Living in Qatar: Autumn 2021

A UT UMN 2021 I N O . 81 DAY TO DAY QATAR HEALTHCARE USEFUL NUMBERS HEALTHCARE IN QATAR FEATURE QATAR’S IMPRESSIVE DIGITAL SERVICES

Living in

Qatar

Untitled-2 1

8/3/21 9:41 AM

Founder & Managing Editor Hilary Bainbridge Marhaba endeavours to quote accurate information and updates each of its sections every issue. However, the company accepts no responsibility or liability for any false, inaccurate, inappropriate or incomplete information presented, whether in print, on the website, or on social media channels.

Editorial Sarah Palmer (Editor) , Ola Diab (Deputy Editor) , Terry Sutcliffe Advertising Howard Bainbridge, Charlotte Wright Online /Digital Lalaine Turqueza , Weslee Dizon, Ramla Mohamed Abdirahm, Neena Turqueza (Intern)

© 2021 Marhaba Information Guide.

All Rights Reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced, in any form, without written permission of the publishers.

Retail Sales Ayen Molina Design and Artwork Dick Tamayo , Mar Principe , Arnel Ramos Dana Public Relations PO Box 3797, Doha, Qatar Tel (+974) 4465 0083, 4465 5533 Fax (+974) 4465 5588 General Information marhaba@qatar.net.qa Retail Sales retailsales@marhaba-qatar.com

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1/2 page IMPRESSUM M81.indd 1

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Living in Qatar

PRINT and ONLINE

marhaba.qa

Qatar is now fourth in the world for the extensive availability of digital services being offered.

Day to Day Qatar • Newspapers • Television and Radio • Places of Worship • Government Online • Hukoomi • Useful Documents/Processing • The Qatar Labour Law • Register at Your Embassy • Residence/Work Permits • Renew a Residence Permit • Exit Permits • Residence Cards • Health Related Services

Housing • To Rent • Letting Agents • To Buy • Lawyers and Legal • Relocation Services/Removal Firms • Other Housing Considerations

Utilities and Services • Water and Electricity • Gas • Telephone and Internet • Public Wireless Internet • Postal Services and Mail • Courier Services • Birth, Marriage and Death • Liquor Permit

Pets

Living in Qatar

Feature – Qatar’s Impressive Digital Services

• Ministry Dept for Animal Resources • Import and Export Guidelines • Private Veterinary Clinics and Services

Useful Numbers • Primary Health Care Centres • HMC Hospitals and Services • Ministry of Public Health • Private Medical Centres • 24‑hour Pharmacies • Dental and Optical Centres • Support Groups

Map of Khalifa Bin Hamad Medical City Healthcare in Qatar • Healthcare News • The Ministry of Public of Health • Hamad Medical Corporation: HMC Hospitals; Additional Services; HMC Hospitals with Emergency Departments; Recent Progress at HMC • PHCC and Sidra Medicine • How the Health System Works Together The information contained in this guide has been checked and verified as correct as at the time of compilation. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, information is subject to change.

Follow marhaba.qa for the latest updates. ©

MARHABA

AUTUMN 2021

331 M81 Intro pages SP 29.7.21 2.indd 6

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stal R d

70 Jasim

Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium (Al Duhail Sports Club)

Road

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National Library

Education City

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Bu Sidra I/C

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St

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Mind Institute

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Industrial Services Centre Fingerprinting for Companies Traffic Investigation Division e

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Park House

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Pak Education Centre

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Alfardan Gardens 4 Dar Al Salam Mall

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La Cigale

Nissan

GAC Zakat Fund

Lycee Voltaire

Doha British

lw

Cafe Batteel

Salwa Rd Bridge

NBK Mercedes Hyundai Auto Class MG / Maxus Mitsubishi

Al Sadd

Al Sadd St

39

ha

rt Spo

Tebah Gardens

St

Al Furousiya St

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Aziziya

Joaan

Al Asiri

ASD

Beverly Hills

Garvey’s

Sa

Str

Do

St /

55

Belgravia

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Doha Academy Al Waab Campus

Mannai

DOHA GREATER MAP M81.indd 2

CESK

Vet Surgery

Avenue Millennium Royal Plaza

DoubleTree Doha Clinic Gulf Pearls Al Sadd Hospital Westin Do QNA Hotel & S Al Mirqab Mall Family Jarir Food Centre

Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium (Al Sadd Club)

55

Beverly Hills Gardens Newton

id Al S

Sport City

Z ire Asp

Al Aziziyah

CEID

Forensic Lab Dept

St

55

22

Grand Regency

Al Asmakh Mall

Step by Step

Al Waab City

Qatar Veterinary Centre

Summit Academy

aab

Al W

Awqaf

Villaggio

St

Study Plus

NCCC R Hea

S u h a i m Bin H a

Am

Aspetar

Queen Medical Centre

Al A

iya

AIA

Al Sudan

Busy Bees Nursery

Khalifa Al Waab Stadium 2022

Hamad

Hamad Ambulance Hospital Wyndham

Al

r rrido Co ad HIA m I/C – Ah hba ek h L ba Umm

Torch

Alfardan Gardens 2

53

Aspetar

KidsZania

Sedaira St

Al

See more details of the area in our map of INDUSTRIAL AREA

Aspire Zone

1

Al Bid Park

White Palace

Women’s

British Council

Rasheeda St

t ni S Tha Corn Bin

Warwick

Imperial Suites

54

Royal Vet

il Sa

ad

54 38

Sa

Aspire Park

Hyatt Plaza

an Ro

Al

Driving School

iza

St

Al Salam St

53

Al Rayy

Corn

Fire Station

Ona

Al Q a l ah

St

51 Al Gharrafa/ Bani Hajer 52 Al Luqta/Lebday Old Al Rayyan/ Al Shaqab 53 New Al Rayyan Muaither, Al Wajba 54 Al Soudan, Mehairja, Muraikh, Luaib, Baaya 55 Al Soudan, Al Waab 56 Bu Hamour, Mesaimeer, Ain Khaled 57 Industrial Area 60 Al Dafna 61 Al Dafna, Al Gassar 62 Lekhwair 63 Onaiza 64 Lejbailat 65 Onaiza 66 Legtaifiya, Onaiza 67 Hazm Al Markhiya 68 Jelaiah, Al Tarfa 69 Al Egla 70 Wadi Al Banat, Al Ebb Rawdat Al Hamama

Traffic Police

Al Aziziyah Boutique Hotel Academy

t Jassim B i n Ali S

Appletree Nursery

Al Rayyan Security Dept

s St ufou Al Kh Al Rayyan

Royal Hall

City

Debakey

Al Rayyan

MoI HQ

ed mm ha Mo

Lulu

Messila

yan Al Jadeed S t

62

20 10

Town Centre

36 37 Medical

Al Messila Resort & Spa

Al Messila

University of Calgary

Toyota Nissan Mitsubishi Al Sailiya Sports Club

St

Philippine School of Doha

Nissan Civil Defence Al Ahli Hospital

t

ek

Al Rayyan Al Qadeem

Qatar Sports C

Khalifa & Squash

iS

Ate

Al Jazira Al Arabiya St

Compass

Racing & Equestrian Club

Wathnan Mall

Full details of Qatar’s districts and zones at gisqatar.org.qa

26 27

Al

Khattab St

University Foundation College English Modern School

64

Volvo

n Al

Al Ray

Edison

THE ZONES OF DOHA

(zones comprise one or more districts, some of which are listed below)

E

w

Hu

Newton

Metro Stations

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

ar

34 35

Omar Bin Al

6 Al

Al Jazeera

St

Al Rayyan Municipality Food Jarir Centres Bookstore

Al Wajba St

Gold line Al Aziziyah - Ras Bu Abboud

28 Sharg Zone/ Al Khulaifat 29 Ras Bu Abboud 30 Duhail 31 Umm Lekhba 32 Madinat Khalifa (N) 33 Al Markhiya 34 Madinat Khalifa (S) 35 Kulaib 36 Al Messila 37 New Al Hitmi/ Bin Omran Hamad Medical City 38 Al Sadd 39 Al Nasr/Al Sadd Al Mirqab Al Jadeed 40 New Slata 41 Nuaija 42 Al Hilal 43 Al Maamoura, Nuaija 44 Nuaija 45 Old Airport 46 Mesaimeer/ Al Thumama 47 Al Thumama 48 Doha Int'l Airport 49 Hamad Int'l Airport/ Banana Island

52

adeena St Al M

Al Shaqab

Education City St Al Rayya n

Chef’s Garden

Ansar Gallery

Al Shafi St

a ajb Al W

Red line Lusail - HIA T1 - Al Wakra Green line Al Riffa - Al Mansoura

Al Jasra Al Bidda Mohd Bin Jasim Mushaireb Barahat Al Jufairi Old Al Ghanim Al Souq Wadi Al Sail Arumaila, Armeilla Al Bidda Abdul Aziz Al Doha Al Jadeeda Old Al Ghanim Sharg Zone/ Al Hitmi/Al Rufaa Sharg Zone/Slata Doha Port Wadi Al Sail Al Rumeila, Armeilla Bin Mahmoud Bin Mahmoud Rawdat Al Khail Al Mansoura/ Bin Derhem Najma Umm Ghuwailina

Gate 5

Ja

QBS QTV

DESS

French Nursery

Beverly Hills Al Rayyan

All trains connect at Msheireb Station

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 10 11 12 14 15 16 17

Makkah St

uk

Imam Mohd Ibn Abdul Wahab Honda

Qatar Guest Centre

Omar Bin Al Khattab

Swiss International

Makkah St

Al Shaqab

Doha College Al Wajba

Doha Metro Network

Edison

Traffic Dept HQ

lM

SEK

i ed B Ahm

Mathaf

Oxygen Park

Qatar Nat’l Library

EC Stadium 2022

Omar A

West Bay Al Meera

Souq Al Ali

St

Institut Francais du Qatar

Al Hazm

Khalifa St

Al Gharrafa

Newton

Al Khafji St

St

66

Elder Tree KG

32 33

Porsche Quick Service

Al Luqta St

66

ty

Madinat Khalifa

Gate 2

EC Golf Club

D

Al Gharr afa St

Al R ayy an St

afa

af f uqta

Al L

51

Compass QNCC Qatar

Car Park

si

CCQ Boys

Starfish Lane Kids

Park View Compass Pet Centre

Little Academy

St

er

Al M

ad in Ham Jasi m B

Al Wajba

Premier Inn Doha Education City Hotel

2

a St Al Markhiy

St

51

LuLu

Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (QEERI)

in Jassim

iv

Kanga’s Pouch

Dahl Al Hamam Family Park

d

Dukhan

iri G

b St

Thani B

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Edison

Umm Lekhba

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Un

67

Tawar Mall

22 Feb

Am

Gulf Mall

Ha

L

St

t

Al Jahanniya I/C

C

Education City Community Housing

erha

Gh

Al T

Al Riffa

Ezdan Palace Landmark Mall

ACS Int’l School

QSTP

St

ya

S iya rkh Ma

1

AlRayyan Hotel

Al Ghaf St

Jelaiah Complex

sim

ad

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Al

Japan School

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Sherborne

68

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ifi

Lycee Wadi Rawd a n St Voltaire

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13. Qatar Foundation Headquarters

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51

Jeliah St

Qatar Canadian School

Duhail

Gulf English School

ta

College of the North Atlantic

31

Al Gharrafa Sports Club

Hall

Interchange

Al Khafji

t

Interchange

Qatar Veterinary Centre

Riviera Gardens

tS

Ahmad Bin Ali (Al Rayyan) Stadium 2022 Celebration

il St

uha

Al D

14. Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC) 15. Qatar National Library (QNL) 16. Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP) 17. Sidra Medicine 18. Texas A&M University at Qatar (TAMUQ) 19. Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) 20. Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) 21. Academyati

ee

Dukhan Zekreet Al Sheehaniya Sheikh Faisal Museum

Al G

Academic Bridge Program (ABP) Al Shaqab Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar (CMU-Q) Ceremonial Court Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) Education City Golf Club Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) Mosque Multaqa (Student Center) Northwestern University in Qatar (NU-Q) Oxygen Park Qatar Academy Doha (Primary School)

kr

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St

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2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

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Doha Shooting Club

, Ar 245

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30

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Ministry of Education

Le

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Qatar University

FAHES

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Restaurant

Health Centre

70

Al Kharaitiyat /

Ab du lA

Auto Dealer

Non-stop Expressway

St

Sub-station

lA Jee ven ra u

Veterinary Clinic

Club

69

1A

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School, College, Club

Housing Complex

MoI Immigration Department et Directorate of Passports Stre rfa Ta Al

Jawaan

Government Office

Doha Festival City

S

Newton

me

Petrol Station

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Str

WOQOD

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Religious Complex

Sports Stadium

Duhail Water Pumping Station

arfa

Al T

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Bookstore

Cultural Landmarks

Energy City Qatar

Qatar Petroleum District

The International School of London in Qatar

t et S kre Ze

Al Majd Road (Orbital)

Shopping Mall

Fox Hills South

Qatar Finland Int’l School

IKEA

Hotel

ard

Boulev

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Crescent Park

Legend Mosque

Fox Hills North

Comm

Lusail

QATAR

Hospital

6

ACS

CGIS

prepared in cooperation with

Lusail Stadium 2022

a or Co

1

oad al R am Sh

Doha

Map of Greater

3

Al Khor Semaisma Losail Int’l Circuit

Al

A

2

2

Al Shamal Al Ruwais Ras Laffan Al Zubara Al Khor Umm Garn Umm Slal

Al Kh

Al Majd Road 4

Lusail Al Mazrooah Al Shamal Rd

rw

1

Ras Laffan Al Shamal Al Zubara Al Khor Al Shamal Rd

8/2/21 10:48 AM

Ansar Gallery Nissan

Me

U

4

Lusail Stadium 2022

ercial

Comm

ard

Boulev

Waterpark Project

Crescent Park

Fox Hills South

Lusail City

Beverly Hills Lusail

Qatar Petroleum District

Qatari Diar

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Str

eet il Str Lusa

arfa

WOQOD

QNTC MOCI

Shafallah Centre

69

Newton

1A

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Staybridge Suites Doha Lusail Katara Hospitality

Doha Sports Park

Doha Golf Club Lagoona Mall

L

St

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Four Seasons

Hotel Park

he

Museum of Islamic Art

St

Amiri Diwan

Souq Waqif Bin Zaid

Msheireb

Grand Hamad

Alwadi

Four Points by Sheraton

Souq Waqif

MME Movenpick Saraya

sw

s pre

Ex

National Museum

d St Abbou Ras Bu Abu Baqr

B4

Mauritania

Bangladesh

D4

Mexico

C4

Belarus

B3

Moldova

B4

Belgium

C3

Morocco

C4

Benin

C3

Nepal

E3

Bosnia & H

B3

Netherlands

C4

Brazil

B3

Niger

C3

Brunei

B3

Nigeria

C4

Bulgaria

B3

North Macedonia C4

Burkina Faso

B3

Oman

B4

Canada

C4

Pakistan

C4

C. African Rep

B3

Palestine

C4

Chile

C4

Panama

B4

China

B3

Paraguay

B3

Costa Rica

C3

Peru

C3

Croatia

C4

Philippines

B3

Cuba

B4

C4

B3

Poland

Cyprus

C4

Portugal

C4

Djibouti

B4

Romania

C4

Dom. Rep.

