Motoring in Qatar: Autumn 2022

Motoring

in Qatar

ISSUE

84

MOTORING ESSENTIALS MAIN CAR SHOWROOMS AND SERVICE CENTRES CAR REVIEWS MAP OF INDUSTRIAL AREA FEATURES: NEW NUMBER PLATES TO CELEBRATE THE FIFA WORLD CUP QATAR 2022TM SILA: CONNECTING TRANSPORT TO ONE NETWORK SCOOTING AROUND QATAR

AUTUMN 2022

EGUIDE COVER LAYOUT M84.indd 7

8/10/22 12:30 PM

QATAR MOTORING E-GUIDE ©

MARHABA

2 MOWASALAT M84 AD.indd 1

8/10/22 10:04 AM

Motoring

PRINT and ONLINE

marhaba.qa

Motoring

Feature – New Number Plates to Celebrate Historic Football Tournament Since June 2022, newly registered vehicles in Qatar have number plates bearing the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM logo.

Main Car Showrooms

MG GT

Useful Numbers Motoring Reviews Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Service Centres Motoring Essentials

Honda Pilot

• Obtaining a Qatari Driving Licence • The Driving Test • Other Driving Licences • Permits • Licence Renewals • Metrash 2 Service • Driving Conditions and Violations • Traffic Accidents • Car Insurance • Weather Conditions • Petrol Stations and Other Services

Map of Industrial Area The locations of major service centres and other entities

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. ©

INTRO PAGE M84.indd 10

MARHABA

AUTUMN 2022

8/10/22 10:03 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

© 2022 Marhaba Information Guide.

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

Advertising Howard Bainbridge Charlotte Wright Maria Anicas

Dana Public Relations PO Box 3797, Doha, Qatar Tel (+974) 4465 5533, 4465 0083

Retail Sales Ayen Molina Online/Digital Lalaine Turqueza Weslee Dizon Ramla Mohamed Abdirahman Design and Artwork Dick Tamayo Mar Principe

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ACS

di

Wa

A

t

Mes Mesaime Service

Doha Ma

sim n Bi

Zaks Uniform Store Ideal Indian

Qatar Ind Tech QDC Safari

Ruqayya

o

dS

Cambridge Girls

MES

Park House

Bangladesh

t lU

ee

Immigration

Al Jazeera Academy

Al Sulaiti

St

ad

Doha Modern Indian

Pak Education Centre

Mind Institute

t mS

DOHA GREATER MAP M84.indd 2

ziz

Ab du lA

56

01 Mall

a oriy

Bin

Doha Academy

Girls Creativity Al Ma Centre Qatar Egyptian Skills Language Academy TEK Alfardan Gardens 3

e

St a ou

t

St

Ray y

afa Al af f Gh

Al Fu r

dS eara Al M

St mad Su h aim Bin Ha

56

a St

Ras

Bi

Onaiz

PISQ

St

Al Maha

ed

Umm Al S enee

Mannai

t

NBK

Kha l

t

et

rk

dS

BMW

e

iS

Ma

ale

Khaled Bin Ahmed

hm nA

y wa ss

ale

les ho

W

Kh

5

German School Doha

Mesaimeer Vaccination Unit Qatar Scientific Club

Ain Khaled Gate

Ste

4

t

Alfardan Gardens 4

Al Maamoura Traffic Police

Elder Tree Nursery

St

Ali

lS

lou

Ha

Dar Al Salam Mall

Rd

l

Sa

Omar Bin Al Khattab

Zakat Fund

d

d

aR

Nissan

Skills Developm Center Dreama

GAC

Doha British

Jarir

lw

Sa

Salwa Rd Bridge

oa

R wa

pre

y Cit

t

aS

Tebah Gardens

2

Gulf Pearl

Al Mirqab Mall

Cafe Batteel

Al Asiri

ASD

NBK Mercedes Hyundai Auto Class MG / Maxus Mitsubishi

Lycee Voltaire

2

Family Food Centre

Ex

St

ts Aziziya

idr

Belgravia

Garvey’s

Abu Bakir Siddique

Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium (Al Sadd Club)

55

N He

Hamad Am Hospital

39

QNA

55

CESK

Beverly Hills

Ain

CEID

Doha Academy Al Waab Campus

r Spo

55

Alfardan Gardens 2

53

Newton

t/

Qatar Veterinary Centre

ziziy

Academy

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

Forensic Lab Dept

Sport City

eS Zon

Al Aziziyah

ir e

Villaggio

Al S

KidsZania

d oa aR iliy Summit

Sa

St

Al Waab City

Beverly Hills Gardens

Royal Vet

Al

Study Plus

Whit Palac

Hamad

Women’s Warwick

ha

Torch

ad

Do

aab

Awqaf

Al Sudan

Fir Stat

Wyndham Central AIA Le Park Inn Vet Surge The Avenue Imperial Suites Millennium Al S Al Asmakh Royal Plaza Mall La C Al Sadd St British Joaan Swiss Council Belinn DoubleTree Al Sadd Doha Clinic Victoria Hospital

