Can I drive in Qatar as a tourist during the world cup 2022?

The answer is YES, off-course. But you need to have some basic and essential information before holding the steering of a vehicle.

With modern roads driving in Qatar is necessary, efficient, and sometimes fun. Here’s what you need to know.

For the most part, driving in Qatar is a normal part of life. Patience and common sense are the keywords here – and they are the key to a safe journey and an exciting road trip. Here, we present the complete decline in driving in Qatar for those who have been there and done:

Driving in Qatar during the 2022 FIFA World Cup

The new metro system and bus network may now operate in Doha, but Qatar, as a whole, remains a reliable vehicle. There are four cars for every ten people in the country; this will be even more so if hundreds of thousands of migrant workers who have never used one are removed from the equation.

Driving in Qatar presents several challenges. Cars are moved to the left, and most of them are automatic. As a result, roads are often in excellent condition, even outside the city. Doha’s departure, however, is another matter. Be prepared to negotiate traffic jams as the city prepares for the 2022 World Cup and secure roundabouts on busy hours if you look at your intelligence!

Qatari drivers are happy to set up an iron ore on an open road, Due to the city traffic congestion. Do not be trapped to join them. There are speed detecting cameras, and you will be trapped when you are captured.

Driving accidents in Qatar

While normal road conditions should present a few challenges, driving in Qatar could also mean dealing with unusual accidents. Heavy storms can fill roads quickly, reducing visibility and danger. Camels sometimes roam the streets lighted at night and formed a potentially dangerous obstacle. In addition, the hot summer sun poses a real threat to health.

Driving a car in Qatar, therefore, is about using common sense. It will help to stay alert at all times. Keep the vehicle in good condition. Do not go blind on the street unless you know exactly what you are doing (and where you are going). Oh, and keep your phone charged, if possible.

Driving in Qatar is not just about accidents and challenges, however. The broad highways make the doddle round, and the wanderings are cinch; road signs in two languages (Arabic and English) are clear, and there is always a nav to save you from suffering.

Who can drive in Qatar?

The legal driving age is 18. However, licenses issued in the EU, the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC), Andorra, Australia, Brunei, Canada, Hong Kong, Iceland, Japan, Japan, Liechtenstein, Malaysia, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, San Marino, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, Turkey, the USA, and Vatican City can drive to Qatar for one week upon arrival. After that, the Temporary License (costing QR150) for three months is available from the Department of Licensing Affairs. Alternatively, the International Driver’s License is valid for Qatar for six months from the date of arrival.

Exchange of foreign driver’s license in Qatar

Licensing holders issued by the EU, Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC), Andorra, Australia, Brunei, Canada, Hong Kong, Iceland, Japan, Liechtenstein, Malaysia, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, San Marino, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, Turkey, the USA, and Vatican City can exchange their five-year Qatari license without trial.

Driving laws and fines in Qatar

In addition, if you appear in an accident without a license, any insurance will be non-existent; you may be left with heavy debt and legal costs.

General road rules in Qatar

While some drivers seem oblivious, there are traffic laws in Qatar. Assume that they will be enforced, either by traffic police or by the growing international network of speed cameras. Failure to comply with the rules may mean fines, points for your license, or even a ban on driving.

Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers. In addition, it is a legal requirement for a child under 12 to stay in the back of a car. When passing, the front vehicle should be moved to the left. When installing a roundabout, you should give way to vehicles that are already around.

Keep your driver’s license, registration documents, and car insurance details, as traffic officers may require you to stop (or have an accident).

Qatar’s driving licenses apply to the points system. The license is suspended for a minimum of 3 months if the driver collects 14 points in 12 months. Thus, repeaters will not see their license revoked for a long time, or the permit may be revoked permanently.

The speed -limit in Qatar

Acceleration is the leading cause of accidents (and death) in Qatar. Speed limits vary from 60km / h in built-up areas to 120km / h on national highways.

Penalties

Exceeding speed limit: QR500 fine and four points for a license. Extra QR100 added at every 10km / h above the speed limit.

Driving under the influence: Expect a prison term of at least one month, plus a fine of between QR10,000 and QR50,000. Dismissal at the end of the prison period is possible.
Using a mobile phone while driving: a QR500 fine
Driving without a license in Qatar: a fine of QR1,500

Unregistered vehicle use: a QR3,000 fine and two points for a license
Off-road Driving (driver or front passenger): QR500 fine
Road signs in Qatar

Road signs in Qatar speak two languages (Arabic and English). In 2019, work began by assigning numbers to all major roads and internal roads in Qatar.
Traffic details in Qatar
Qatar is tiny and, outside of Doha, traffic is simply light, especially without peak times. Google Maps is a travel and information source for drivers in Qatar. The Waze smartphone app also provides actual traffic reports. In addition, the Twitter Interior Department account has regular traffic updates, such as QBS, an English-language radio station.

Parking in Qatar

Doha is a bustling bustling city, and parking can be a premium (especially during the working day). There are multi-story car parks throughout the city and parking lots at shopping malls and hotels. There is also metered street parking. In addition, most residential and commercial buildings in downtown Doha will have underground parking lots reserved for permit holders.

Cars in Qatar

After arriving at Hamad International Airport and hitting the highway, you will be forgiven for thinking that all the other vehicles on the road are Toyota Landcruiser. The country has a lasting love for Japanese SUVs, which are packed with gas, but in Qatar, your choice of wheels is limited only to your budget. Here, supercars are fighting for street space with sensible family saloons. As in the rest of the Gulf region, Japanese cars are valued for their reliability (and good air) in extreme conditions. German performance is popular among the exits, too.

Importing a car to Qatar

Unless you are moving to Qatar from the neighboring Gulf country (and that is not possible at the moment due to the economic and trade restrictions in Qatar), you will no doubt be importing a car. However, if you are determined to do so, consider this: the vehicle must be under five years old; 5% customary tax on the vehicle’s current value will be paid, and you will need to be a resident of Qatar anyway. Also, find out that the rest of the car you import is readily available in Qatar.

Once the car is in Qatar, it will need to be registered. This includes inspections, and you will need to submit documents including the car’s home country registration certificate, purchase invoice (with car value), and insurance documents. Once registered, a local certificate (known locally as a confirmation) will be issued.

Rental cars in Qatar

Car on rent is ubiquitous in Qatar. For example, many international rental companies (for example, Avis, Hertz, Budget, Enterprise, Sixt, and Europcar are reliable local clothing) offer this service to residents living abroad and visitors. The same they will do for the visitors to Qatar for FIFA 2022. To rent a car in Qatar, you need to be at least 21.