B3

Russia

B4

Ecuador

B4

Senegal

C3

El Salvador

B4

Serbia

B3

Eritrea

E4

Singapore

B4

eSwatini

B4

Somalia

C4

Ethiopia

B3

South Africa

B3

France

C4

Spain

B4

Gambia

E4

Sri Lanka

E4

Georgia

C4

Sudan

Germany

C3

Sweden

C4

Ghana

B3

Switzerland

B3

Greece

B4

Syria

C4

B

C4

B3

Tajikistan

C3

India

C4

Tanzania

C4

Indonesia

D3

Thailand

C4

Iran

C4

Tunisia

C4

C4

Turkey

Italy

C4

Uganda

B3

Ivory Coast

B4

Ukraine

B3

Japan

B4

United Kingdom

C4

Jordan

C4

United States

Kazakhstan

B3

of America

C3

Kenya

B3

Uruguay

C3

Korea (S)

B4

Venezuela

B4

Kosovo

C4

Vietnam

B3

B4

C

bou t d S

Rawdat Al Khail St

B

Ab

47

daill

Al Fa

St

Al Meera

Air Force I/C

Free Zone

akra

W Al Rd

46

King’s College

Kahramaa

Qatar Free Zone

Ras Bufontas Qatar Free Zone

See our detailed map of the area south of Doha MAP of AL WAKRA

E

Airport (49) I/C

B Square Mall

Masaken Mesaimeer

DOHA GREATER MAP M81.indd 3

D

HIA T1

t

e

Azerbaijan

A

g Rd

Workers Health Centre

Philippine School Doha

Oqba Ibn Nafie

ri S nsa

lA Jee ven ra u

B4

A

Al A

rcia

Mali

oub

me

C4

Ayy

om

Austria

Abu

aC

C4

Bu

St

S

a U m ba m h Al Le Ah Al Weteyyat kh mad ba C orridor I/ C – Hamad Int’l Airport

rt po

Mesaimeer

Kahramaa Awareness Park

t

rw

B3

Malaysia

Airport Traffic Division

American Academy

ME & HE

aS

Ba

C4

Libya

C4

Oryx Airport Hotel Concourse C

Airport

St

Sub-station

Thumama Stadium 2022

Meteorology

Medical Commission Drainage Dept

Religious Complex

Liberia

B3

Australia

E

D

Ras

Air

Rd

B3

Armenia

Hamad International Airport

48

Shoprite

jm

ea

t tree

Na

e enu

Ansar Gallery Nissan

Nafie Oqba Bin

t

Safari Mind Institute

In

Zaks Uniform Store Ideal Indian

S ort Airp Old

E Rin

Berlitz

A al

d

Park House Qatar Ind Tech QDC Bangladesh

44

45

Montezine

E Ring Rd

ri

t us

Elder Tree Nursery

The Mall IAID

Qatar Red Crescent

r

Doha Mall

Al Ahli Sports Club

aS

Al Jazeera Academy

LuLu

Regency Kahramaa Halls

Summit KG

Tank Farm

Immigration

Pak Education Centre

Av

43

Girls Al Ma Creativity ad Centre ee Qatar Egyptian dS Skills t Language Academy TEK Cambridge Indian Alfardan Girls Cultural Gardens 3 MES Centre Doha Modern Mesaimeer Indian Mesaimeer Services

56

2526 jm Na

an s4 Salam all

l rcia

Newton Int’l

Doha Academy

Argentina

C4

Ras Bu Abboud

Najma St

ay

D Ring Rd

German School Doha

B4

Ras Abu Aboud Stadium 2022

Doha Marriott

Sharq Village & Spa

41 42

40

lo

C4

Lebanon

Banana Island

by Anantara

National Museum of Qatar

he St Al Cornic

C Ring Rd

ha

24

Ha

Kyrgyz Rep

C4

Box Park

16 23 14 15 27 t bS

La Cigale

St mad

39

Do

55

Kuwait

B4

Algeria

Doha Port

Premier Inn ire Mercure Joaan Bin ha Al Doha Doha Airport Hotel Al Safa Mahmoud i Mus Capital Al Jadeda DoubleTree ad Chevrolet Qatar Al Liwan Police W Doha Clinic Gulf Pearls Al Sadd Aeronautical Hospital Concorde College Westin Doha Crowne B Ring Rd Jarir Bookstore Al Muntazah QNA Hotel & Spa Plaza The Doha Heliport Al Mirqab Chevrolet Centre Holiday Mall Umm Al Meera Radisson Family Inn Jarir Blu Food Centre ep Ghuwailina aalishan d Sterling Hyatt Regency Cafe Al Mansoura Al Meera aR sim Bin Hamad American Oryx Doha Batteel lw Ford a S Stadium C R Hospital AAB Mashreq Rawdat ing Al Sadd Club) Nissan Bank St CCQ Al Mana Al Khail Holiday Al Matar Al Qadeem R b d Garden li Girls Villa Al Jabor Rd Chrysler Ta g Al Asiri i n Vision C Ri Ab CAA Bin Gulf Times Financial Marhaba Ali Safeer Arrayah Al Arabi Square Rd Gulf Club Rd Family ge Warehousing ing Food Centre Al Meera Alfardan R Al Emadi Darwish D St Hospital Le Mirage Gardens Dhreima Travel ul British Council

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St

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Al

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i Al B

d St

Al Sadd

Al Sadd St

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Vet Surgery

e Al Khal

Avenue Millennium Royal Plaza

61

Hilton

11 12 2 1 7 22 13 34 5 6 17 Bin Ma

Al Asmakh Mall

DECC Al Fu

Al Bidda Park

S u h a i m Bin H a

Imperial Suites

City Center Retaj Doha Rayyan

i St hanCorniche in T

Hospital

Wyndham Grand Regency

St

Afghanistan

Hungary

Katara The Pearl-Qatar Lagoona Mall Al Bidda Park Souq Waqif Qatar National Museum Grand Mosque QNCC Al Shaqab Mathaf Museum

Marriott Hotel Sharq Village & Spa Fisherman’s Wharf Museum Of Islamic Art The Corniche Orrie Oryx City Center-Doha Hotel Park Hilton Hotel InterContinental Hotel

Al C

Qatar National Theatre

White Palace

Hamad

Diploma

St

Corniche

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n Al

St

MoI HQ

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Fire Station

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61

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62

NCCCR ad Women’s Rumailah Heart Warwick Hamad Ambulance Al Bidda

8

Beach

Perlita Gardens

DOHA HOP-OFF BUS SIGHTSEEING ROUTE stops at

63

West Bay

20 10

City

an Ro

Floresta Gardens

InterContinental

Tornado Tower

Qatar Sports Club

ed B mm ha Mo

Debakey

31

St Regis

The Gate

Khalifa Tennis & Squash Complex Barzan

Nissan Civil Defence Al Ahli Hospital

Lulu

rA

Newton

Volvo

6 37 Medical Al Rayy

Viva Bahriya

Novo Cinemas

Sedra Arjaan Residences by Rotana

Beach

t

64

Al Jazeera

Town Centre

29

30

St

Al Jazi Gardens

Al S iya rkh Ma

Ja

QBS QTV

35

23

Porto Arabia

5/6 O Int’change ma

Imam Mohd Ibn Abdul Wahab Honda

DESS

1

Al Qassar

5/6 Park

65

Al Hazm

Qatar Guest Centre

Medina Centrale

22

2

SEK

West Bay Al Meera

er Tree KG

rfish e Kids

Edison

lM

CCQ Boys

Kanga’s Pouch

33

Chouiefat

66

67

Porsche

20

The Pearl-Qatar

Institut Francais du Qatar

Al M

4

18

Newton

Al Khafji St

St

6

Oyster

Diplomatic Club

The PearlQatar

15

La Cr

21 High St

Lusail St

Un

14

12

7

Katara

Lycee Wadi Rawd a n St Voltaire

68

Edison

ya

ag

ifi

10

ette ois

g

ta

Al Ghaf St

Abraj Quartier

Lusai l St

Le

t nS oo

Marsa Malaz Kempinski

Qanat Quartier

Hilton The Pearl

Legtaifiya

Ministry of Education

ah St

Ritz-Carlton

Grand Mondrian Hyatt

Legtaifiya Lagoon

zm

Katara Towers

Marina

Marina District

QIPCO

Qatar University

Lusail Marina

Vendome Mall

Energy City Qatar

Al T

Ha

EMBASSY LOCATIONS

Fox Hills North

oi La Cr sette

6

5

Qetaifan Island North

Qetaifan Island North

ing

GR

Rd

MegaMart

Barwa Village

49

Ras Bu Fontas

8/2/21 10:48 AM

LIVING IN QATAR E-GUIDE ©

MARHABA

6 QABAYAN FM M81.indd 1

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FEATURE

Qatar’s Impressive Digital Services

By Sarah Palmer

T

he ministries in Qatar are joining together to accelerate digital government initiatives in a bid to make their services more efficient, effective, accessible, and customer-centric.

Building on the progress made over the past years, the Qatar Digital Government programme aims to better serve both individuals and businesses. This will create an efficient government administration, while also developing a more open government with enhanced participation of citizens and residents.

As far back as 2003, an Amiri decree stated that all government entities should collaborate on e-government, leading to the launch of an e-government website offering the first digital services. in 2008, Hukoomi 1 was launched, Qatar’s e-government portal, followed by Hukoomi 2 in 2010.

In 2013, the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology identified e-Government as a priority. A Steering Committee, comprising eight ministries, was charged with developing and guiding the implementation of a nationwide e-Government strategy. This led to the Qatar e-Government 2020 Strategy Executive Summary, which has one comprehensive vision: that ‘all individuals and businesses will benefit from connecting online with Qatar’s more open and efficient government’.

of 2021, with advanced digital transformation amid the pandemic to better serve individuals and businesses.

This comprehensive digital transformation roadmap, combined with the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, has resulted in the government of Qatar achieving its latest digitisation accomplishment, ranking fourth globally for the provision of digital services and subsequent adoption, according to a study by Boston Consulting Group (BCG).

As part of this study, the Digital Government in the GCC: Accelerating Citizen Trust report shows that the level of satisfaction of digital government services in Qatar is comparable with the averages of developing countries (58%).

This adds to other accolades previously bestowed, including global technology company SAP stating in March that Qatar’s government-led digital transformation ranks as the top technology trend LIVING IN QATAR E-GUIDE ©

Findings from the Boston Consulting Group study The Digital Government Citizen Survey (DGCS) study encompassed 36 countries, 26 digital government services, and almost 25,000 individual responses.

Qatar’s digital services are widely received and have been met with a positive response. The report shows that 53% of Qatari respondents revealed they use digital government services at least once a week, 6% above the global average.

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BCG’s study has also been influenced by BCG and Salesforce’s research to understand what customers expect from governments, under The Trust Imperative remit.

Governments in the GCC have recently prioritised increasing the quality and availability of digital services, to remain at the forefront of emerging technologies’ adoption.

According to Rami Riad Mourtada, Partner and Associate Director, BCG, ‘The disruptive nature of COVID-19 is universally acknowledged, yet subsequent repercussions have also demonstrated the unquestionable necessity for digital government services.’

Digital government services needed to expand quickly following the onset of the pandemic, leading to COVID-19 awareness, testing, tracing, information coverage, quarantine compliance, volunteer coordination, and financial support becoming available on e-government portals.

The Hukoomi e-government portal In Qatar has become an even more successful one-stopshop, with efficient and accessible information and services for citizens, residents, visitors and businesses.

Dr Lars Littig, Managing Director and Partner, BCG, commented ‘The demographics of today provide a significant advantage to Qatar and the GCC, with 54% of regional citizens aged 24 or below. As digital natives, younger generations are greatly enthused by implementing digital services and expect worldclass quality, enhanced convenience, and greater accessibility.

‘These traits are driving the widespread digital services adaption being witnessed across the region, as is urbanisation. At present, approximately 85 percent of those residing in the GCC live in urban environments and use digital government services frequently.’

The study’s other findings show that citizens in the GCC are satisfied with digital government

services, acknowledging the multiple benefits offered including understandable language, platform accessibility, and easy access to information.

Howvever, one concern in Qatar related to personal information security. ‘The value that digital government services have provided to citizens is abundantly clear. However, concerns have arisen among end-users with regards to data and AI,’ said Mourtada. He went on to say that governments must build trust with users of their platforms, providing assurance over the reasons why data is collected and issuing data governance policies.

Governments in the GCC can continue to build on digital service delivery processes and continue to add to the already impressive range of services offered.

Dr Littig noted that the Qatari government has already established itself as a digital services leader along with some other GCC governments.

‘Their respective and shared success will serve as a source of inspiration for others on the international stage, with leaderships sure to look at these countries as they aim to emulate their digital government services achievements.’ m The full report can be read at bcg.com/ en-mideast/publications/2021/digitalgovernment-services-help-build-trust-of-gcccitizens For more information about Qatar’s digital transformation and to view the Qatar e-Government 2020 Strategy Executive Summary, visit the Ministry of Transport and Communication website, motc.gov.qa Access a wide range of e-services on the e-Government Portal, Hukoomi at hukoomi.gov.qa/en ©

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Day to Day Qatar Whether you are a resident or a visitor to Qatar, there are many things to know about your stay in Qatar, from day to day activities to government tasks.

Visas See Traveller Information in the Discovering Qatar section.

Accidents and Medical Emergencies Call 999.

Newspapers

Day to Day Qatar

There are three local English daily newspapers published in Qatar: Gulf Times, The Peninsula and Qatar Tribune – plus the international New York Times. Other international titles arrive a little later.

The Arabic dailies published in Qatar include Al Arab, Al Sharq, Arrayah and Al Watan. Most newsagents deliver newspapers if asked. Dailies are also available online.

Television and Radio Al Jazeera The most watched Arabic news channel in the Arab world is broadcast from Doha in English (101.7 FM, aljazeera.com) and Arabic (102.6 FM, aljazeera.net) 24/7.

