2007
- HeadquartersDoha, Qatar
- Headcount5,001–10,000
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
What Mowasalat does
Mowasalat (Karwa) Q.P.S.C. is Qatar's state-owned public transport company, founded in 2007 and headquartered in Doha, operating an integrated mobility portfolio across public bus services, Karwa Taxi and Doha Limousine services, Metrolink feeder routes, MetroExpress on-demand transit, and school/corporate/event transport. The company serves general commuters, schools, corporate clients, tourists, and individual taxi users, and distributes services through its own Karwa Taxi and Karwa Journey Planner mobile applications, a 24/7 call center, website, WhatsApp, and a strategic Uber integration. Mowasalat employs between 5,001 and 10,000 people and runs over 900 electric buses — the largest such fleet in the region — housed at the Guinness World Record-holding Lusail depot with 478+ charging stations and 4 pantographs for fast charging.
Mowasalat's technology stack combines AI and machine-learning systems for predictive maintenance, route and schedule optimization, and passenger-flow modeling; autonomous electric bus trials at Lusail in partnership with Chinese manufacturer Yutong; and Qatar's first commercial RoboTaxi service launched in December 2025 with Pony.ai. Digital infrastructure is being modernized through an October 2025 agreement with Ooredoo for cloud, IoT, and passenger Wi-Fi. The Karwa Academy (formerly Karwa Driving School), IMI-certified and capable of training 500 trainees daily, supplies professional drivers internally and externally.
Revenue is generated through fare-based public bus and Metrolink services, transaction-based taxi and limousine bookings (Standard, VIP, and Luxury tiers including an Audi E-Tron EV limousine), subscription-based school and corporate transport contracts, transit advertising on vehicles and stations, and professional driving training fees. The company is wholly owned by the Government of Qatar (organized as a Qatari Public Shareholding Company but not publicly listed) and is expanding internationally via Karwa Motors LLC, a joint venture with the Oman Investment Authority for school bus supply and assembly.
Mowasalat firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Mowasalat
- Legal name
- Mowasalat (Karwa) Q.P.S.C.
- Website
- https://mowasalat.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2007
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 5,001–10,000 employees
- Short description
- Mowasalat (Karwa) is Qatar's state-owned public transport company operating public buses, taxis, limousines, and an autonomous robotaxi service with the region's largest electric bus fleet, serving commuters, schools, corporates, and events.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Mowasalat industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Public Transportation Services
- NAICS
- Taxi and Ridesharing Services (485310), Taxi and Limousine Service (4853), Transit and Ground Passenger Transportation (485)
- SIC
- Local & Suburban Transit & Interurban Hwy Passenger Trans (4100), Transportation Services (4700)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Dispatch / Call Center Taxi Services (THADAEAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- On-Demand Airport & Event Ride Services (Dedicated Queues/Permits) (THAIAGAK), Group Ground Transportation & Logistics (Shuttles, Transfers) (THACAFAE), Corporate Transportation & Logistics Coordination (HSACADAG)
Keywords
Where Mowasalat is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Doha
- HQ country
- Qatar
- HQ region
- Middle East
Offices3 records
Markets served
Mowasalat business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Public Bus Transportation: End-to-end public bus services for commuters. Revenue generated through bus fares. Fleet includes electric buses operating on major routes with metro link services.
- Taxi and Limousine Services: Karwa Taxi services through app, online, or phone booking. Includes economy service (Fox Transport partnership), standard taxis, and luxury Doha Limousine services (Standard, VIP, Luxury tiers). Also includes Electric Vehicle Limousine Service with Audi E-Tron fleet.
- Transit Advertising: Advertising opportunities on taxi vehicles, public buses, and bus stations. Revenue from businesses advertising their brands on Mowasalat's fleet.
- School, Corporate, and Event Transportation: Custom transport solutions for schools, corporate clients, tourism, and events. Includes school bus services and specialized transport for events like Qatar 2022.
