Qatar summary
Key facts
Official language(s)
Currency
Population
Time zone
Calling code
Drive on the
Member of the EU
Arabic
Riyal
1,652,608
GMT + 3
974
Right
No
Local weather
Doha
-
Sat31° | 46° - Sun32° | 40°
- Mon32° | 42°
- Tue33° | 44°
Speed limits
- Motorways:
- 120kmh (75mph)
- Open roads:
- 120kmh (75mph)
- Towns:
- 60kmh – 80kmh (37-50mph)
Road Safety
-
Alcohol limit:
- Laws against driving under the influence of alcohol are strict and follow a policy of zero tolerance
- Just the hint of alcohol on your breath will be grounds for driving under the influence and could result in a short stay in jail, especially if an accident is involved
-
Use of mobile phone whilst driving:
- It is illegal to use a hand held mobile phone when driving
-
Seat belts:
- Wearing seat belts is compulsory for the driver and front seat passengers on all roads in the state
-
Traffic lights regulations:
- A number of traffic lights are under camera surveillance
- Most lights pulsate on green before changing through amber to red
- You can be ticketed by a police officer or by photography for going against traffic light signals
Costs
- Road tolls:
- No
- On the spot fines:
- Police can issue on the spot fines
- There are speed limits on all roads, and the police have mobile radar cameras and unmarked cars fitted with video cameras
- Motorists should be aware that the police can and do impound vehicles if speed is excessive
General motoring advice
- Rush hour in built up areas:
- There is often a mini rush hour at 1300hrs as businesses close for a long lunch
- Main rush hour periods – due to split shifts are:
- 0700-0900hrs
- 1200-1300hrs
- 1600-1730hrs
- 1900-2000hrs
- Fuel:
- Petrol stations are open 24hrs serving standard unleaded petrol, super unleaded petrol and diesel
- Parking advice:
- Only use designated parking areas
- Clamping and towing of illegally parked vehicles is very common