Alkass A group of eight sports channels that are broadcast 24/7 from Qatar focusing on domestic football. alkass.net Al Rayyan TV An Arabic satellite television network that broadcasts cultural and family entertainment programmes. alrayyan.tv beIN Sports Watch and stream live sports including La Liga, Ligue 1, Copa Libertadores, Copa Sudamericana, and MLW. beinsports.com Golfo Radio Spanish and Portuguese radio station in Qatar transmits on 98.3 FM. Malayalam 98.6 FM First Malayalam radio station in Qatar. radio986.com Oryx FM A French service, transmits 24/7 on 94.0 FM. oryxradio.qa Qabayan Radio First and only Filipino radio channel in Qatar, operating on 94.3 FM. qabayanfm.com Qatar Television (QTV) Government-owned public service national television channel, operating Channel 1 in Arabic. qtv.qa QBS Radio Operates daily on 97.5 FM in English under Qatar Media Corporation (QMC). qbsradio.qa QFM 95.3 Sithula and QFM Tamil First Sri Lankan radio stations in Qatar broadcast in Sinhalese and Tamil languages. sithularadio.com Quran Radio Qatar Operates 24/7 in Arabic with more than 10 talk shows on 103.4 FM. quranradio.qa LIVING IN QATAR E-GUIDE ©

Radio Olive A Hindi FM station, broadcasts 24/7 with information, music and entertainment to the diaspora fom the Indian Sub-Continent on 106.3 FM. olive.qa Sout Al Khaleej (Voice of the Gulf) An Arabic live radio station, broadcasts Arab music and entertainment on 99.0 – 100.8 FM. soutalkhaleej.fm Urdu Radio Operates daily on 107 FM in Urdu under Qatar Media Corporation (QMC). urduradio.qa

Places of Worship Islam is the official religion of Qatar but many expatriate communities hold church services.

All religious associations need to register with Qatar International Christian Ministry (QICM) to be considered legitimate.

Catholic Church of Our Lady of the Rosary E4 The Catholic Church in Qatar is a part of the universal church whose spiritual head is the Pope. Daily Mass: early morning and evening in English and other languages. 4416 5550/5400, ourladyofrosarychurch.org, catholicchurchqatar.org Immanuel Mar Thoma Church – Doha, Qatar E4 Member of Inter Denominational Christian Church.

4416 5701, imtcdoha.com Rehoboth Assembly Church (RCCG) E4 A parish of the redeemed Christian Church of God. Teenage Church and Children's Club available. 7770 7783, rccgrehobothqatar.org Sheikh Abdulla Bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Center (Fanar) D4 Al Juma’a Khutba and prayer in English for male and female Englishspeaking Muslims on Fridays. Open Sunday to Thursday 8 am – 1 pm and 5 pm – 8 pm. 4444 7444, binzaid.gov.qa The Church of the Epiphany E4 is the Anglican Church in Qatar, a member of the Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf, which is part of the worldwide Anglican Communion. 4416 5726, anglicanchurchinqatar.org

Government Online Whether you are a resident or a visitor to Qatar, dealing with one or more of the country's government offices is going to be a necessity at some point in your stay. You can do some services by visiting the offices and transacting your business directly with government officials; however, most services can be done the more convenient way – online.

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marhaba.qa Hukoomi

Launched in 2017, Hukoomi 3 enables the use of up to 650 online services accessible remotely without having to visit a government office. The new portal offers an additional 500 services.

Hukoomi can be accessed via apps for Android and iOS. Registration: Some services, such as driving licences, require online registration with a Qatari ID card for residents and nationals or a passport number for users outside Qatar.

Ministry of Interior (MOI) Services MOI is committed to keeping both citizens and residents continuously informed and updated about their services and ease of access to them. They can be found at portal.moi.gov.qa, on Twitter, YouTube and Facebook. Some services are available in Arabic, English, Hindi and Urdu to meet the diverse language needs of its users.

Metrash2 The MOI constantly improves and simplifies its services delivery channels and procedures.

In light of this, MOI introduced its unique service Metrash2 that enables Qatari nationals and residents to apply for and obtain more than 150 services that save their time, effort and money, while enjoying the convenience of using their smartphones.

For support and enquiries: 234 2000

Metrash2 includes: Visa services • Personal and corporate traffic services • RP services • Exit permit issue • General MOI enquiries MOI's Emergency Service for the Deaf 992 uses advanced technological equipment to enable users to contact the emergency centre by: • Dialling 992 using a 3G camera from their computer or mobile phone.

• Sending an SMS to 992 mentioning clearly the type of the problem and

• Emailing 992@moi.gov.qa

eCASH Card The MOI will only accept credit, debit and eCASH cards as payment for many services including visas, residence permit applications and renewals, and payment of fines.

The eCASH Card is a non-personalised prepaid card, obtainable from Qatar National Bank (QNB), which can be used to pay for such fees at ministries and government departments displaying the eCASH symbol. To purchase the card you need to show your ID card, or if you are a nonresident, your passport.

Features: Valid for two years • No bank account needed • Reloading facility • Refundable credit in case of card loss or cancellation • Available to visitors and residents • Check balances and reload at any QNB ATM.

Day to Day Qatar

This is the award-winning government website, hukoomi.gov.qa. Available in English and Arabic, it is the first place to look when you have government-related queries. It serves as an access point to the many services provided by the government and allows everyone, visitors and residents alike, to make transactions online.

Regularly updated, it has many e-services and links to various government ministries, councils, departments and institutions. It also provides information and articles about Qatar.

service needed – such as Ambulance, Civil Defense or Police – and the name of the user and the address, and the injuries or deaths if any, and then contacting the police.

Cost: One-off issuance fee of QAR20 • Reload with a minimum of QAR50.

Issuing counters at: Traffic Department branches: Madinat Khalifa (HQ) C3, Al Maamoura D4/E4, E Ring Road/Matar Qadeem D4.

Immigration Department branches: Al Gharrafa C2, the Industrial Area, Hamad International Airport (HIA) D5, Al Wakra and Al Khor. eCASH cards are not personalised so it is essential to report your lost or stolen card as soon as possible. To report any suspicious transaction not initiated by yourself, call your bank, some of which have dedicated fraud lines.

Useful Documents/Processing You need to prove your identity in Qatar for all government and commercial transactions, so have plenty of: • Passport-size photos and several copies of the passport of each family member.

• Copies of your marriage (attested) and birth certificates.

• Original educational qualifications (copies are not accepted), which will need to be authenticated in your country of origin, along with a Bonafide Certificate. ©

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marhaba.qa Translating a document: The official language in Qatar is Arabic. Each page of each document must bear the translation firm’s official stamp for it to be considered valid.

Asia Translation and Services Centre 4444 0943 Qatar Translation Centre 4443 5354

Day to Day Qatar

Translations Studio provides professional translation, proofreading and editing in all languages. Contact Yvonne Ikram (appointed translator by EU Law), translations-studio.com Mandoub: Most organisations offer help to their employees on arrival and have a government liaison officer (mandoub) who is responsible for completing much of the official documentation.

Government Services Complex: There are government service complexes across the country – Al Wakra, Al Daayen, Al Sheehaniya, Mesaimeer, Onaiza, Al Zubara, Al Hilal (C Ring Road), Al Rayyan, Umm Salal and The Pearl-Qatar.

Opening times: Sun to Thu 7:30 am – 1 pm/3 pm – 7 pm, Fri and Sat closed. Call the Government Contact Center at 109 for more information.

The complex provides the services of six ministries and government entities, namely: Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs; Justice; Commerce and Industry; Foreign Affairs; Education and Higher Education; and Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa).

The Qatar Labour Law – Kafala The relationship between an employer and employee is regulated by the Qatar Labour Law. A copy of this can be downloaded via Hukoomi or read on qatarlaborlaw.com/qatar-labor-law, qatarlaborlaw.com/amendments Since 2018, Qatar has been taking major steps to reform its labour laws, and ease restrictions of the Kafala or employee sponsorship system, including abolishing exit permits, removing the no-objection certificate (NOC) requirement, introducing a minimum wage, and more.

Sponsorship: All expatriate workers in Qatar require sponsorship to work in the country.

Minimum Wage: According to Law No 17 of 2020 on Setting the Minimum Wage for Workers and Domestic Workers, the minimum wage for all private sector workers, including domestic workers, is set at QAR1,000 per month as a basic wage, as well as QAR500 per month allocated by the employer for accommodation expenses and QAR300 per month for food, unless the employer already provides adequate food or accommodation for the employee or domestic worker. The new law came into effect in March 2021.

LIVING IN QATAR E-GUIDE ©

Working hours: A 48-hour week is the maximum allowed under Qatar Labour Law without overtime pay. Government offices and many private companies have a two-day weekend on Friday and Saturday, although a one-day holiday on Friday is still common in the private sector.

Hours of business: Government offices tend to work a single shift 7 am – 2 pm; private companies may work a single shift or split morning/late afternoon shifts with longer hours.

Contract: Three copies of the employment contract should be signed by both parties. The employer and employee each retain a copy, the third copy is kept at the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs C4 after verifying it.

It is illegal for sponsors to keep their employees' passport and travel documents after the visa formalities are over. Sponsor fine: not less than QAR10,000.

End of service benefits: Employees completing a period of continuous service for more than one year are entitled to an end of service benefit on the termination or expiry of the contract of employment. This is mandatory in the current labour law, effective from January 2005.

Migrant workers can now change jobs before the end of their contract subject to a notice period. The adoption of Law No 19 of 2020 provides greater clarity regarding termination of employment. To terminate an employment contract and change jobs, workers must provide at least one month’s written notice if they have worked with the employer for two years or less, or two months’ notice if they have worked with the employer for over two years.

Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs C Ring Road D4 including a Women's Section. There is also an office on Street 13/Al Kasarat St in the Industrial Area (see map in the Motoring section). 4028 8888

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marhaba.qa Workplace Disputes The Amir, HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani issued Law No 13 of 2017 amending some provisions of the Labour Law, and forming the Labour Dispute Resolution Committee. All labour disputes are received through the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs (MADLSA) to resolve disputes. The maximum period for reviewing the disputes before the committee is one month, including the time for any potential appeal.

Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs: Has its own dedicated 24-hour confidential hotline number for its own employees who have employment grievances.

National Human Rights Committee in Qatar: Protects and consolidates human rights of all, subject to the jurisdiction of Qatar. 4404 8844, hotline 6662 6663, nhrc-qa.org

Register at your Embassy All nationals working or residing in Qatar are advised to contact their country’s embassy to register or subscribe to its services. See Foreign Embassies in the Discovering Qatar section for contact details.

Residence/Work Permits Expatriate workers must have a residence permit for themselves and each member of their family unless they fall into exempted categories. You need a Qatari sponsor to obtain a residence work permit enabling you to sponsor your family.

Work residence permit: QAR1,260 per year (QAR1,000 annual fee, QAR100 for the ID card, QAR100 for the Labour Department paperwork costs, QAR60 for validation stamps). Work Residence Permits are renewed each year by the expatriate’s employer. It is usually the sponsor’s responsibility to deal with all the paperwork and to pay the annual fee at the Immigration Department in Al Gharrafa C2, the Industrial Area E2 or Mesaimeer E3. Families residing in Al Wakra F5 and Al Khor should apply locally.

Register as a working woman (On husband’s sponsorship): QAR500 per year. Women on family sponsorship can work in Qatar without a separate residence work permit by obtaining a licence from MADLSA, Women’s Section. When you have been offered a job, the company must obtain an application form from the Labour Department and submit it with the following:

• Three original copies of your employment contract (QAR60 for authentication).

Day to Day Qatar

Labour Relations Department: File your complaint within one year of the event with the section for workers’ rights and grievances. 4028 8888

• A no objection letter (NOC) signed by the family sponsor giving his consent for you to work.

• Originals and photocopies of passports and ID for you and your family sponsor.

• Originals and photocopies of all your relevant academic and professional qualifications.

• A certificate of good conduct from the MOI. • Copy of your resignation letter from your previous employment (if applicable).

• A photograph and fees.

Payment: Via credit card or eCash card from Qatar National Bank (QNB) sold on or near the premises.

Family residence permit: Spouse and child over 18 – QAR500 per year, child under 18 – QAR400.

Every member of the family residing in Qatar, including babies, must have an individual family residence permit. Holders of residence work permits can sponsor their immediate family (spouse and children) if they earn over QAR10,000 a month. Workers are allowed to sponsor their sons under 25 years of age who have not completed university studies and unmarried daughters of any age. The sponsorship law allows women in independent jobs to sponsor their husband and children (conditions apply).

The General Directorate of Passports is in the process of introducing new procedures that will enable people to submit their family residency applications electronically and online via the Hukoomi website, Metrash 2 and the internal services system.

Documents required: Salary certificate from employer; copies of passports of family members; attested marriage, birth and degree certificates (as required); copy of electricity bill; six months worth of bank statements; stamped and registered accomodation lease. Final approval of the ©

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marhaba.qa residence permit depends on the decision of the recruitment committee. Check hukoomi.gov.qa in case of changes.

Day to Day Qatar

Domestic staff residence permit: QAR300 per year (on personal sponsorship). Employees must have a minimum salary and be married with a resident working spouse in Qatar (proof of which is required). Fill in the application form at your local Immigration Department. There are sometimes restrictions on the nationality you can employ so check before you start the process.

In August 2017, HH the Amir ratified Law No 15 on service workers in the home (Domestic Workers Law). The cabinet adopted the law in February 2018. The law guarantees workers a maximum 10-hour workday, a weekly rest day, three weeks of annual leave, and an end-of-service payment of at least three weeks per year.

Recruiting privately: Obtain the visa yourself for domestic staff (or use the office mandoub), register a contract with the Qatari Labour Department and complete any paperwork with the national’s embassy in Qatar. You must then go through an official recruitment agency to complete the entry process. Domestic workers in Qatar earn an average of QAR1,500 a month.

Requirements and regulations are subject to change so please check when applying.

Recruitment agencies: These have a list of staff for you to choose from and will complete all the formalities for you.

Medical Procedures For Residency Permits Qatar makes it mandatory for workers from several Asian, African and Middle Eastern countries to submit a health certificate before their entry into the country. You must complete these procedures before you can get a residence work permit or family residency: Blood-type certificate: This can be obtained from any clinic for both adults and children. You must have this certificate before going for your medical test.

Medical test: This includes a blood test (not to be confused with blood type) and a chest X-ray, for adults only, carried out by the Medical Commission in Abu Hamour E3, 4467 9111. Cost QAR100.

Alternatively the service can be provided at Al Ahli Hospital, Doha Clinic, Al Emadi Hospital or American Hospital Doha. moph.gov.qa Fingerprinting: A few days after completing the medical test, only adults need to go for electronic fingerprinting. Headquarters are at Salwa Road (by the Industrial Area Interchange) F2, open Sunday to Thursday 6:30 am – 5:30 pm, 234 6666. Other service centres are located in Al Khor, Al Shamal, LIVING IN QATAR E-GUIDE ©

Duhail, the Industrial Area E2 and Mesaimeer E3.

Large organisations can ask the MOI’s mobile unit to do fingerprints on site.

Collecting Residence Card: Usually ready after three days to one week; collect from the issuing office, Immigration Department, Al Gharrafa C2, 4489 0333. The Residence Permit sticker in the passport has been abolished and replaced by an all-encompassing Residence Card, also held by children.

Residency Permit A Residency Pemit (RP) is an identity card, which is compulsory for all residents of Qatar, including children, with a work or family residence permit.

It is issued after the formalities for residence permits are completed and can be used instead of your passport for all transactions in Qatar. Carry your card with you at all times.

The card bears your name, nationality, date of birth, occupation, an ID number and its validity.

Containing personal data of the holder, the card also bears your passport number, passport expiry date, residency type, sponsor's name, signature and more. The cards also have electronic chips for storing personal and biometric data. You will be required to present your card every time you enter and exit the country. It will also be accepted at airlines/airports around the world as the official document to prove residence in Qatar.

