The Metro: A seamless travel experience between destinations

Doha Metro services witnessed a surge in ridership on the first day of Eid Al-Adha, highlighting its role as a key transportation option connecting the public to event venues, entertainment destinations, and family attractions throughout Doha. During a field visit to several Doha Metro stations, Al-Arab observed the influx of passengers across its three lines – Red, Green, and Gold – which have become a seamless and safe transportation experience for residents and visitors during holidays and special occasions, avoiding traffic congestion. Doha Metro: The Ideal Option for Traveling on the First Day of Eid Seamless Connection to Entertainment and Tourist Destinations • Sameh Al-Siddiq Doha Metro services witnessed a surge in ridership on the first day of Eid Al-Adha, highlighting its role as a key transportation option connecting the public to event venues, entertainment destinations, and family attractions throughout Doha. The modern network facilitates easy and convenient access to shopping malls, public parks, tourist destinations, and celebration sites. During a field tour of several Doha Metro stations, Al-Arab observed the influx of passengers across its three lines – Red, Green, and Gold – which have become a seamless and safe transportation experience for residents and visitors throughout the year, especially during holidays and special occasions. This is particularly beneficial given the traffic congestion that often poses a major obstacle in areas hosting large public gatherings. Education City Metro Station was among the busiest stations on the first day of Eid al-Adha, due to its direct connection to Education City Stadium, which hosted the Eid al-Adha prayer attended by thousands of worshippers. The stadium has been designated by Qatar Foundation as the permanent site for Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha prayers. In preparation for the anticipated surge in ridership during the Eid holiday, Qatar Rail implemented several measures to ensure the safety of all users at the stations and provide them with comprehensive information on how to navigate and reach the stations, thus enhancing the overall service provided to the public during the Eid period. Several Doha Metro users told Al-Arab that the metro has become a primary mode of transportation for residents compared to other options. They expressed their great satisfaction with using the metro, which allows them to travel easily and quickly to venues for events and celebrations, especially given the affordable ticket prices that suit various segments of society. They also noted their preference for the metro during this period due to the high temperatures coinciding with the summer season, making it the best means of transportation. Main Stations Passenger traffic increases in densely populated areas such as the Old Airport, Umm Ghuwailina, and New Doha, reaching its peak at the main Msheireb station, which connects the three metro lines and serves several residential, tourist, and service areas, such as Msheireb Downtown Doha, Souq Waqif, Grand Hamad Street, and the city center. Stations located along the Corniche, which hosts Eid celebrations, including the National Museum, Souq Waqif, Corniche, Al Bidda, West Bay, Exhibition Centre, and Katara stations, also experience high passenger traffic. The Doha Metro network, with its three lines (Red, Green, and Gold), connects to numerous event venues and family entertainment locations in Doha during Eid Al-Adha. Among the most prominent are: Katara Station on the Red Line, for attending Eid celebrations at the Katara Cultural Village, including the military parade held in two sessions at 5:40 PM and 6:40 PM on the Katara Corniche, and the daily fireworks display at 8:30 PM. Leqtaifiya Station, also on the Red Line, for attending Eid Al-Adha events at The Pearl-Qatar, Gewan Island, and the Souq Torba event on the Quartier Canal. This station is also one of two interchange stations between the metro and the Lusail Tram. Exhibition Grounds Station, also on the Red Line, for attending the Sneaker Con exhibition at the Qatar Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC). Msheireb Station for attending the Doha Quest Greatest Show. Qatar National Library Station on the Green Line for attending the play "Jamal Jamal" at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC). The Al-Riffa Qatar Mall station on the Green Line is also a convenient stop for the Fluffy Fantasia show. The metro network also connects to major shopping destinations such as: Qatar Mall via Al-Riffa Qatar Mall station. Doha Festival City via Lusail QNB station. Villaggio Mall via Al-Aziziyah station. City Center and The Gate Mall via Exhibition Centre station. Place Vendôme Mall via Tarfa South station. Operating Hours During the Eid Al-Adha holiday, the Doha Metro and Lusail Tram will operate during their regular hours: from 5:30 AM to 11:59 PM, and from 5:30 AM to 1:00 AM on Thursdays, and from 2:00 PM to 1:00 AM on Fridays. As part of its efforts to enhance the commuting experience, Qatar Rail provides complementary services such as Metrolink and MetroExpress, which facilitate public access to stations and align with metro and tram operating hours and station closing times. Park and Ride Parking Qatar Rail has encouraged private car owners to park their vehicles at the park and ride parking facilities located in key areas of Qatar and use the metro and public bus network. This initiative is part of Qatar Rail's efforts to promote sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation and reduce carbon emissions from car use. The park and ride parking facilities are a major component of Qatar's public bus infrastructure program. They support the public transport network and the Doha Metro's operations for residents and visitors. These facilities are located near Doha Metro stations at four main locations: Al Qassar, Al Wakra, Lusail, and Education City. Additional locations are also available near stations along the Red Line, including: Lusail (QNB), Legtaifiya, Free Zone, Qatar University, Uqba Bin Nafie, Ras Bu Fontas, Al Qassar, Umm Ghuwailina, and Al Wakra. Green Line: Education City, Old Al Rayyan, and Al Messila. Gold Line: Al Waab (QLM), Sudan, and Ras Bu Aboud. A Qualitative Leap The keenness of citizens and residents to use the metro reflects the qualitative and civilizational leap it has brought about in the public transportation system. It has successfully changed the culture and lifestyle of the community by foregoing private cars and relying on the metro network for their various commutes, especially during holidays and peak seasons. This has been facilitated by the well-planned stations, which serve all vital areas of the country. The Doha Metro, with its three lines (Red, Green, and Gold), provides a seamless transportation experience for the residents of Qatar. It is also an ideal option for traveling between the country's main destinations through its 37 stations covering the city of Doha. A modern network facilitates access to shopping malls and event venues. Metrolink and MetroExpress services are compatible with station operating hours and closing times. Park and Ride parking facilities support the Doha Metro's operations and public users.