Seaports in Qatar: Hamad, Doha and Al Ruwais

Who this is for

Importers, exporters and shipping agents who need to know which port handles their cargo, and travellers or residents curious about Doha Port's cruise terminal. This guide describes the ports only as Mwani Qatar's website does. It does not explain customs clearance in detail: see the importing goods guide.

Before you start

• For cargo: the shipping line or agent, and your import or export documents. Customs rules are covered in the importing goods guide.
• For a cruise call: the name of your cruise line and the date of arrival at Doha Port.

Steps

1. Know who runs the ports

   Mwani Qatar's website says the company manages berths, dry ports and container terminals, and provides pilotage, towage, berthing and navigational aids, as well as cargo loading, unloading, handling and storage. Its Hamad Port page says the port is operated by Mwani Qatar under the supervision of the Ministry of Transport.

2. Match your cargo to a port

   Hamad Port: annual capacity of 7.5 million TEU; the site lists container terminals, a General Cargo Terminal, a Multi-Use Terminal and a Centralized Customs Inspection Area, and says it handles general cargo, livestock, vehicles and bulk grain. Al Ruwais Port, at the northern tip of Qatar: traditionally general cargo, with growing demand for foodstuffs and other commodities. Doha Port: the page focuses on cruise traffic.

3. Use Mwani's forms, permits and schedules

   Mwani's website has a Services section with Our Services, Forms & Documents, Vessels Movements, Operational Permit and Mwanina pages. Check these pages for the form or permit your activity needs; this guide could not read their contents.

4. Clear the goods with customs

   Customs clearance is a separate process from port handling. Follow the importing goods guide for the customs steps. The Hamad Port page also names a Centralized Customs Inspection Area on the site.

5. Cruise passengers: Doha Port

   Mwani says Doha Port is in the heart of Doha, near Souq Waqif and the museums, and that its cruise terminal can currently accommodate mega cruise liners and luxury yachts. Passenger facilities listed include immigration, customs, foreign exchange, taxi and bus stands, city bus tours, Qatar Duty Free, a cafe, waiting areas and tourist information from Qatar Tourism. Ask your cruise line what entry documents you need.

Good to know

• Mwani lists a Hamad Port Visitors Center on its own site. We did not read what it offers, so check before planning a visit.
• Al Ruwais Port's page says a final upgrade stage would deepen the channel and docks to 10 metres, which would allow small, medium and cruise ships. The page describes this as planned.
• Al Ruwais Port also hosts Al Mina Market, a traditional market that the page lists as open daily 8am to 6pm.
• A free zone is located next to Hamad Port, according to Mwani.