Renew a Residency Permit Your sponsor must renew your residence work permit, but you can renew your family’s residence permits.

In the first quarter of 2021, the cabinet approved a draft law making it an obligation for expatriates and visitors aged over 60 and above to have private health insurance in order to receive basic medical services. Health insurance is also required for a new RP or for renewal, but check with Hukoomi and the relevant ministry for current or up to date requirements.

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marhaba.qa

Renew online: Fill out the required information via the online application form. Select renewal period (from one to three years). Select delivery option and pay the appropriate fees. portal.moi.gov.qa The MOI currently has Self-service Machines (SSMs) at 15 locations including the main post office, Landmark Mall, Villaggio Mall, Royal Plaza, Hamad International Airport, Lulu Hypermarket – D Ring Road, Ministry of Interior headquarters, MOI Services building at Mesaimeer, MOI Traffic Department, Police Training Institute, Education City Health Club, and MOI administrative building. Visit hukoomi.gov.qa for details of all locations.

Users, both individuals and licensed company representatives, can renew certain residence cards, collect exit permits, pay traffic violations, check expiry dates of passports, visas, driving licences and more.

The MOI has added two new services to its website and mobile app Metrash 2. New services include issuing and reactivating the Residency Permit (RP). The issuing and reactivation of an RP requires the completion of a medical test. To issue a new RP, fingerprinting is necessary.

Exit Permits The Amir, HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani signed Law No 13 of 2018 (Amending Law) in September 2018, amending certain provisions of Law No 21 of 2015 that required all migrant workers getting permission from their employers before leaving Qatar. The amended law, which came into effect on 28 October 2018, allows most migrant workers covered by the Labour Law to leave the country without having to obtain an exit permit.

However, this amended law did not originally cover all workers, such as those working in the military or government institutions, until January 2020. Decision No 95 of 2019 was issued to

allow expatriates in the following categories to have the freedom to temporarily or permanently leave the country during the period of validity of their employment contract: staff in ministries and other government agencies; employees in public bodies and institutions; employees in the oil and gas sector and affiliated companies; employees working on marine vessels; workers engaged in agriculture and grazing; and workers in private offices. As per Decision No 95 of 2019, domestic workers should notify employers at least 72 hours prior to the departure.

In September 2018, the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs (MADLSA) announced that employers may submit names of up to 5% of its employees who will continue to require exit permits. Companies need to upload the list of such employees on the MADLSA website. MADLSA will then move those lists to the Ministry of Interior. Employers are not required to seek an employee’s consent prior to including a name on the list.

Day to Day Qatar

Qatar Post’s e-Resident online service: You can renew your Residence Permit and passport with an optional home delivery service via Metrash 2 and Qatar Post. To apply at Qatar Post, get ID Card application forms at the General Post Office in Al Dafna C3; the form must be completed and signed by both applicant and sponsor. Submit with a valid passport, ID, one photo and the relevant fee, either to the Post Office or Immigration Department. Cost: Spouse or child over 18 years – QAR500; child under 18 years – QAR300; domestic staff – QAR300. Additional charges apply for the renewal of the ID card and processing fees – QAR20. Call Centre 104, qatarpost.qa

Wives and dependent children under the sponsorship of their husbands or fathers do not require an exit permit.

The Expat Exit Grievance Committee remains in place to accept complaints from workers prevented from leaving the country for any reason. Until advised otherwise, the following fees remain in place for those who still require an exit permit: Multiple use exit permits for expatriates: Valid for one year – QAR500.

Exit permit for those sponsored by companies or organisations: Valid for one week – No charge.

Exit permit for those on personal sponsorship: Valid for one week – No charge.

Electronic exit permits: Government agencies and private companies can issue exit permits electronically through an authorised signatory within seconds using Metrash 2 or portal.moi. gov.qa. Sponsors can issue the permit via the internet and their mobile phones worldwide.

Manually processed exit permits: Many smaller organisations still process exit permits by hand. The mandoub is licensed as a company representative to obtain this on your behalf.

Paperwork must be signed by your sponsor and bear the company stamp. Permits must be presented, along with your passport, at the Immigration counter at Departures.

Overstay fines: Check hukoomi.gov.qa for current fees. ©

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marhaba.qa Online visa/permit information Detailed information about all types of visas and visa applications in English can be found online at hukoomi.gov.qa or portal.moi.gov.qa

Day to Day Qatar

eGate The MOI has activated free eGate service for expatriate passengers at the arrivals and departures terminal of Hamad International Airport (HIA). Expatriates and their children above 18 years of age can avail of the service using their residence cards or passports after registration at the airport. HIA currently has 40 e-gates installed – 21 at the departures terminal and 19 at the arrivals terminal. The service comes under the 'smart passengers' project launched in early 2017.

Health Related Services Health Cards To access the government healthcare system and facilities, it is essential to apply for a health card. This can be issued only after you obtain a residence permit. Babies under one year receive free vaccinations and medical treatment under the state healthcare system. Cash is not accepted for payment at Primary Health Care Centres (PHCC) – only a valid debit or credit card or payment card obtainable from QNB (see eCASH cards, earlier in this section).

Application Qatar guarantees health services to all citizens and residents in government medical institutions through a health card system. The system provides the cardholder with a medical record file containing all his/her medical data saved in the nearest health care centre. You can renew your health card online, or replace a lost or damaged card.

Process Citizens and residents of Qatar may apply for a health card to access services at any of the Hamad Medical Corporation’s healthcare facilities or hospitals. It contains your ID number, nationality, photo and date of issue. To obtain a health card, visit PHCC nearest to where you live.

There you need to fill out the appropriate forms.

You will be issued a PHCC health file number.

The health centre will either issue you with your card immediately or ask you to return within a few days to collect it. Health cards are issued during morning working hours only. Call 107 or 16060 for more information. phcc.qa, hamad.qa Cost Qatari and other GCC adult residents and children QAR50; non-Qatari adult residents and children QAR100. If you lose your health card but it is still valid, Qatari nationals will need to pay QAR50 for a replacement, non-Qataris QAR100.

If you lose your health card and it has expired LIVING IN QATAR E-GUIDE ©

Qatari nationals will need to pay QAR100 for a replacement, non-Qataris QAR200. You must pay using a credit or debit card. No cash is accepted.

Renew or replace your Health Card through Hukoomi via these simple steps, hukoomi.gov.qa – Load the online application.

– Enter your ID number. Choose to renew, or 'Reprint' if you wish to replace your lost or damaged Health Card.

– Choose your preferred delivery option.

– Pay appropriate fees online.

Private Medical Insurance In the first quarter of 2021, the cabinet approved a draft law on healthcare services, which includes an obligation for expatriates and visitors to have private health insurance in order to receive basic medical services.

Some companies provide their employees with free health insurance (but this may be tied to using a local private hospital) or you can arrange your own. Many of the larger private clinics have various options, including family packages.

Medical, Home and Life insurance Arabia Insurance

4442 2682

AXA Insurance

4483 2995

Libano-Suisse

4466 4406

MetLife Qatar Insurance Company (QIC)

800 9711 800 0742

Vaccination Vaccinations for overseas travel, for visitors to Qatar, and childhood immunisation are all available from the Vaccination Unit at Mesaimeer Health Centre E3, 4406 4222. The Communicable Disease Centre in Hamad Bin Khalifa Medical City C3/D3 operates the Travel Clinic where people can go for vaccinations and health advice before travelling. Vaccinations are by appointment only, 4025 4003. Some Primary Health Care Centers offer travel immunisation as well, 107

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Housing

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marhaba.qa Lawyers and Legal

Many employers provide accommodation or a housing allowance for their employees as part of their contract. You are strongly advised to ensure that it is sufficient, especially with the continuing trend of fluctuating rent prices in Qatar. You may rent a stand-alone villa or a villa located in a compound with a pool and leisure facilities from around QAR12,000 monthly, with studio/one bedroom apartments starting at about QAR5,000. Alternatively, an unfurnished onebedroom apartment leases for somewhere around QAR8,000 per month at The Pearl-Qatar and Lusail City.

If you are looking to buy a property you may wish to contact one of the following legal companies for advice: Al Kaabi Law Firm 4443 6222 Al Tamimi & Company 4457 2777 Clyde & Co LLP 4496 7434 Dr Ghada M Darwish Karbon Law Firm 4488 9050 Hassan Al Khater Law Office 4443 7770 Law Offices of Gebran Majdalany 4442 8899 Patton Boggs 4453 2500 Simmons & Simmons 4409 6700 Sultan Al Abdulla & Partners 4442 0660

The Rent Dispute Resolution Committee is responsible for settling rent disputes between landlords and tenants. The party that files the complaint before the committee must pay a fee of QAR100, in most cases giving tenants a six‑month eviction period.

All contracts, whether new or old, must be registered by the landlord at the Office of Registration of Rental Contracts within 30 days of signing the contract. The lease you sign must be written in English and Arabic. Check exactly what is included as necessities, such as air conditioners are expensive to purchase and maintain.

Serviced flats: Furnished flats with cleaning and laundry services provide another option for long or short-term stays.

Letting Agents These agents have a wide variety of property on their lists as well as experience in the local market.

Al Emadi Enterprises Alfardan Properties

4466 6625

Al Jazi Real Estate

4440 8488 4483 8786

Coreo Real Estate & Relocation

4016 7000

Cushman & Wakefield

4483 7388

Just Real Estate

4491 3311

Mirage Int'l Property Consultants

4444 4431

To Buy Expatriates can purchase property in several developments in Qatar and local banks provide long-term mortgages to suitable applicants. For more information, see the Banking, Commerce and Infrastructure section.

Relocation Services/Removal Firms There are several moving companies in Doha and many international employers will pay for your relocation. You can move locally by doing the packing yourself and hiring a truck from the Najma Souq area D4, but you will not be insured!

CEVA Logistics

4436 9439

GAC International Moving & Relocation Services

4420 5600

Gulf Warehousing Company (GWC)

4402 3555

Day to Day Qatar

To Rent

Professional Real Estate & Relocations 4409 9806 Qatar Logistics

4407 6262

Other Housing Considerations Furnishing: See the Shopping section for details of furniture outlets. There is always plenty of second-hand furniture around. Look on display boards at supermarkets and in schools, try websites such as qatarliving.com or Buy it, Sell it, Swap it, Qatar on Facebook. Najma has locally produced furniture and a second-hand market D4.

Air conditioning: This is essential in summer and requires regular maintenance and servicing.

Home Cleaning/Pest Control Services: Home cleaning services are available which can be flexible to meet your requirements. Major pest control is usually carried out once or twice a year to coincide with the start and end of summer.

Cleaning Specialists and Pest Control: Al Mutwassit Cleaning & Pest Control 4436 7555 Boecker Public Health 4444 3744 Hegy International 7759 8405 Qatar Home Services 3060 3076/4427 1197 Qatar Pest Control Company (QPC) 4422 2888

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Utilities and Services Water and Electricity

Day to Day Qatar

Kahramaa, Qatar’s Water and Electricity Department, provides both electricity and water.

The mains electricity is usually 220 – 240 volt with three square pin sockets. If you are visiting from a country that has 110V supply, please check the suitability of your electrical appliances before plugging them in. Many appliances have two pin plugs but adaptors are available in local shops.

Water: Buildings in Qatar usually have tanks to store water as mains water is not pumped continuously and often has low pressure. The supply network and domestic storage tanks require regular cleaning and replacement. Tap filters of various kinds are readily available. Many people prefer to drink bottled water and you can arrange to have one of the water companies deliver five gallon flagons to your home. Some areas still rely on water tankers to deliver. Always use a government licensed tanker as they are cheaper than private ones.

Caution The amended clauses of Law No 26 of 2008 under Law No 20 of 2015 on rational consumption of water and electricity states that Qatar is taking all measures to stop extravagance of the country’s vital resources of electricity and water and ensures resources are protected for future generations. Severe penalties for wasting water through a hose or pressure pipe can reach up to QAR20,000 for first-time offenders, while wasting electricity can incur a fine of QAR10,000.

Kahramaa runs a campaign known as Tarsheed to help Qatar reduce its consumption of electricity and water by 20% and 35% respectively.

Connecting to electricity and water: To activate the supply, download an application form from hukoomi.gov.qa, and include the reference number of the property for both electricity and water. These are supplied by the owner or found above the door to the property. Kahramaa has announced it has stopped receiving paper applications.

• Sign the application form using the same signature as that on your tenancy agreement and ID (a copy of both are required).

• The owner of your rental property will have to give you a completed transfer form to put the utilities in your name, in addition to the owner's ID (if privately owned) or a copy of the building's commercial registration (CR) commonly referred to as the company's computer card.

• Take these and a refundable deposit of QAR1,200 for electricity and QAR800 for water to any of the Kahramaa offices.

LIVING IN QATAR E-GUIDE ©

Paying water and electricity bills: Amounts for both utilities are sent out monthly on one bill, sign up to receive an email. The monthly estimate is adjusted from time to time with a meter reading

by Kahramaa. There is an online ready reckoner to help you estimate your household consumption.

Sanitation fees: As of January 2021, Kahramaa, in cooperation with the Public Works Authority (Ashghal), began charging non-Qatari houses and organisations for sanitation services, equal to 20% of the value of the monthly water bill. This service is provided free of charge to Qataris.

Payment for services can be made: • At all major banks, via banking apps, and at QNB ATM's • Online through Hukoomi at hukoomi.gov.qa or Kahramaa at km.qa • Via Ooredoo Self Service Machines • By the Visaphone service – call 991, select 3, give your Visa card number to the customer service operator • Via an application available on iOS and Android 24-hour hotline (all branches): 991 Customers can report complaints or make enquiries.

Main Office: Al Dafna C4, 4484 5555. The Customer Service Department is open Sunday to Thursday 6:30 am – 2:30 pm. Call centre: 991.

Service centres: Al Hilal • Al Khor • Al Wakra • City Centre Commercial Centre • Madinat Khalifa • Musheireb • Salwa Centre • D Ring Road Home delivery of mineral water: Al Manhal & Nestlé Pure Life Rayyan Natural Water

4433 5777 4443 6999

Water tank cleaning: Al Mutwassit Cleaning & Pest Control 4436 7555

Gas Shafaf containers are lightweight LPG cylinders made from a fiberglass and plastic composite, and are available in all WOQOD service stations, various supermarkets and other retail outlets.

Cylinders are available for consumers in two refill sizes, 12 kg and 6 kg, to fit various domestic household needs, or to be used outdoors during trips and camping. The cylinders are fireproof and do not explode, even in the case of fire.

Additionally, you can monitor gas levels for prompt replacement. Each empty cylinder weighs only 5 kg, that is half the weight of regular steel cylinders, making these cylinders easy to carry and use. woqod.com.qa

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marhaba.qa Telephone and Internet To obtain a local telephone number, you can only do so with a Residence Permit. Local mobile numbers can be obtained at any of Qatar's two sevrice providers, Ooredoo or Vodafone Qatar.

A new mobile sim card costs QAR50.

The international dialling code for Qatar is +974.

Local calls from private houses and businesses are free, but hotels charge a nominal fee for local calls made from the room. For international calls inquiry, call 150.

