Qatar could unlock almost US$1 billion in economic value from fully autonomous vehicles (FAVs) by 2035, according to a new report from Strategy& Middle East, part of the PwC network.
The study positions Qatar as one of the Gulf’s most promising markets for autonomous mobility, supported by its Vision 2030 goals, modern transport infrastructure, and strong regulatory framework.
The findings form part of Strategy&’s wider regional research, which estimates that the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) could capture US$18.7 billion in value from FAVs by 2035, within a global market expected to reach US$182 billion.
Qatar’s well-developed digital infrastructure, national 5G coverage, and integrated transport network give it a strong platform for autonomous transport. The country already operates a driverless metro and an electrified bus fleet, while pilot projects by operators such as Mowasalat (Karwa) and initiatives at Hamad International Airport have tested robo-taxis and autonomous shuttles under the Ministry of Transport’s supervision.
Dr Andreas Gissler, Partner at Strategy& Middle East, said: “The next decade will see a sprint among countries competing to capture market share in autonomous mobility. In this race, Qatar is well positioned to seize a US$1 billion economic opportunity.
“The nation’s infrastructure provides a strong foundation for progress. This includes mixed-use districts suited to robo-taxis, large campuses ideal for shuttles, high-capacity feeder routes for robo-buses, as well as airport and waterfront corridors that could support passenger drones.”
Strategy& recommends that Qatar build on its early momentum by establishing a central programme office to align government, operator, and technology efforts. Clear regulations covering safety, liability, and insurance could accelerate commercial deployment, while regulatory sandboxes would help test technologies and strengthen public confidence.
The report also suggests creating a dedicated robo-mobility services hub to oversee 24/7 command and control operations, vehicle maintenance, and calibration, supported by AI and data analytics. Collaboration across the public and private sectors will be critical in scaling up these systems and ensuring they integrate effectively into national transport plans.
Mark Haddad, Partner at Strategy& Middle East, said: “Building on its early pilots and advanced digital infrastructure, Qatar is positioned to cross the next tipping point for autonomous mobility. The focus ahead is on achieving scale and trust. This means integrating technology, regulation, infrastructure, and public engagement so that autonomous mobility becomes part of daily life and delivers tangible benefits to the economy.”
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