- Karwa Academy Training Services: Professional driving training programs including light and heavy vehicle licenses, defensive driving, emergency response, dangerous goods transport, and specialized training for electric vehicles. IMI-certified training center.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | Standard Taxi Service - Budget-friendly option through Karwa Taxi App |
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | Doha Limousine Services - Premium luxury transport with Standard, VIP, and Luxury tiers |
| Subscription | Monthly | School and Corporate Transport - Custom transport solutions |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels5 records
Mowasalat product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Mowasalat (Karwa) operates Qatar's state-owned public transport network, providing end-to-end mobility solutions including public bus services (electric and CNG fleet, including Metrolink feeder routes to Doha Metro and MetroExpress on-demand service), Karwa Taxi and Doha Limousine services (economy, standard, VIP, luxury, and electric Audi E-Tron tiers), and bespoke school, corporate, tourism, and event transport. Supporting digital channels include the Karwa Taxi App, Karwa Journey Planner App, call center, and Uber integration; Karwa Academy provides professional driving and safety training.
Product overview
Mowasalat (Karwa) is Qatar's state-owned public transport company offering end-to-end mobility solutions under the Karwa brand. The portfolio includes taxi and limousine services (Karwa Taxi, Doha Limousine), public bus services (Karwa Bus), Metrolink feeder routes, MetroExpress on-demand services, and school/corporate/event transportation. Digital products include the Karwa Taxi App and Karwa Journey Planner for trip planning and booking. The company has launched an autonomous RoboTaxi pilot service in partnership with Pony.ai. Karwa Academy provides professional driving and safety training. Services operate 24/7 with a fleet transitioning to electric vehicles targeting full EV deployment by 2030.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Karwa Academy: Professional driving and safety training institution offering defensive driving courses, emergency response training, dangerous goods transport (ADR) certification, and specialized training programs. Formerly known as Karwa Driving School.
- Doha Limousine
- Metrolink
Products and services
- Karwa Taxi
Quantifiable outcome
- 921,385+ fans transported during Qatar 2022 World Cup
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use Mowasalat
Customer profileNamed customers6 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Mowasalat technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration2 records
AI capability4 records
Feature4 records
Mowasalat partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Ten partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.
- TASMU AcceleratorminorTASMU Accelerator, part of Qatar's Smart Qatar initiative, selected five proof-of-concept projects from four startups for smart mobility pilots with Mowasalat. Projects will be tested for operational impact and digital transformation.
- OoredoocoreStrategic agreement between Ooredoo and Mowasalat (Karwa) to modernize Qatar's public transport through advanced digital infrastructure. Partnership involves cloud services, IoT integration, passenger Wi-Fi, and other digital enhancements to improve operational efficiency and passenger experience.
- Pony.aicorePartnership with Chinese autonomous driving company Pony.ai to deploy self-driving robotaxis across Qatar. Mowasalat launched Qatar's first RoboTaxi service in December 2025 with Pony.ai technology. The partnership aims to bring autonomous vehicle technology to Qatar's transport network.
- ComfortDelGrominorPony.ai's partner in Singapore for autonomous ride-hailing deployment in Punggol district. Mowasalat mentioned in context of Pony.ai's parallel expansion into Qatar through Mowasalat Karwa.
- IRU (International Road Transport Union)minorInternational organization partner for driving standards and training. IRU is shown as a certification/affiliation on the Mowasalat website footer.
- ROSPA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents)minorUK-based safety organization. ROSPA is shown as a certification/affiliation on the Mowasalat website footer, indicating alignment with road safety standards.
- UbercoreStrategic partnership to integrate Karwa Taxi services into the Uber app. This allows users to request Karwa taxis directly through the Uber platform, enhancing mobility options for residents and tourists in Qatar. The partnership also includes introducing electric limousines under Uber Black category.
- Al-Ijarah Driving AcademyminorMemorandum of understanding with Al-Ijarah Driving Academy to launch 'Train the Trainer' program. Extends professional learning for driving instructors covering customer service, defensive driving techniques, road safety, traffic systems, and vehicle maintenance.
- YutongcorePartnership with Chinese bus manufacturer Yutong for electric bus operations and autonomous bus trials. Groundbreaking ceremony held for electric bus assembly plant in Umm Al Houl Free Zone. Yutong is the partner for autonomous electric bus testing at Lusail depot.
- King Khalid (Kenkart)coreTechnology partner for successful integration of Hayya card for use in public buses during FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. The innovative system enabled smooth transportation for over 921,385 fans.