Mobile Number Portability (MNP): Users are able to keep their existing mobile number when switching to another service provider.

Ooredoo Qatar Public Telecommunications Corporation (Qtel) was the first and sole telecom provider in Qatar for 20 years. In 2013, Qtel rebranded to become Ooredoo. It offers a comprehensive package of services ranging from landline to mobile phones, fixed and mobile internet, broadband and entertainment services. ooredoo.qa 4G LTE wireless technology is available.

Customers can access the network only through 4G-enabled devices such as the Ooredoo My-Fi device and the Ooredoo 4G USB modem. Ooredoo 5G is ready now, and Ooredoo is the first-in-theworld to launch it on a commercially available network. Ooredoo is able to use 5G through the apps they are developing.

Rates: Local landline to landline calls are free.

Off-peak rates apply to mobile and international calls from 11 pm – 6 am.

Residential Packages: This three-in-one service includes the core pay-monthly mobile phone plan, high-speed internet connection (ADSL), and landline subscriptions with three options.

Residents over 18 years old can apply at Ooredoo shops or their authorised dealers. Visit an Ooredoo Shop with your Qatari ID and home electricity number (Kahramaa) to book your installation time and finalise your Internet service. eShop: Buy services and hardware online.

Day to Day Qatar

Ooredoo (formerly Qtel) and Vodafone Qatar provide International Direct Dialling (IDD) to most countries. Dial 00 (or +) to call out.

Landline Telephone

Broadband Internet Services: Offers customers a range of packages to suit individual needs, in and outside the home. There is an online service which allows you to view bills, make payments and add, modify, or suspend a service. Alternatively, visit an Ooredoo shop, a bank, SSM or one of their authorised dealers.

Nojoom is the customer reward programme.

Subscribers can earn points to spend on all their services (mobile, landline, internet and TV) and redeem them with the company or with a number of their partners. Call 111 from an Ooredoo phone, visit the website or register via the app.

Ooredoo's app is available for download at ooredoo.qa/app for iOS and Android, to aid customers in managing their accounts and services.

Ooredoo Passport Travel without worrying about roaming charges with Ooredoo's Passport Partners in more than 60 countries (including GCC). Weekly: QAR100, get 100 roaming minutes for calls and 1GB of roaming mobile data (2GB in the GCC).

Monthly: QAR350, get 300 roaming minutes and 4GB of roaming mobile data (8GB in the GCC).

Check availability in the country you're travelling to.

Mobile phone

Telephone Information Services (Ooredoo)

• Hala is a pay as you talk, no contract option.

Credit can be topped up by a variety of recharge methods, from top-up cards available at many retail outlets to credit transfer from other Ooredoo mobile users, eVouchers, eTopUp, online or direct top up from their Self Service Machines (SSMs).

• Shahry is a pay monthly service with a choice of price plans and packs.

• Other mobile services include mobile money with MoneyGram and HD Voice.

• 5G service is now available

Local directory enquiries

180

Vodafone Qatar Vodafone Qatar is part of an international telecom company, Vodafone Group, and is owned by Qatar Foundation.

Vodafone Qatar offers a choice of flexible mobile phone, internet and broadband services. Visit vodafone.qa, one of their stores or a partner outlet. ©

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marhaba.qa Installing a satellite dish Orbit Showtime Network (OSN), home to over 100 channels of entertainment, can be contacted on 4031 0090 (new customers), 4447 7177, by visiting osn.com or by contacting a local authorised dealer.

Satellite/Cable Providers

Day to Day Qatar

• Almuftah Cable Vision

Mobile phone • There is a wide choice of prepaid and postpaid plans to suit different requirements, plus welcome packs. Recharge is available online or at Vodafone stores and their partner outlets.

• Vodafone Passport Pack is a roaming pack, which gives you the freedom when travelling to receive 100 minutes of incoming calls, calling to Vodafone Qatar numbers and 1GB of data for QAR100/week (1GB extra in GCC countries).

• All-new Unlimited 5G plans: All plans allow you to experience 5G speed with unlimited data, calls and SMS. Vodafone Qatar also offers a choice of pre- and postpaid internet services. Details of its Superfast Broadband Home Phone Service, including an update of its fibre coverage in Qatar, are available on the website.

Call Vodafone Qatar on 800 7111 from your Vodafone mobile, visit vodafone.qa or one of their outlets.

Accessing television services There is an ever-increasing number of options for receiving satellite or cable television, installed through any of the local cable companies.

Through Ooredoo Ooredoo tv has replaced the existing Mozaic TV, and offers over 400 live channels, 4K picture quality and advance control through phone or tablet computers. Ooredoo has become the first operator in the region to offer a commercial 4K service, which allows viewers to enjoy a high definition experience even on the largest screens.

In addition to watching channels on tablets, the service has been designed as an evolution in home entertainment services, combining apps, on-demand and live television in one easy-to-use box.

Ooredoo tv offers four feature-filled packages called ‘Extras’ – Arabia Extra, Asian Extra, International Extra and Super Extra. To subscribe call 111 or visit any Ooredoo or Starlink shop. ooredoo.qa LIVING IN QATAR E-GUIDE ©

4442 5810

• Qatar Multitech Trdg & Contg

4435 3565

• Rukun Al Qala Trdg & Contg

4442 0200

Public Wireless Internet Internet connections: All hotels as well as some restaurants, cafes, parks and other public venues in Qatar offer free internet connectivity.

Hotspot Broadband Wi-Fi Services: Ooredoo and Vodafone offer high-speed internet access at selected locations within Qatar, connecting Wi-Fi enabled devices such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones. Hotspots include many cafés, coffee shops, libraries, the airport and other public places. iParks: The following are some public parks with free wireless internet: Al Khor, Al Khor Corniche, Al Maamoura Family Park D4, Al Wakra F5, Dahl Al Hamam C3, Dukhan, Hotel Park C4, Al Sheehaniya, Umm Slal, Aspire Park D2, MIA Park D4, and Simaisma. More iParks will follow in due course. Hotline (24/7): 4406 9955 How to connect Using a computer: Connect to the iParks WiFi, enter your mobile number and click the ‘submit’ button on the web page. You will receive an SMS notification with a PIN. Enter this PIN into the authentication field and click the ‘connect’ button.

Using a smartphone: Enable your Wi-Fi and simply SMS 'iParks' to the toll free number 92194.

Click on the link received to gain access.

Postal Services and Mail Mail delivery in Qatar is the responsibility of Qatar Postal Services Company (Qatar Post).

The General Post Office: The main post office is located in the Al Dafna area of Doha C4, near the Corniche. Postal services offered include regular letter and parcel postage/delivery, bill payment, ID renewal, and money transfers/orders. Qatar Post recently opened a new branch in Madinat Khalifa.

Paid parking is applicable at the main post office.

In 2017, Qatar Post revamped its brand and logo, and prioritised modern services such as e-commerce and Express Delivery, and also continously opens new branches and smart lockers. Visit qatarpost.qa, or download their app available on iOS and Android, call 104

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marhaba.qa Open: Sunday to Thursday 7 am – 9 pm; Saturday 8 am – 11 am/5 pm – 8 pm; Friday closed Options to receive mail locally and globally • PO Box Personal • PO Box Zero • Home delivery • Smart lockers Options to send mail locally and globally • 24 retail stores • 201 street post boxes • Standard, Express, Priority, Premium services For Business Solutions, contact business@qatarpost.com To apply: Download and complete the application form or obtain one from any post office. Return it with the original, plus one photocopy of your ID and a refundable deposit of QAR100. Companies need to provide a copy of a commercial registration licence, a copy of the authorised signatory and a refundable deposit of QAR100.

Cost: Personal electronic boxes at the General Post Office cost QAR500 per year including one key. Company electronic boxes start at QAR1,500 per year including one key.

At other branches, personal standard boxes cost QAR200 per year, plus QAR60 for three keys.

Company standard boxes cost QAR500 per year plus QAR60 for three keys. Call 104 or visit qatarpost.qa

Qatar Post e-Resident An online service in partnership with the Ministry of Interior and Immigration Department, which allows residents to renew their dependents residence card.

Qatar Post’s e-commerce Qatar Post’s e-commerce service allows shoppers to buy items online and get them delivered directly to their homes or to a 'smart locker'.

Shoppers can sign up online, and avail of hasslefree shopping and delivery from the US, the UK, and Asian online stores. They can then buy items online that can be sent to these locations.

Packages will be forwarded on to them in Qatar – either directly to their homes, to one of 30 post office branches in the country or to a smart locker.

These smart lockers are in locations across the country, open 24/7, making it a convenient option for registered users to pick up their packages.

With lifetime membership, shoppers can buy goods online using the overseas address as a shipping location. The items are stored in a warehouse for up to 21 days, allowing shoppers to bundle together a number of parcels to minimise shipping costs.

Qatar Post aims to get parcels delivered within five to eight working days, and has an online tracking system. Parcels can be up to 1.5 m in length and

Day to Day Qatar

Post Office Boxes

the maximum length plus girth cannot be more than 3 m. Delivery charges will be based on the weight of the package. connected.qa

Courier Services Arabian Shipping and Logistics Co Aramex

DHL Express FedEx Qatar Post UPS Express

4462 2262 4420 0111 4458 7888 4484 1111 4446 4000 4011 9600

Birth, Marriage, Divorce and Death Birth Under Qatari law, a woman must be married to give birth in Qatar.

Birth certificate: The authorities in Qatar issue a birth certificate to every child born in the country (including expatriates) but children born to non-Qatari parents are not entitled to Qatari nationality by reason of their birth here.

The registration department registers all births electronically and issues electronic certificates within 60 minutes. The hospital will advise you on the process. Cost for expatriates: QAR20, moph.gov.qa The Amir, HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani issued Law No 3 of 2016 on regulating the registration of births and deaths in Qatar. The law makes it mandatory to report all births that take place within the country to the offices concerned at the Ministry of Public Health. Births in Qatar have to be reported within 15 days. Persons who can report births include the father of the newborn, if present; male adult relatives of the child, or female relatives, if males are not available; the physician or any authorised person who helped in the delivery of the baby; directors of public hospitals or penal institutes or officials of the place where the delivery took place; and the captain of a ship or an aircraft or any other means of transport where the birth took place. The information to be provided include the date of birth according to the Hijri and Gregorian calendars, time and place, and the gender of the baby along with his/her name. The name should not be shared by a sibling or be a compound name. ©

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marhaba.qa

Day to Day Qatar

Reporting false or incorrect information in the case of both births and deaths or using illegal and fraudulent methods is punishable with a maximum jail term of three years and a fine of up to QAR100,000, or either. Those who are legally required to report a case of birth or death but fail to do so within the stipulated period face a maximum jail term of six months and a fine of up to QAR10,000, or either.

Registrating a birth can also be done online at moph.gov.qa. See Healthcare in Qatar in this section.

Other mandatory information includes the names of both parents, the person who helped in the delivery and the person who reported the birth. The hospital provides two letters after the birth, one of which will bear a government number. In private hospitals, go to the hospital administrator who will allocate a number. Take these two letters plus both parents’ passports, parents’ birth certificates, marriage certificate, residence permits, visas, vaccination card and copies of all documents to an approved hospital.

Complete a form and pay QAR20 for each copy of the certificate, which may be issued the same day.

Expatriates can then register their child’s birth at their embassy and obtain a passport (not all embassies provide this service, check with yours).

A newborn can accompany its parents until it is two years old, but an application for a residence permit (RP) for a newborn must be submitted within 60 days of the birth, or the parents face a fine of QAR10 a day.

Marriage Couples wishing to get married in Qatar are required to undergo the premarital health checkup or screening in order to avoid any genetic, hereditary and communicable diseases in addition to controlling the prevalence of disability and other diseases. The screening can be done at one of the accredited health centres in Qatar. Once the checkup is complete, Muslim marriages take place at the Family Court or if prefered, at their home with the presence of a mazoon, an official for civil ceremonies.

There is no civil marriage in Qatar for non‑Muslims.

The only non-Muslim marriages granted offical recognition by the State of Qatar are Christian marriages preformed by churches registered with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and by clergy recognised by the ministry to preform non-Muslim marriages. Certain embassies and churches will perform marriages for expatriates. See Places of Worship earlier in this section. The church will LIVING IN QATAR E-GUIDE ©

issue your marriage certificate. Translate a copy of the marriage certificate into Arabic through a translator recognised by Qatar Chamber (QC).

Then register the marriage certificate and Arabic translation at the Office of Land Registration and Legalization at the Ministry of Justice. The Ministry will stamp the back of the marriage certificate with a registration number and keep the copy and Arabic translation for its records.

Check with your embassy to see if you need to register the marriage in your home country.

Divorce The process of getting divorced in Qatar is different for Muslim and non-Muslim couples. Couples of any religion and nationality that can prove their residency in Qatar can file for divorce, although the process can differ.

For Muslim couples who were married in Qatar and seeking to dissolve their marriage, they will have to meet certain requirements, such as proving their residency. In addition, the wife will have to honour the iddat, a period of three months where she cannot remarry. If the divorcing couple can reach a settlement, they can have their lawyers draw up an agreement and fast-track their case through the courts. If this isn’t possible, the person requesting the divorce will have to provide a reason for doing so – adultery, impotency, and abuse – along with evidence to support their claims.

If you want to dissolve a marriage that took place in Qatar, there are a number of firms well-versed in local law who could assist and advise you (see Lawyers and Legal earlier in this section).

If you were married outside of Qatar, seek advice from your embassy or law firms in your country on how to dissolve your marriage. It may be easier and more cost-effective to file for divorce in your home country.

Note: If you are in Qatar on your spouse’s visa, you will lose your Residence Permit (RP) after divorce. You will need to get another RP, either under the sponsorship of your employer or another eligible family member. Advice is recommended.

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marhaba.qa Death Notifying the police is mandatory and in some cases they may require a post-mortem. Get help from the relevant embassy, which will be able to advise you. Newborn deaths and stillbirths have to be reported within seven days.

When one dies in Qatar, the law of the country that issued their passport will be honoured. Qatari law will apply only if the deceased has assets in Qatar but no heirs in the country.

In the unfortunate event of both parents dying, children residing in Qatar will go into the care of the Qatar Foundation for Child and Women Protection (QFCW). QFCW will attempt to contact the children’s next of kin and will keep the children until they can be released to the proper guardian or family member. The next of kin will require proof (birth certificates) that they are indeed the sibling or parents of the deceased for QFCW to release the children.

A person's bank account will be frozen as soon as notification of his or her death reaches the bank, until such time as the deceased's beneficiaries produce an official inheritance certificate duly authenticated by all relevant authorities. The exact format of this will be dependent upon the jurisdiction of the deceased's home country. If a will is in place, a court order or other approved and authenticated document will be required. The bank may then forward payment to the relevant benficiary/beneficiaries.

For joint accounts, Article 351 of The Commercial Code states that joint account holders will be considered to have equal shares unless otherwise agreed in the contract. When one of the account holders dies, the remaining holder must inform the bank of their intention to either continue with the account or to close it within 10 days of the date of death. Further details can be obtained from the relevant bank.

