Transport and Driving in Qatar

As expats will realise near immediately, getting around and driving in Qatar is not for the faint-hearted. The main highways, although relatively well maintained, can be badly sign-posted, traffic can be fast moving and roads and landmarks are often known by more than one name. All these factors combine to make a truly ‘memorable’, if not incredibly stressful and confusing, Qatar driving experience.

Driving in Qatar

Time and again, expats report that there is a dangerous and unpredictable nature to driving in Qatar. Traffic accidents, unfortunately, are a frighteningly common occurrence; statistics attribute 18.5 of deaths in the emirate to road fatalities.

The government is currently making efforts to improve road safety and curb irresponsible driving, and has introduced a large number of traffic cameras to combat the problem. Similarly, speeding fines can cost perpetrators around 600 QAR, and those caught jumping a red light could be fined an eye-watering 5000 QAR.

However to some, the threat of these mean nothing and they continue to drive like Formula One racers.

Buying a Car in Qatar

Nonetheless, whether you plan to live in Qatar for a long period or a short period, it’s worthwhile for expats to buy a car.

By and far, the vehicle of choice is a 4x4.

Many expats prefer the illusion of safety the large cars offer, but also, many are tempted by the sense of freedom it allows. Most of Qatar away from the city is still desert, and during the winter months, when temperatures are more bearable, many locals and expats head out along the coastline for days of ‘dune bashing’ or a night sleeping under the stars.

Furthermore, cheap petrol abounds in the oil-rich nation, and it’s not costly to keep these gas-guzzlers full and ready to venture forth.

It can be remarkably quick and easy to buy a car in Qatar. Due to the rapid turnover of expats there is a thriving private sales market for pre-owned (used) vehicles. Web sites and social networking sites act as virtual market places (Qatarliving.com and Qatarsale.com) in many situations, and it’s simply a matter of perusing the listings to score a real bargain.

That said, before you part with your cash, it is recommended you take the vehicle to get checked-out by a professional first. Head to Salwa Road, towards the Industrial Area, where you can find many garages that will put your prospective motor through its paces for a small fee.

This is normal practice, so don’t feel embarrassed broaching the subject with the person from who you are buying the car.

Alternatively, if you want to buy a new car, there is plenty of choice. Cars that originate in Asian are more popular, mainly due to the more readily available spare parts, and they tend to be more suited to the sandy conditions.

Finance can be arranged with your Qatar-based bank, or alternatively, the company you work for may offer a loan scheme, with repayments deducted from your monthly wage.

Navigating in Qatar

Qatar is growing at breakneck speeds, and navigation can sometimes be a challenge as new roads and districts are opened-up and developed. Not to mention, up-to-date road maps of Doha are hard to come by. However, Qatar’s capital is a small city, and as quickly as you can lose your way, you can find it again.

It is helpful to keep an eye out for stand-out features on the Doha skyline to help you; the Aspire Zone Torch (next to Villagio Mall) can be seen from afar, as can the large Spiral Mosque near to the Souk Waqif and the Corniche.

There are four main ring roads that loop around the city, but traffic jams are still common, particularly in the morning and early evening rush hours, and traffic is infamously bad on Thursday and Friday nights, particularly heading towards the Malls and the Corniche.

Road signs are in both English and Arabic, but can often be vague. Street names, intersections and roundabouts have official names, but are often known locally as something completely different.

If asking for directions, be sure to inquire about the official name and the colloquial name.

Public transport in Qatar

There is practically no public transport in Qatar. There is a bus network, but you would be hard pressed to find a western expat who would have used it.

Most expats either own their own vehicles, hire a car or use the relatively inexpensive and easy to book local Karwa taxis – there are also a few private hire taxi companies operating, these are slightly more expensive, but usually if you use the same company regularly your loyalty is rewarded.