Airport and Local Travel Information
The city of Doha is the capital and most populous city of Qatar, located on the coast of the Arabian Gulf. A rapidly growing global hub, Doha is connected to major cities worldwide—approximately 6–8 hours from Europe and Asia, and 12–14 hours from North America. Doha is known for its blend of traditional Qatari culture and modern architectural marvels.
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Airports in Doha
Hamad International Airport (HIA):
Hamad International Airport (HIA) is the primary international airport of Qatar, located approximately 14 kilometers (9 miles) from central Doha. The airport consistently ranks among the best in the world for its passenger experience, operational efficiency, and design. It serves as the main hub for Qatar Airways and offers non-stop connections to over 170 international destinations across six continents, including major cities in Europe, Asia, North and South America, and Africa.
The airport handles over 40 million passengers annually and features world-class amenities, including luxury shopping, fine dining, quiet lounges, a transit hotel, and even an indoor tropical garden. Transportation to and from the airport is seamless, with direct access to taxis, the Doha Metro, and car rental services.
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Public Transportation
Doha Metro:
Doha Metro is a state-of-the-art, fully automated rail system that connects key areas of the city and beyond. The metro comprises three lines:
Red Line (North-South): Links Hamad International Airport, downtown Doha (Msheireb), and Lusail.
Green Line (East-West): Covers Education City and cultural landmarks.
Gold Line (Historic Route): Connects Souq Waqif, Al Sadd, and Villaggio Mall.
The Metro operates Saturday to Wednesday from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM, until midnight on Thursdays, and 2:00 PM to midnight on Fridays. Trains run every 5–7 minutes. The Ventra-style contactless cards are used for fare payment, and day passes are also available.
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Metrolink & Metroexpress:
Metrolink is a free feeder bus service that connects residential and commercial areas to nearby Metro stations.
Metroexpress is an on-demand ride-sharing service, accessible via mobile app, covering select zones and stations.
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Buses and Karwa Services:
The Karwa public bus network covers most districts in Doha and nearby cities. Buses are air-conditioned and operated by Mowasalat, Qatar’s national transportation provider. Fares range from QR 2 to QR 9, and a Karwa smart card is required for boarding.
Long-distance buses also operate to industrial and residential towns such as Mesaieed, Al Khor, and Dukhan.
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Taxis and Ridesharing:
Karwa Taxis
Government-regulated Karwa taxis are widely available and recognizable by their turquoise color. Meters start at QR 4 (QR 25 from the airport), and rides can be booked through the Karwa app or by calling 800-TAXI (8294).
Ridesharing Services
Popular rideshare apps such as Uber operate throughout Doha, offering comfortable and flexible transportation options. These services are often preferred for airport transfers, hotel pickups, and exploring the city.
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Driving in Doha
Driving is a convenient option in Doha with modern road networks and extensive signage in both English and Arabic. Rental cars are available at the airport and major city hotels. Be aware of local driving customs and peak traffic times (typically 7–9 AM and 4–6 PM).
Popular parking apps and services:
Park Qatar – for locating and paying for public parking.
Private garage options are available at malls, hotels, and business centers.
Navigation apps like Waze and Google Maps are essential tools for real-time traffic updates and route planning.
Travel Instructions
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Visa Information
Nationals of more than 80 countries are eligible for visa-free entry into the State of Qatar, with varying lengths of stays allowed. Nationals of these eligible countries do not require any prior visa arrangements and can obtain a visa waiver on arrival to Qatar, upon presentation of a valid passport with a minimum validity of six months and a confirmed onward or return ticket.It is strongly recommended that authors start the visa application process as soon as possible if your nationality does not allow you to enter Qatar without a VISA. Authors of accepted papers are solely responsible for understanding the requirements and procedures to obtain a visa to attend the conference. The Organizing Committee can provide a visa assistance letter to authors of accepted papers by email.
For more information on visa requirements to enter Qatar, please visit the links below:
Qatar Airways Visa Requirements
Note: In addition to the required documents listed on the Qatar visa website, please carry the official invitation letter/email copy and hotel reservation with you for immigration purposes.
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Medical Insurance
Starting from February 1, 2023, all non-Qatari visitors are obliged to possess a recognized medical insurance policy that has been approved, to be able to enter Qatar. The insurance policy must be valid for the entire duration of their visit and can be obtained in advance or purchased upon arrival for 50 Qatari Riyal.
More details on the insurance are available at
https://portal.moi.gov.qa/qatarvisas/
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Consent to use photographic, video and audio recordings
During the conference, official photographers will be taking photographs, recording videos, or making audio recordings. The photographs, videos, and audio recordings will be used for symposium-related news and events including: promotional material, in both print and electronic format, on the Internet via conference website, and on social media.