Humanitarian Services Office This office has been set up in coordination between Ministry of Interior (MOI), Ministry of Public Health, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Hamad Medical Corporation, General Authority of Customs, Qatar Airways, Public Prosecution and other relevant authorities.

Making a Will Neither Qatari family law nor the Qatar Civil Code requires residents of Qatar or Qatari nationals to have a will in place. However, it is strongly recommended that you draw a will in your home country. Then you will need to get it attested at the Qatar Embassy in your home country, and then translate it into Arabic. You will need to get it registered in Qatar at the Ministry of Justice.

If you want to make a will in Qatar, there are a number of firms well-versed in local law who could assist and advise you (see Lawyers and Legal earlier in this section). In addition, seek advice from your embassy.

Day to Day Qatar

If one dies in Qatar and a will is not in place, their assets, including their bank accounts, cars and other valuables registered in their name will be frozen until the heirs provide the Family Court with proof of their entitlement to those assets. Heirs may prove their entitlement to the deceased’s assets by producing a legal statement from their country of nationality.

The office is managed by the Unified Services Department of the MOI, and will provide services for repatriating the deceased abroad via a single window system. The new unified service office is located behind Hamad Hospital mortuary, next to the Retaj Residence Al Sadd. The office is open daily from 7 am – 9 pm.

Liquor Permit The purchase and transportation of alcohol by individuals in Qatar is strictly regulated and liquor for home consumption only is available in Doha from the Qatar Distribution Company (QDC) E3 which issues a permit. Call their Permit Department on 4429 9777. QDC is open Saturday to Thursday 8:30 am – 7 pm, Friday 2 pm – 7 pm.

New memberships and renewals can be made online at qdc.com.qa. You will need a letter from your employer addressed to QDC detailing your position, salary, and benefits, and accommodation, together with a copy of your passport or ID. On approval of an application, the applicant will be required to pay an annual license fee, paid on a pro-rata basis, based on Residence Card validity.

Entry into the shop and purchases can only be made by those holding a valid membership card.

The permit holder's spouse can also hold a card for the same account.

Retail Store and Permit Office appointments must be made online at qdc.com.qa. You will receive an email confirmation of your appointment, which must be presented along with your Permit Card for entry and purchase at QDC. In addition, the shop at QDC has a range of pork products. You need a liquor permit to enter QDC, but pork products will not be deducted from your monthly alcohol allowance. The shop is closed during the month of Ramadan, and 10–14 days before Eid Al Adha. Rules issued should be strictly adhered to. Alcohol is for personal consumption only and must be taken home directly from QDC. ©

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Importing a Pet

You are strongly advised to check all health requirements and regulations with relevant government authorities and the relevant country well ahead of time, up to six months. Contact your local vet, animal support organisation and pet relocator specialist in Qatar and refer to the relevant countries' government website.

Airlines require a health certificate, obtainable from the Animal Resources Department. You will need to take your pet for an examination and show current vaccination records. The export document is valid for seven days. Present it at the QNT Office in the Cargo Section at Hamad International Airport at least five days before you wish your pet to travel and book a flight there. You will need to pay the full fare plus handling charges at this stage. Your pet needs a travel kennel that complies with the airline’s regulations.

Advanced Veterinary Clinic

Madinat Khalifa South C3

Canadian Veterinary Hospital Jelaiah B3

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Dr Faris Al Timimi Clinic

Katara Cultural Village B4

Dragon Animal Care Center

Duhail B3

4441 1866

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4417 1560

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Al Hilal D4

3322 7664

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Al Aziziya D3/Duhail B3

4016 1366

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Pets may be imported as cargo or excess baggage.

If you ship your pet as cargo, it will go to a special facility for pets where it will be cared for until it clears customs. However you choose to import your pet, you will need a permit from the Department of Animal Resources. You can get this up to two weeks before the date of travel and it is valid for one month. To get an import permit, your pet must: • Be more than four months old.

• Have a certificate issued from an accredited laboratory not less than three months and not more than 12 months prior to the date of entry that shows the serum neutralisation test against rabies of more than 0.5 IU/ml.

• Have a health certificate issued by a competent authority from the country of import.

• Have a vaccination document or passport which must include the microchip number, date of birth and required vaccinations and treatments.

Exporting a Pet All pets must be vaccinated against rabies and must be microchipped. You will then need to arrange rabies serology tests to obtain the necessary certification.

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Cremation: Must be arranged through your veterinarian.

Short-nosed cats and dogs (eg Persians and pugs) are embargoed on many airlines, including Qatar Airways. Your pet's travel kennel must comply with the IATA regulations, iata.org. Some dog breeds are banned in Qatar – check with a pet relocator specialist or visit portal.moi.gov.qa

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There are free vaccination and trap/neuter/return services for cats and dogs. All animals should be microchipped – the department offers this service, as do all the veterinary clinics in Qatar.

The above requirements are current but may be subject to change at any time.

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The Ministry of Municipality and Environment's Department of Animal Resources is in charge of animal control and veterinary supervision of animal diseases. The department issues import permits, and oversees the exportation, transfer and transit of pets across borders. There are strict controls on the movements of endangered species. The Municipality's Department for Animal Resources operates a large veterinary clinic in Al Rayyan D2. For the Main Veterinary Clinic call 4426 1656, or apply online to request an appointment via the Ministry of Municipality and Environment: 184, hukoomi.gov.qa

As you cannot obtain an import permit from outside the country, it is recommended that you use one of Qatar’s pet relocation specialists to handle the importation.

BO

Day to Day Qatar

Pets

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Useful Numbers EMERGENCIES – AMBULANCE, FIRE OR POLICE – 999 Medical facilities in Qatar are open to all citizens, residents and visitors. Visitors need to pay for treatment at government hospitals and Primary Healthcare Centres; residents holding a valid Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) Health Card pay nominal fees. For more information visit: HMC hamad.qa; Ministry of Public Health moph.gov.qa; Primary Health Care Corporation phcc.gov.qa

Public Healthcare

Useful Numbers

Primary Healthcare Centres

For all healthcare centres call Hayyak 107 Visit phcc.gov.qa for catchment area maps

North Region: • Al Daayen • Al Kaaban • Al Khor • Al Leghwairiya • Al Ruwais • Gharrafat Al Rayyan • Leabaib • Madinat Khalifa C3 • Qatar University B3 • Umm Slal Central Region: • Airport D4 • Al Thumama • Al Wakra F5 • Omar Ibn Al Khattab C3 • Rawdat Al Khail C4 • Umm Ghuwailina D4 • West Bay B3 Western Region: • Abu Bakr Al Siddiq D2 • Abu Nakhla • Al Jemailiya • Al Karaana • Al Rayyan D2 • Al Sheehaniya • Al Waab D2 • Al Wajba • Mesaimeer E3 • Muaither D2

HMC Hospitals and Services

For all hospitals call Nesma'ak 16060 first Enaya Specialized Care Center C4

4439 8120

Al Maha Children's Unit (Rumailah H) C4 4439 6666

Heart Hospital C4

4439 5838

Al Wakra Hospital F5

4011 4444

The Cuban Hospital

4015 7777

Dental Clinic (Rumailah H) C4

4439 3085

Tobacco Control Center C4

4025 4981

Al Khor Hospital

4474 5555

Ministry of Public Health Medical Commision D4

For all services call 4407 0000 first

4467 9111

Vaccinations (Mesaimeer HC) D3

4406 4222

Private Healthcare Private Medical Centres

Dental and Optical Centres

Al Ahli Hospital C3/4

4489 8888

Al Dar Optics

Al Emadi Hospital D4

4466 6009

Al Jaber Opticians (Lagoona mall) A4

800 0506

American Hospital D4

4442 7152 4411 7755 4460 6058

Plastic Surgicentre D4

4466 2260

Qatar Optics (City Center‑Doha) B4

Turkish Hospital D4

4499 2444

Queen Dental Clinic (City Center‑Doha) B4 4493 2888

West Bay Medicare C4

4020 6336

Royal Dental Centre D4

4441 1250

Yateem Opticians (Mall of Qatar) B1

4432 3204

Pharmacies (24 hour) Al Bateel (Salwa Road) D4

4436 6610

Family (Al Muaither Street) C3

4441 6419

Ibn Al Haytham (Doha Clinic Hosp) C4

4438 0114

4483 3349

Support Groups Alcoholics Anonymous males 5070 9809 aaqatar.org

females 5515 0929 ACA (Adult Children of Alcoholics) 5505 9124

Kulud (Industrial Area) E3

4458 0945

Kulud (Markhiya) C3

4487 7784

Meeqat (near Al Wakra HC) F5

Doha Mums (breastfeeding, depression, fertility, food allergies and special needs) dohamums.com

4464 0552

Mina Al Nayef p/stn (Al Rayyan) C3

4481 1896

Overeaters Anonymous

Wellcare Pharmacy (Airport Street) D4

4037 0896

LIVING IN QATAR E-GUIDE ©

Qatar Cancer Society qcs.qa D4

Checked & Updated June 2021

4442 1999 Al Jabor Vision Technology D4 Aspetar (Orthopaedic & Sports 4413 2000 British International Dental Centre Medicine Hospital) D3 (Salam Tower) C4 Doha Clinic Hospital C4 4438 4333 British International Dental Centre (Salwa Road) D3 Elite Medical Center C4 4496 0960

4415 1252

5512 7252 4484 7777

Qatar Diabetes Association qda.org.qa D4 4454 7334

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Healthcare in Qatar

Useful Numbers • • • • • • •

Primary Health Care Centres HMC Hospitals and Services Ministry of Public Health Private Medical Centres 24‑hour Pharmacies Dental and Optical Centres Support Groups

Map of Khalifa Bin Hamad Medical City Healthcare in Qatar • Healthcare News • The Ministry of Public of Health • Hamad Medical Corporation HMC Hospitals; Additional Services; HMC Hospitals with Emergency Departments; Recent Progress at HMC • PHCC and Sidra Medicine • How the Health System Works Together

The information contained in this guide has been checked and verified as correct as at the time of compilation. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, information is subject to change.

Follow marhaba.qa for the latest updates. ©

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Al Rayyan Fahad Bin Jassim Kidney Center

HAMAD BIN KHALIFA MEDICAL CITY

Jawaan St Hamad Hospital Metro Station Entrances

Wyndham Grand Regency Hotel

Moh amm ed HR Bin Th an Retaj iS

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Women’s Hospital Al Rayyan Road

Warwick Hotel

LuLu Centre

Al Dafna

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Helicopter Landing Pad

Trauma and Emergency Hamad General Hospital

Education Center

Car Park Helipad

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D - Daam Specialized Care Center E - Enaya Specialized Care Center

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Suhaim Bin Hamad St

Blood Donor Center

ACC

Ambulance Service

Al Corniche

QRI

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Heart Hospital Ambulance Service

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Itqan

HITC

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CDC

Al Wajba Motors

Al Dafna

WWRC

Dental Clinic

NCCCR

Rumailah Hospital

ACC HR HSO Retaj Itqan

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Dermatology Clinic

Al Bidda Park

HITC CDC MOPH 3

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Ambulatory Care Center HMC Human Resources Humanitarian Services Office Retaj Residence Al Sadd Itqan - Clinical Simulation and Innovation Center Women’s Wellness Research Center Qatar Rehabilitation Institute National Center for Cancer Care and Rehabilitation Hamad Int’l Training Center Communicable Disease Center Ministry Of Public Health

Entrance Gates

Itqan - Clinical Simulation and Innovation Center

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Al Bidda Park Al Bidda Metro Interchange Station

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Healthcare in Qatar

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Many changes and improvements have been introduced since the country opened its first hospital over 60 years ago. Billions of dollars are being spent on improving and expanding Qatar's healthcare system to cope with the rise in population. According to the World Health Organization, Qatar is spending more money per capita on healthcare than any other country in the Gulf. The healthcare system is available to all – nationals, expatriates and visitors. The public healthcare service provides free or extremely subsidised healthcare; the exception to this may be treatment for highly specialised services. Expatriates or visitors may have to pay towards some medical costs – check with your employer to see what health insurance you are eligible for, or contact one of the insurance companies to take extra personal cover.

Healthcare News

draft law on regulating health care services in Qatar, and referred its recommendations to the government. The 47 articles and 6 chapters set standards for the provision of healthcare services in public and private health facilities, as well as compulsory health insurance and supervision.

According to the draft law, the mandatory health insurance will ensure the provision of basic healthcare services to expatriates and visitors.

Citizens will receive healthcare services in government facilities without charge.

The issuance or renewal of an entry visa for an expatriate or visitor, the granting or renewal of a residence permit, and the employment

The draft law stipulates the provision of healthcare services in emergency situations without requiring them to pay any amounts even if the service provider is not within the beneficiary's network of healthcare service providers. This does not prejudice the right of the healthcare service provider to refer to company insurance, the employer or the individual to pay the cost of the service.

Healthcare in Qatar

Draft law passed regulating healthcare services The Shura Council has approved a

of expatriates will only be permitted after providing proof of compulsory health insurance.

The draft law also defines the rights and duties of patients when receiving healthcare services, the obligations of parties to the insurance contract and providers of healthcare services, and the penalties for violators of its provisions.

About HE Dr Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari, Minister of Public Health HE Dr Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari was appointed Minister of Public Health in January 2016. Prior to this, she was Managing Director of Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), having joined HMC at the Women’s Hospital in 1996 and becoming MD in 2007.

Dr Al Kuwari has worked at the World Health Organisation, Reuters, and as a freelance health reporter. She has a PhD in Healthcare Management from Brunel University in the UK. As Minister of Public Health, her duties include overseeing the quality and effectiveness of all services delivered in the public and private sectors by health service providers. She is responsible for public health service programmes while also preparing and developing the country's National Health and Public Health Strategies.

Dr Al Kuwari is a member of the Sidra Executive Committee, the JCI Middle East Advisory Council, the Association of Academic Health Centers International (AAHCI) Steering Committee and the Institute of Global Health Innovation. She is also Chairperson of the Qatar Bio-Bank Board, Ambassador for the AAHCI Regional Office in Qatar and an Advisory Board Member for the World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH).

Dr Al Kuwari has received several awards in recognition of her achievements. In 2014 she was named Business Woman of the Year at the Arabian Business Qatar Achievement Awards. In June 2021, she was awarded The Woman Health Leader of The Year 2021 Prize for her role in managing the COVID-19 crisis. ©

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Healthcare in Qatar

The Ministry of Public Health In 2016 the Amir, HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani disbanded the Supreme Council of Health and reverted their responsibilities to the Ministry of Public Health.

service for companies and corporations with over 15 employees; they must register their workers’ data online for tests and make electronic payments through Hukoomi, gov.qa.

The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) will continue to oversee the nation’s health services, with policies, goals and objectives to achieve that vision, and monitoring and evaluation of its progress and the quality and effectiveness of health service providers.

The ‘Caring for the Future’ programme encourages healthy lifestyles, provides community‑based primary care, and ensures that the world’s most advanced, highest quality care is available locally in secondary and tertiary medical facilities.