Scale indicators9 records
Recent moves11 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Mowasalat competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- SAPTCO (Saudi Arabia Public Transport Company): State-owned public transport operator in Saudi Arabia providing intercity bus, urban transit, and taxi/limousine services. Most directly comparable to Mowasalat as a government-mandated national multi-modal transport provider in a neighboring Gulf market.
- Dubai Taxi Corporation: Dubai's state-owned taxi operator under RTA, offering taxi, limousine, and corporate/event transport with a large fleet. Comparable to Mowasalat's Karwa Taxi and Doha Limousine services and similar government-backed positioning in the UAE.
- ComfortDelGro: Singapore-listed multi-modal mobility operator spanning taxis, buses, and rail across multiple countries. Comparable business model to Mowasalat's diversified bus + taxi + limo portfolio and noted as Pony.ai's autonomous deployment partner in Singapore.
- Uber Technologies: Global ride-hailing and mobility platform; also a Mowasalat partner via Karwa Taxi integration on Uber app in Qatar. Comparable as a competing taxi dispatch platform and a potential channel for Mowasalat's fleet.
Broad incumbents
- RATP Dev: Subsidiary of Paris's RATP Group operating urban transit, buses, and trams worldwide. Comparable to Mowasalat as a large incumbent public transport operator, though RATP Dev is part of a much broader European portfolio.
- Keolis: Global public transport operator (SNCF and CDPQ-owned) running bus, tram, metro, and paratransit services across multiple continents. Overlaps with Mowasalat's multi-modal bus and on-demand service portfolio.
- Transdev: French-headquartered global mobility operator providing transit, bus, coach, and on-demand ride services. Comparable scope to Mowasalat in operating integrated public transport networks at municipal and regional level.
- National Express Group: UK-listed coach, bus, and school transport operator with significant UK and international operations. Comparable to Mowasalat's school, intercity, and corporate bus segments.
- FirstGroup: UK-based transport operator running buses, coaches, and rail services in the UK and North America. Comparable to Mowasalat's diversified bus and contracted transport model, particularly school and corporate contracts.
Emerging players
- Pony.ai: Chinese autonomous driving company deploying robotaxi services globally, and Mowasalat's technology partner for Qatar's first RoboTaxi (December 2025). Comparable as a peer in the autonomous public-mobility category Mowasalat is now entering.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Mowasalat social profiles
Digital presenceMowasalat financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Mowasalat leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles8 records
Mowasalat subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries2 records
Mowasalat funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Mowasalat M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Mowasalat
What does Mowasalat do?
Mowasalat (Karwa) operates Qatar's state-owned public transport network, providing end-to-end mobility solutions including public bus services (electric and CNG fleet, including Metrolink feeder routes to Doha Metro and MetroExpress on-demand service), Karwa Taxi and Doha Limousine services (economy, standard, VIP, luxury, and electric Audi E-Tron tiers), and bespoke school, corporate, tourism, and event transport. Supporting digital channels include the Karwa Taxi App, Karwa Journey Planner App, call center, and Uber integration; Karwa Academy provides professional driving and safety training.
Is Mowasalat a public or private company?
Mowasalat is a private company. It is classified as state government owned and is currently operating.
When was Mowasalat founded?
Mowasalat was founded in 2007. It employs 5,001 to 10,000 people.
Where is Mowasalat based?
Mowasalat is headquartered in Doha, Qatar, in the Middle East region.
How does Mowasalat make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Public Bus Transportation is the primary driver. The others are taxi and Limousine Services, transit Advertising, school, Corporate, and Event Transportation and karwa Academy Training Services.
Who are Mowasalat's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are SAPTCO (Saudi Arabia Public Transport Company), Dubai Taxi Corporation, ComfortDelGro and Uber Technologies. Broad incumbents are RATP Dev, Keolis, Transdev, National Express Group and FirstGroup. Pony.ai is listed as an emerging player.
Does Mowasalat have an API?
No public API is recorded for Mowasalat.
What industry is Mowasalat in?
Mowasalat's product category is Public Transportation Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is THADAEAB, Dispatch / Call Center Taxi Services, with a secondary code of THAIAGAK, On-Demand Airport & Event Ride Services (Dedicated Queues/Permits). Its NAICS code is 485310 and its SIC code is 4100.