A Resident’s Digital Survival Guide - Must-Have Apps for Life in Doha

Living in Qatar can be incredibly seamless, if you’re plugged into the right digital ecosystem. With a strong emphasis on smart governance, convenience, and innovation, Qatar has developed a suite of apps that support everything from government services to food delivery, transport, education, and even personal health.

As someone who has lived here for a while and appreciates efficiency, here’s my personal review of the most essential apps every resident should download, whether you’re here for a short stay or planning to call Qatar home.

1. Metrash: The Non-Negotiable App

Let’s start with the absolute must-have. Metrash isn’t just another government app, it’s a digital companion to your life in Qatar. Without it, navigating residency, legal documents, or anything government-related becomes unnecessarily difficult. Through Metrash, you can:

  • View and renew your QID (Qatar ID)

  • Check and pay traffic violations

  • Apply for and track visa applications

  • Renew vehicle registration

  • Apply for exit permits

  • Access health card information

  • Request a police clearance certificate

  • Register your national address

Having this app installed and regularly checked is almost as important as carrying your QID. It's your bridge to staying legal and up-to-date in the country. Not having Metrash means relying on someone else to handle your affairs, a risk you shouldn’t take.

Pro tip: Enable notifications and biometric login to never miss a deadline or important update.

2. QDI: Your Digital ID Vault

Closely linked to Metrash, QDI (Qatar Digital Identity) is your secure e-wallet for all your official documents. This app consolidates:

  • Your QID

  • Passport

  • Driving license

  • National address certificate

  • Digital signature

  • E-sealed company or personal documents

One of the most innovative features is the ePassport function, which allows you to pass through automated e-gates at Hamad International Airport. That means less time in queues and more travel convenience.

Why it matters: Think of QDI as your always-accessible, tamper-proof folder of verified identity, ideal for e-government services, airport travel, and even when signing official documents digitally.

3. Education City App: More Than Just Academia

Before diving into the app, a quick primer: Education City is Qatar Foundation’s educational hub housing world-class institutions like Georgetown University in Qatar, Carnegie Mellon, and others. But it's more than a cluster of universities - it's a full community dedicated to learning, sustainability, innovation, and cultural development.

The Education City App is a gateway to:

  • Volunteering opportunities

  • Summer camps for children and teens

  • Arabic language classes

  • Access to community events: film screenings, exhibitions, fitness challenges

  • Booking and managing access to sports facilities

It’s a community builder in your pocket, connecting residents with activities that nurture both mind and body

4. Qatar National Library & Libby: Your Bookshelf Without Borders

For the book lovers among us, Qatar National Library (QNL) and Libby are a dream combo. QNL gives you access to a massive digital collection, while Libby’s user experience makes borrowing books feel as easy as scrolling Instagram.

On Libby, you can:

  • Borrow eBooks and audiobooks using your QNL membership

  • Create a digital bookshelf

  • See how many days remain on your borrow

  • Place holds on unavailable books

  • Get reminders before items expire

It’s intuitive, well-designed, and ideal for both leisurely readers and academic researchers.

Pro tip: Pair it with the desktop version of QNL to request rare or research-specific material.

5. Ooredoo and Ooredoo Money: Telecom and Transfers, Simplified

If you’re using Ooredoo as your mobile provider, their apps are essential for daily life. Ooredoo App: Track usage, recharge, manage bundles, and pay bills, whether you're on a prepaid or postpaid line.

Ooredoo Money: Makes remittances easy, especially for sending money to South Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. It’s simple to add beneficiaries and comes with an e-Mastercard for online payments.

The bonus? These apps are fast, stable, and feature-rich, a win for users who like autonomy and speed.

6. Karwa Journey Planner & Karwa Taxi: Public Transport Made Smart

Qatar’s public transport system has evolved tremendously, and these two apps are your guides. Karwa Journey Planner: Plan your trip using buses, metro, or metrolink (last-mile shuttle service). It provides:

  • Real-time route info

  • QR-code tickets

  • Reminders for your stop

Karwa Taxi: E-hail taxis with options to pay by card or cash, and enjoy Wi-Fi onboard. It’s more affordable than many international ride-hailing services and better integrated with the public transport network.

Metro Express Tip: In select areas, you can book a free metro express ride directly through the Karwa Taxi app for last-mile travel.

7. Talabat: Qatar’s Online Food Kingdom

There’s a reason Talabat is synonymous with food delivery in Qatar. With over well 5000+ restaurant brands, it’s your best friend when cooking isn’t an option (or desire). Features I love:

  • Real-time delivery tracking

  • Ratings and reviews

  • Offers and coupons

  • Option to schedule orders ahead

It covers everything from fine dining to budget-friendly bites, plus groceries, pet food, and pharmacy items.

8. Carrefour: Groceries Done Smart

Carrefour is not just a hypermarket; it’s a tech-enabled grocery service. The app lets you:

  • Order online with same-day or scheduled delivery

  • Earn loyalty points (MyCLUB)

  • Track your past purchases

  • Use the Scan & Go feature when shopping in-store

  • Access weekly discounts and bundle deals

Insider tip: Shop online during sale seasons, the app gives early access to mega deals that sometimes aren’t even in-store yet.

9. Uber

After a long hiatus from airport pickups, Uber has officially resumed its full service in Qatar, including Hamad International Airport. This comes as welcome news for residents and visitors alike, offering a familiar, international-standard ride-hailing experience backed by the app’s reliability, clear pricing, and cashless convenience.

For those who frequently travel or host visitors, having Uber back in full swing means seamless airport pickups, real-time tracking, and trusted drivers. Uber’s platform also allows for trip scheduling, which is perfect for early flights or tight schedules. With multiple ride tiers available from UberX to premium options, you can tailor your ride to your budget or needs.

  • Airport pickups

  • Trip scheduling

  • Upfront pricing

  • Live location sharing

  • Seamless app interface

Tip: Keep both Uber and Karwa installed. Karwa often has better availability during major events, while Uber excels in off-peak and personal travel flexibility.

10. Avey Health: AI for Your Well-being

Now here’s a gem I stumbled upon, Avey. It’s more than a symptom checker. This app uses AI to help diagnose minor health concerns before you even step into a clinic.

You can:

  • Describe symptoms in chat-style prompts

  • Get AI-powered diagnostic suggestions

  • Browse a directory of nearby clinics and doctors

  • Access basic health insights on lifestyle and nutrition

Important Note: It doesn’t replace a doctor, but it does help you decide if something is urgent, and gives you a head start when seeking care.

Whether you're managing your residency, tracking your toddler’s camp schedule, ordering biryani, or trying to understand that mystery cough, Qatar’s app ecosystem has your back. Having these apps on your phone is like having a digital assistant that understands the pulse of the city. For a country that continues to embrace smart solutions, this is just the beginning.