For more information about medical procedures, see Day to Day Qatar in the Living in Qatar section.

One of the pillars of Qatar National Vision 2030, 'Human Development', represents Qatar's ambition to develop a physically and mentally healthy population. The first phase was the National Development Strategy (NDS) 2011–2016, and the National Health Strategy (NHS) 2011–2016. These developments will be built on under NDS 2017– 2022 and NHS 2018–2022.

All private hospitals in Qatar must be accredited by an internationally‑recognised body. A list of licensed practitioners and pharmacies is on the Ministry website. Facilities must also have surveillance cameras and a security system.

MoPH is responsible for the issuance of birth and death certificates. See Day to Day Qatar in the Living in Qatar section for full requirements.

Departments and Services • Medical Commission: Examines all travellers to the country and residents; issues medical certificates to: º Prospective and current employees. º Non-Qataris arriving to work, reside or visit family in the country, or to change sponsorship. º Applicants for Qatari citizenship. º Non-Qatari men who wish to marry Qatari women. º Students for university enrolment. º Citizens travelling overseas. º Applicants for special categories (eg pilgrimage contractors, citizens marrying outside Qatar).

Most medical check-up procedures are conducted at the Medical Commission (MC) on Industrial Area Road near Abu Hamour, although the service is also available at Al Ahli Hospital, Al Emadi Hospital and Doha Clinic Hospital.

The main MC unit has four sections: one for expatriates taking up jobs in senior positions; one for families; one for domestic workers; and one for labourers. There is an electronic registration LIVING IN QATAR E-GUIDE ©

• Health Protection and Communicable Disease Control: Monitors and controls communicable diseases, oversees the national vaccination programme.

• Health Promotion: Develops and implements health promotion policies and action plans, such as occupational health, tobacco law and mental health.

• Health Information Center: Collects health data and information, conducts statistical surveys, liaises with international health institutions, and oversees birth and death registrations.

• Food Safety: Implements health policies in all food safety-related matters, as per Law No 8 of 1990 regarding regulating human food control.

• Emergency Health: Responsible for plans and projects related to health emergency preparedness and response, in cooperation with partners in the health sector such as Hamad Medical Corporation, Primary Health Care Corporation, and the private sector.

• Health Financing and Insurance: Develops health financing and insurance systems that support the wider goals of the healthcare landscape and the National Health Strategy.

• Healthcare Professions: Draws up the specifications and conditions of accrediting hospitals, health centres and clinics, and training and rehabilitation centres for health practitioners. Issues licences for practicing health and medical professions and revokes where necessary.

• Health Facilities Licensing and Accreditation: Oversees the licensing and accreditation standards for health facilities, and conducts inspections.

• Pharmacy and Drug Control: Responsible for regulating the dispensing, import, and circulation of medicines, including the registration of pharmaceutical companies and supervising drug prices.

E-services available at moph.gov.qa include: • birth and death certificates • medical commission requests • finding a health practitioner or pharmacy • clinical guidelines

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Hamad Medical Corporation Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC, hamad.qa) is the main provider of specialist healthcare in Qatar and one of the leading hospital providers in the Middle East. HMC’s network is made up of 13 hospitals as well as the national Ambulance Service, home and residential care, and other services such as mental health and physiotherapy.

The clinical teams at HMC deliver a wide range of specialist healthcare services to patients. These services differ to those provided at primary health centres as they diagnose and treat complex cases that cannot be treated in a primary care setting.

HMC is the first healthcare system in the world to have all its hospitals accredited by Joint Commission International (JCI) under the Academic Medical Center accreditation programme.

How to get an appointment at a Hamad Medical Corporation hospital Getting an appointment is simple and convenient by following these steps: > Visit your primary healthcare provider (Primary Health Care Corporation or private clinic). Your primary care doctor will refer you to HMC if specialist care is required.

• Referrals from private clinics need to be taken in person to the relevant HMC hospital.

• Referrals from PHCC health centres are made automatically.

> When an appointment becomes available you will be contacted with the date, time and location. Once processed, you will also receive an appointment notification by SMS. > You will receive an appointment reminder by SMS five days before your appointment and another SMS one day before.

Fees for services at HMC Qatar residents with a valid Qatar ID and health card are entitled to heavily subsidised consultations and prescriptions. Without these documents patients will be charged a higher fee for services. Emergency medical services are provided free of charge.

Contacting HMC HMC’s dedicated customer service team, Nesmaak, can help with questions and inquiries.

Nesmaak teams are on hand in all HMC hospitals to assist patients and visitors, via 16060 or by emailing nesmaak@hamad.qa. Nesmaak staff speak many languages to make your experience as smooth as possible.

Availability: Sunday – Thursday 7 am – 10 pm, Friday 2 pm – 10 pm, Saturday 10 am – 6 pm

Healthcare in Qatar

Since Rumailah Hospital first opened in 1957, HMC has significantly expanded its portfolio of hospitals. As Qatar has grown and developed over the recent decades, so too has HMC. This long history of caring for the residents of Qatar ensures HMC is uniquely positioned to understand the specific cultural and healthcare needs of the population, and provide the best possible care.

> Once your referral has been received by HMC, you will be sent an SMS acknowledging receipt.

HMC Hospitals Hamad General Hospital One of the leading tertiary hospitals in the region, offering highly specialised care since 1982. The 603-bed facility offers a wide range of medical care and clinical services, including trauma, emergency medicine, paediatrics, critical care, specialised and sub-specialised surgery, specialised medicine, laboratory medicine, diagnostic imaging, and adult rehabilitation services.

There are more than 65 specialty clinics, one of the world's busist emergency departments, five intensive care units, eight operating theatres and a large pharmacy. Modern diagnostic facilities include laboratory, medicine, pathology and radiology. A state-of-the-art Trauma and Emergency Center was officially opened in 2019 by HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, with a Hyperbaric Therapy Unit and the first hyperbaric oxygen therapy chamber of its kind in Qatar.

Use the MyHealth Patient Portal to access your medical records online at myhealth.qa

The National Center for Diabetes Treatment opened in 2013 and provides diabetics with improved patient care and access to specialised services through a multi-disciplinary approach.

The hospital also manages the Fahad Bin Jassim Kidney Center, offering some of the most advanced treatment standards in the region for patients with acute and chronic kidney ailments. ©

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Healthcare in Qatar

National Center for Cancer Care and Research The 60-bed hospital specialises in the delivery of diagnosis, treatment and management for the care of people with cancer and blood disease. Advanced technology, such as the region's first PET CT scanner, combined with teams of specialists and highly trained staff offer high-quality healthcare tailored to patients’ individual needs.

Ambulatory Care Center The centre offers patients an exciting new approach to surgical and clinical care in Qatar, providing day care surgery, some inpatient surgical care and clinical care in a single dedicated location. This means that within 23 hours of receiving surgery or a medical procedure, patients will be able to leave hospital and recover in the comfort of their own home. ​ omen’s Wellness and Research Center W The centre is the region’s largest tertiary hospital providing women in Qatar with specialised care through all stages of their lives. The hospital offers a range of surgical and clinical services from preconception to childbirth, post-natal care and beyond, provided by a passionate multidisciplinary team of highly trained clinicians specialising in gynaecology, obstetrics, and newborn care.

The Obstetric Anesthesia Services has been designated as a Center of Excellence by the Society for Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology in the US, the first hospital in the Middle East to receive the prestigious designation recognising institutions and programs that demonstrate excellent obstetric anesthesia care.

Heart Hospital The state-of-the-art centre is committed to delivering high-quality care and treatment for adults with heart conditions. The specialist hospital integrates all cardiothoracic medical and surgical facilities in one centre. Heart Hospital is committed to academic health as well as medical education with an active cardiology fellowship programme, and a strong commitment to the education of residents, fellows and specialists.

Communicable Disease Center The CDC is a specialist tertiary centre to support and treat patients with communicable diseases. It has been purpose built with the mission to detect, treat and prevent infectious diseases in Qatar, particularly those of public health importance. Its highly specialised team of doctors, nurses and allied health professionals provide consultations and treatments for patients who have infections that are often beyond the scope of primary and other secondary care services.

LIVING IN QATAR E-GUIDE ©

Al Khor Hospital Al Khor was the first Hamad hospital outside of Doha, a 115-bed facility providing healthcare services to the growing population in the northern region of Qatar. The hospital offers patients treatment in a pleasant and modern environment, with a wide range of clinical departments providing advanced care. The hospital has the Antenatal and Postnatal Exercise Center, unique to HMC, and a Breastfeeding Resource Center, as well as the offices for Home Healthcare Services.

Al Wakra Hospital Al Wakra Hospital provides healthcare services for the rapidly growing towns of Al Wakra and Mesaieed to the south of Qatar. Al Wakra Hospital provides patients with safe, high-quality care in an efficient way. The opening of the hospital has meant that people from the Al Wakra community no longer need to travel to Doha as the care is readily available here at home.

The Cuban Hospital Located in Dukhan in the west of Qatar, the hospital is a joint venture project between the State of Qatar and the Cuban Government. With 65 beds and approximately 400 highly qualified Cuban healthcare professionals, the hospital is equipped with state-of-the-art technology serving Dukhan and its surrounding communities.

Hazm Mebaireek General Hospital Located in the Industrial Area of Doha, the hospital provides inpatient and outpatient care, surgical services, and emergency care services. With a 14-bed Emergency Department and 118 inpatient and intensive care unit beds, the hospital can treat hundreds of patients each day. The hospital welcomes all adult male patients, providing them with access to the highest quality treatment and care within their community.

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marhaba.qa Qatar Rehabilitation Institute The Institute is the region’s largest tertiary rehabilitation hospital, providing world-class integrated rehabilitation services and the most technologically advanced patient-centred care.

At the heart of this care is a passionate multidisciplinary team of clinicians working together to coordinate and deliver a personalised package of advanced rehabilitation services tailored to every one of their patient’s individual circumstances.

Additional Services Ambulance Service Each year HMC’s Ambulance Service receives more than 250,000 calls, many of which request emergency support for life-threatening incidents.

The Ambulance Service teams are quickly dispatched to assist the injured patient using the most appropriate fleet vehicle for their needs. The Ambulance Service fleet includes air ambulances (helicopters), advanced road ambulances and rapid response vehicles, 4x4s for the desert, and bicycle units for Qatar’s parks.

The Ambulance Service has three AgustaWestland AW139 LifeFlight helicopters; two operate 24/7 and their addition to the fleet ensures air ambulance coverage even in the most remote areas of the country. The pilots of the helicopters are from the Qatar Emiri Air Force (QEAF).

The Ambulance Service’s Medical Communication Center was named the Middle East’s first

The Mobile Healthcare Service (MHS), launched in 2015, provides senior physician support and nursing care to patients outside the hospital setting. The service works in collaboration with the Home Healthcare Service, responding to urgent calls and supporting clinical teams in delivering care to patients in their homes. MHS doctors support early discharge by working with the hospital's medical teams to identify patients who are able to go home but might still need support.

The programme reduces the length of stay of many patients by providing extra support following discharge from the hospital.

Healthcare in Qatar

Rumailah Hospital Rumailah Hospital is Hamad’s longest-serving hospital and provides healthcare services for both acute and long-term rehabilitation patients. It is a multi-speciality teaching hospital with 605 beds across seven sites. Most services are provided from the original main site, such as dermatology, ophthalmology, plastic surgery and care for the elderly. Rumailah Hospital has achieved Joint Commission International (JCI) Triennial Hospital Reaccreditation as well as JCI accreditation for Long Term Care Standards, the first hospital in the GCC to attain this status.

Accredited Center of Excellence by the International Academy of Emergency Dispatch for its high level of commitment towards delivering safe and efficient healthcare in Qatar and the region. The service itself has been accredited three times by the Joint Commission International for quality and safety, and the LifeFlight service has also been accredited by the European Aeromedical Institute for both adult and paediatric critical care.

'Know the 5 to save a life' campaign In order for the Ambulance Service to provide the best possible support as quickly as possible, it is vital that members of the public follow the Know the 5 to save a life’s five key steps. In the event of a medical emergency request an ambulance by calling 999.

Residential and home care Caring for partially or long-term dependent patients outside a hospital setting is of great importance.

The Enaya Specialized Care Center and Residential Care Compounds and the Home Healthcare Service all provide services for patients with specialist care needs.

Mental health services HMC plays a leading role in the delivery of care for people with a mental health illness. Guided by Qatar’s National Mental Health Strategy, HMC is working with partners in Qatar to develop a high-quality mental health system and transform the way mental illness is perceived and treated. The new strategy will drive important structural changes which allow HMC to be more ©

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Healthcare in Qatar

marhaba.qa focused in its delivery of community-based care, providing the people who need it with the right care, at the right time and in the most beneficial environments.

in Qatar are triaged on arrival to determine the severity of their condition. This allows the emergency teams to prioritise those patients with the most serious conditions and treat them first.

HMC has partnered with the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) and Qatar’s healthcare providers on a public awareness campaign to educate the public about mental health and to remove the stigma associated with mental health conditions.

The first Guide to Mental Health was launched in December 2019, developed by MoPH, HMC, Primary Health Care Corporation, Sidra Medicine, and Naufar, a mental health facility that focuses on wellbeing and help for those with addiction and substance abuse.

Pediatric Emergency Centers (PEC) The main Pediatric Emergency Center is located in Doha at the intersection of Al Sadd Street and Suhaim bin Hamad Street. The centre provides timely and appropriate urgent care 24/7 for all patients up to 14 years of age. Trauma and other emergency cases should go directly to a main emergency department.

For more information about mental health services, visit hamad.qa, call Nesma'ak on 16060, or the mental health helpline on 16000.

For immediate assistance, go to an HMC hospital emergency department (see list below).

Qatar Metabolic Institute Under HMC's Academic Health System, several educational, research and clinical institutions in Qatar have united to drive forward significant improvements in the health and disease outcomes of the Qatar population affected by diabetes, obesity and metabolic disorders. Partners include HMC, Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), Sidra Medicine, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute, Qatar University, Weill Cornell Medicine in Qatar; College of North Atlantic in Qatar, and University of Calgary in Qatar.

HMC hospitals with emergency departments Patients with emergency medical conditions should call 999 for an ambulance or visit the emergency department at one of these HMC hospitals:

HMC also operates four satellite Pediatric Emergency Centers throughout Qatar: • PEC Al Daayen • PEC Al Rayyan • PEC Al Shamal • PEC Airport

Qatar Blood Services As Qatar is witnessing rapid growth in all fields, especially in the health sector, the Blood Donor Centers' main target is to attract voluntary blood donors in order to meet the needs of both public and private hospitals in Qatar.

The procedure for donating blood at the centres, including donor registration, a medical interview, physical examination and assessment as well as blood collection and post donor care, lasts for about one hour.

Work Hours Main Blood Donor Center (next to Hamad General Hospital): Sunday – Thursday 7 am – 7:30 pm; Saturday 8 am – 8 pm); Friday closed.

New Blood Donor Center (HMC Surgical Specialty Center): Sunday to Thursday 7 am – 9:30 pm, Friday and Saturday closed.

• Hamad General Hospital

Mobile blood donation buses also often operate for urgent donation. Call 4439 1081/2 for confirmation of working hours before visiting.

• Al Wakra Hospital

Organ Donation

• Al Khor Hospital

The ‘Doha Model’ Organ Donation and Transplant Center is an internationally acclaimed centre that practices high professional and ethical standards.

The Doha Donation Accord, prepared by HMC and endorsed by world-leading international experts in the field of organ donation and transplantation, ensures ethical, equitable, safe and legal processes for organ donation. The national organ donation and transplantation programme supports the vision of HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser of ‘Healthcare for all’.

• The Cuban Hospital • Heart Hospital (for patients with emergency heart conditions only) • National Center for Cancer Care and Research (for emergency cases related to cancer only) • Women’s Wellness and Research Center (for women with emergency gynaecological and obstetrics conditions only) Reasons for going to an emergency department Emergency departments are designed to care for the patients with urgent medical conditions.

Patients presenting at an emergency department LIVING IN QATAR E-GUIDE ©

As a result of ongoing awareness campaigns, the number of registered donors has grown significantly. The Donor Registry is unique in its design and includes over 100 nationalities.

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marhaba.qa Deceased organ donations and living organ donations have increased to make the number of transplant surgeries recently completed the highest since the start of the programme.

To register as a donor or to make enquiries about donations, contact the Qatar Organ Donation Center: 4439 8557, organdonation.hamad.qa

Meeting international standards of care

HMC is the first healthcare system in the world to have all of its facilities and services accredited by US-based Joint Commission International (JCI) under the Academic Medical Center accreditation programme.

This has included accreditation for four of HMC's newest hospitals in May 2019, as well as the Hamad Dental Center and Mental Health Service. Additionally, the National Ambulance Service, Home Healthcare Service, Stroke Service and Palliative Care have all received accreditation since 2011.

Working towards a healthy Qatar Improving the health of the people of Qatar is a priority for HMC. Hamad works closely with its local healthcare partners, including the Ministry of Public Health and the Primary Health Care Corporation, to raise awareness of important health and injury prevention issues.

Public awareness campaigns Educating the public about the signs, symptoms and care options of important health issues has been an area of focus for HMC. A number of public awareness campaigns have been run in recent years for such things as stroke, diabetes, organ donation, psoriasis, smoking cessation.

Major campaigns are run in October each year as part of breast cancer awareness, and also has dedicated information to ensure a safe and healthy Ramadan. This all provides patients with the tools and knowledge to take responsibility for their own health, leading to a healthier society.

Healthcare in Qatar

Hamad Medical Corporation has sought and achieved accreditation from leading organisations in recent years across many areas.

Accreditation demonstrates Hamad’s ability to deliver high standards of care to our patients.

pedestrians. HIPP activities have also engaged those in other high-risk groups for injury, such as children and young drivers. HIPP has been awarded two National Priorities Research Program Grants from Qatar Foundation regarding improving the use of child restraints in children aged under five, and on creating a unified registry for all occupational injuries in Qatar.

Delivery of medical reports and consumables Patients of Hamad General Hospital, Heart Hospital, Rumailah Hospital, National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Al Wakra Hospital, The Cuban Hospital and Hazm Mebaireek General Hospital can have HMC medical reports delivered to them directly by Qatar Post. When requesting reports, patients need to provide their Qatar ID details, mobile number, a preferred delivery time, and a delivery address. The day before, Qatar Post will call to confirm the time of the delivery.

Hamad Injury Prevention Program The Hamad Injury Prevention Program (HIPP) was established as a research initiative to improve public health and safety. The programme is an integral part of the trauma service and a result of the research carried out by the trauma leadership at Hamad General Hospital, looking at the most common and high-risk incidents. Data is then translated and used to prioritise cases for interventions.

Under HMC's Home Healthcare Service, patients with valid health cards can also have medical consumables such as gloves, bandages, and dressings delivered to their home, by signing up with their Home Healthcare nurse. The service is a convenience for those that regularly require these items, as they will no longer have to visit their hospital multiple times. HMC will send a link via SMS for payment of the medical consumables. The delivery fee is QAR30, payable to the Qatar Post representative at the time of delivery.

HIPP collaborates with many partners to organise and participate in efforts related to injury prevention, including construction workers and

To order medication call the Community Call Centre 16000; for general information contact HMC's Nesma’ak on 16060 or PHCC's Hayyak on 107. ©

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PHCC and Sidra Medicine

Healthcare in Qatar

About Primary Health Care Corporation Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) operates 27 health centres across Qatar, delivering community-based primary care services to Qatar’s population in all parts of the country. These primary health centres provide a wide range of preventative, diagnostic and treatment healthcare services, including dental, antenatal care, immunisation, pharmacy, ophthalmology, audiology, radiology and wellness. The 27 PHCC laboratories have become one of the world’s largest group of network laboratories accredited by the College of American Pathologists (CAP) outside the US and the largest in the public sector.

card online. The app is available in English and Arabic.

Payment for services at primary health centres Qatar residents with valid health cards are entitled to subsidised consultations and prescriptions.

Sidra Medicine Sidra Medicine is an ultramodern, academic medical centre providing specialised healthcare to women, children and young persons in Qatar. It is a private hospital for public benefit. Established

by Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, Sidra Medicine embraces best practice medical education, innovative biomedical and clinical research and discovery, and exceptional patient and family focused care.

How to get an appointment at Sidra Medicine Sidra Medicine accepts referrals from all healthcare providers in Doha, including Hamad Medical Corporation, Primary Health Care Corporation and private healthcare institutions.

In addition, its Women’s Services also accepts self-referrals.

Self-referrals for Women’s Services

Primary health centres should be the first point of contact for patients with non-emergency conditions – patients with emergency conditions should visit an HMC emergency department or call 999 for an ambulance. If your primary care doctor determines that more specialist care is required they will refer you to an HMC hospital.

How to get an appointment at a primary health centre All expatriate residents of Qatar can register at their local health centre when obtaining a health card. Qatari nationals can make an appointment at any primary health centre. To get an appointment at the health centre you are registered at, follow either of the steps below: • Visit your registered health centre in person to arrange an appointment.

• Call the PHCC customer services team, Hayyak, on 107 and they will schedule an appointment for you.

How to contact Primary Health Care Corporation PHCC customer service teams are available 24/7, via Hayyak, 107 or the Community Call Centre, 16000. The Nar’aakom app offers a number of services and facilities, such as accessing upcoming appointments and applying for a health LIVING IN QATAR E-GUIDE ©

• For an Obstetrics, Gynaecology or Maternal Foetal Medicine appointment, call Women’s Services 4003 7113, email wcct@sidra.org or visit sidra.org/women for more information.

• Sidra Medicine also has a Women’s Obstetrics Triage and an Urgent Care Clinic, which treats moderate to serious health issues for women relating to pregnancy and the female reproductive system.

• If you want to refer for Sidra Medicine’s Perinatal Mental Healthcare service, call the Sidra Medicine Hotline 4003 3333, ask for the Women’s Wellbeing Clinic and request an appointment.

Payment for services at Sidra Medicine Patients accessing Women’s Services such as maternity, gynaecology and foetal-maternal care will be charged for the care they receive. For payment rates, contact Sidra Medicine directly.

How to contact Sidra Medicine For general inquiries about Sidra Medicine, call their contact centre on 4003 3333 Sidra Medicine also has a dedicated Women’s Care Coordination Team (WCCT) who can be contacted on 4003 7113 or wcct@sidra.org for information related to self-referrals, tours of the maternity wards or ante-natal classes for patients.

Operating hours for WCCT: Sunday – Thursday 7 am – 3 pm.

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How the Health System Works Together Qatar’s various healthcare providers work closely together to deliver the very best healthcare services to Qatar’s population.

Sharing of patient information Over the last 10 years many initiatives have significantly improved the ability of clinical teams to share patient information between teams across the health system. Many patient records, including laboratory results, x-rays images and medical reports, can now be accessed electronically by clinical teams in HMC, PHCC and Sidra facilities.

This enhances the quality of care delivered to patients by providing clinicians with a complete patient record regardless of where they are treated.

MyHealth Patient Portal The MyHealth Patient Portal enables patients to access their electronic personal health record online and through an app. Features of the portal include the ability to access lab reports, to view and reschedule upcoming appointments, and to review discharge summaries. The portal also allows patients to send a non-urgent message to their healthcare provider in a confidential manner.

Healthcare in Qatar

Referrals between providers Primary care centres are usually the first point of contact for patients with non-emergency conditions in Qatar. If the primary care doctor feels that more specialist care is needed at one of HMC’s hospitals, they will refer the patient to HMC for an appointment. A similar referral process also operates between HMC, Sidra Medicine and the private sector provider. Patients can also be referred back to a primary health centre for follow up after receiving treatment at an HMC hospital.

Health System FAQs I have just arrived in Qatar and need to get a health card, what do I do?

To get a health card, residents must visit the Primary Health Center nearest to where you live – call 107 if you are unsure where your local centre is.

I need a sick note for work, where can I get one from?

You should visit your local health centre for a sick note. If you are visiting an emergency department due to your condition being a serious medical emergency, you can request a sick note at the emergency department.

I want to see a doctor at a HMC hospital, how can I get an appointment?

Unless you have a medical emergency, in which case you should go to your nearest HMC emergency department or call 999 for an ambulance, you will need a referral from a primary health centre or private clinic in order to make an appointment at an HMC facility.

MyHealth empowers patients by allowing them to play a more active role in controlling their health information and making more informed decisions about their wellbeing. It helps patients stay on track by providing up to date information about lab results and active medications and provides reminders about appointments.

I want to see a doctor at a primary health centre, how can I get an appointment?

You can call Primary Health Care Corporation’s customer helpline, Hayyak, on 107 to arrange an appointment at the health centre which you are registered at. Alternatively, you can visit your health centre in person to arrange an appointment.

Patients can enroll for the MyHealth Portal online at myhealth.qa or at any HMC or PHCC facility.

Patients can also seek more information about MyHealth by calling Nesma’ak at HMC on 16060 or Hayyak at PHCC on 107.

Do I need to prepare for an appointment?

If you are visiting the hospital or primary health centre for the first time, please come at least 30 minutes before your appointment time in order to complete some paperwork. ©

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Healthcare in Qatar

Does it matter if I miss a scheduled doctor’s appointment?

If you are unable to attend a scheduled appointment, call your primary health centre via Hayyak 107, or hospital clinic via Nesma’ak 16060 in advance to cancel, so the timeslot can be used for another patient who may need it more urgently.

How do I know which is my local health centre?

Your utility bill (phone, water/electricity) includes a code related to your location and this determines where your designated health centre is located.

Call Hayyak 107 for more information or take your utility bill in person to the nearest health centre.

Do I have to pay for care at HMC and primary care centres?

These facilities do charge a small fee for services but residents with a valid health card are entitled to greatly subsidised consultations and prescriptions at Hamad Medical Corporation and Primary Health Care Corporation facilities.

I have a bad back and need to see a doctor; can I go to an emergency department and be seen?

For all non-urgent conditions, such as backache, small cut or mild eye discomfort, you should make an appointment at your local health centre.

Emergency departments should be used for only serious emergency medical conditions.

Why can’t I just turn up at a HMC hospital and be seen by a doctor?

HMC provides specialist secondary and tertiary care services. These services are for patients whose needs are too complex to be treated at a primary care centre. A large number of conditions can be successfully treated in primary care and do not require treatment at HMC. Can I see the same doctor at my health centre?

Every effort will be made to enable you to see the same doctor for your visit, but the doctor’s

I would like to access help for a mental health condition, where can I go for this?

If you are concerned about depression, anxiety or any similar mental health issue that affects your general health, visit your doctor in a primary health clinic for care or referral to one of HMC’s clinics. For urgent care involving suicidal or selfharm thoughts, visit one of HMC’s emergency departments or call 999.

I need to see a dentist, should I go to my health centre or to an HMC hospital?

Unless your condition is a medical emergency, in which case you should go to your nearest emergency department, you should visit your local health centre for a dental consultation. If specialist dental treatment is required, your primary care doctor may refer you to HMC. I have moved house and want to change my health centre, how can I do this?

To change your health centre you must obtain a utility bill from your new address and visit the nearest health centre to apply for a change.

I/my wife is pregnant and must register with an obstetrician, where can we get antenatal care?

Your first appointment should be at your local health centre. Your primary care doctor can then advise on the best plan for your antenatal care.

Is there public parking available when I visit a HMC clinic or primary health centre?

All hospitals and health centres have public parking facilities. However, some of HMC’s busy hospitals have limited free parking and visitors are recommended to either come by taxi or public transport or they can use the valet parking service offered in many locations. m Checked & Updated June 2021

Al Wakra Hospital

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availability on the day you wish to come cannot be guaranteed.

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Sober Self Help

AA in Qatar AA has a strong fellowship in Doha, which may seem surprising for a Muslim country where alcohol is regulated, but the alcohol status of the country makes no difference to the suffering alcoholic.

The group is healthy and buoyant with between 30 to 40 active members and many more who pass through for work or who are on vacation. The majority of the group are Westerners, however there are a number of Qataris who attend and also representation from South Africa, Sri Lanka, India and the GCC countries. The majority of members are men (approximately 70%).

The group has been running since 1988. Most referrals are from friends, family members and employers; some are also referred from the government-run Al Aween Social Rehabilitation Centre and Naufar, a facility for the treatment of substance use and related behavioural disorders run by Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC).

The group predominantly meets at HMC's Psychiatric Hospital, with additional venues at Qatar Red Crescent Society and The Pearl‑Qatar. Work is underway to restart an outreach meeting in Al Khor.

marhaba.qa Meetings cover a wide range of AA topics to suit newcomers and established members alike and take a standard format: Speaker meeting, AA speaker tapes, Big Book study, 12 Steps, 12 Traditions, As Bill Sees It, Daily Reflection, Living Sober, and a Meditation meeting.

AA Qatar has a regularly updated website that details all meetings and locations, with helpline numbers, an email contact and availability of public information. The meetings are run and attended by fellowship members, who also run a committee to take care of any business that arises. As with all AA fellowships, members adhere to 12 traditions that are used to assist in the day-to-day management of the group, such as declining outside contributions and to ensure anonymity for all members.

Sober Self Help

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. This is what is known as ‘the preamble’ to the fellowship known as Alcoholics Anonymous.

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There are essentially two different types of meetings: Open and Closed. Anybody can attend an Open meeting to find out more about AA, whereas Closed meetings are reserved for those who have a desire to stop drinking. Most meetings are Closed but there are some Open meetings – visit the website for up to date details.

Anyone is welcome to join a meeting – the only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no fees for AA membership; the group is self-supporting through their own contributions, and does not have any any religious or political bias.

It is not just for people 'addicted' to alcohol, but rather for those who have a problem with alcohol – for those who have a desire to stop drinking.

Do you need glasses to help you see the world?

If you need a few drinks to help you cope with life, you may have a problem with alcohol.

Contact Alcoholics Anonymous: 5070 9809 (males), 5515 0929 (females), 5505 9124 (adult children) aa.doha@gmail.com, aaqatar.org ©

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