Step by Step

Al W

n Al d Bi me Ah

St

Academy Aspetar

Aspire Zone Hyatt Plaza

Rasheeda St

MoI HQ

Th Bin ed mm A ha Mo

City

an Ro

ir

Aspire Park

Al Rayy

Am

Al Aziziyah Boutique Hotel

t Jassim Bi n Ali S

Lulu

Al

Al Rayyan Traffic Police

Town Centre

54 38

Khalifa International Stadium FIFA World Cup Al Waab Qatar 2022™

St fous l Kh u

20 1 Nissan Civil Defence Al Ahli Hospital

Debakey

54

Driving School

Asp

53

Al Rayyan Security Dept

&

Messila

A

Q S

Volvo

36 37 Medical

Al Messila Resort & Spa

r rrido Co ad – HIA hm a I/C l A khb e h L b a U mm

A

Royal Hall

Philippine School of Doha

Al Rayyan

Sa

University of Calgary

Edison

Wathnan Mall

University Foundation College English Modern School

Al Messila

Appletree Nursery

64

Al Jazeera

St

t

Khattab St

Al Jazira Al Arabiya St

Al Rayyan Al Qadeem

yan Al Jadeed S t

Al A

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

Racing & Equestrian Club

Al Furousiya St

E

26 27

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

kS

34 35

Omar Bin Al

Compass

St

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

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

adeena St Al M

tee

Al

Imam Muhammad Ibn Abdul Wahhab

QBS QTV

DESS

French Nursery

Beverly Hills Al Rayyan

Sedaira St

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

H

Newton

Al Salam St

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

lA

Qatar Guest Centre

Omar Bin Al Khattab

52

nA

ar

uw

Al Ray

Al Q a l ah

St jba

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

Swiss International

Al Wajba St

THE ZONES OF DOHA D

Al Rayyan Municipality Food Jarir Centres Bookstore

Ja

Honda

Makkah St

Al Shaqab

Education City St Al Rayya

Chef’s Garden

Ansar Gallery

Al Shafi St

a Al W

Metro Stations

ORANGE LINE Legtaifiya to Energy City South

Souq Al Ali

Makkah St Oxygen Park Gate 5

Al Shaqab Mathaf

LUSAIL

Green line Al Riffa Mall of Qatar - Al Mansoura

Qatar Nat’l Library

Doha College Al Wajba

All trains connect at Msheireb Station Red line Lusail QNB - HIA T1 - Al Wakra

Education City

St

EC Golf Club

Doha Metro Network

Gold line Al Aziziyah - Ras Bu Abboud

uqta

Al L

Edison

Traffic Dept HQ

Al Gharrafa

Al Meera

Al Hazm

ad in Ham Jasi m B

Al Wajba

Gate 2

St

51

51

College of Islamic Studies Education City Mosque

SEK

West Bay

32 33 Khalifa St

Al Luqta St

Oma

lA Jee ven ra u

3

Car Park

Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (QEERI)

d

Road

uard

2

Compass QNCC Qatar National Library

In F du

CCoQ

Madinat Khalifa

Porsche Quick Service

New

Al Kh

St

Kanga’s Pouch Elder Tree KG

Park View Compass Pet Centre

Little Academy

66

ty

Al M

Starfish Lane Kids

Umm Lekhba

St

siy

Dukhan

iri G

Education City Stadium FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™

in Jassim

St

6

67 zm

Edison

a St Al Markhiy

22 Feb

Am

b St

Premier Inn Doha Education City Hotel

Ha

Dahl Al Hamam Family Park

Ezdan Mall

T ha n i B QSTP

si

cia

Al Gharr afa St

an S

t Al Jahhaniya I/C

LuLu

Ezdan Palace Landmark Mall

Gulf Mall

er

Jawaan

ad Ro Ma jd

Al

Al Riffa - Mall of Qatar

C

Education City Community Housing

erha

31

ACS Int’l School

iv

J Mall

Qatar Canadian School

ya

rkh Ma

Al T

g

1

Le

51

Gulf English School

Un

hiya St ark

AlRayyan Hotel

eague St) rab L

Japan School

A was

t

tS

Celebration Hall

Al Ghaf St

Jelaiah Complex

ifi

Lycee Wadi Rawd a n St Voltaire

68

Starfish Lane Kids 2

St Al Khafji

Duhail

13. Qatar Foundation Headquarters

ta

Jeliah St

Qatar Veterinary Centre

Riviera Gardens

Al Gharrafa Sports Club

Sherborne

Mall of Qatar

il St

uha

Al D Al Gharrafa Park

Ministry of Education

University of Doha for Science and Technology

, 245

A 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

2

Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™

Interchange

( )

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) Education City Mosque Multaqa (Student Center) Northwestern University in Qatar (NU-Q) Oxygen Park Qatar Academy Doha (Primary School)

kr

ad

la

Education City EC 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

St niya

Ze

Ro

Doha Shooting Club

Compass

ez l Gh

eet

St

Str St. (

30

Izghawa North Gate

Dukhan Zekreet Al Sheehaniya Sheikh Faisal Museum

Al Meera

d ama

B

H Bin

awa

68

St

Jasim

Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium (Al Duhail Sports Club)

Doha G

me r

Road Interchange

Qatar University

FAHES

om

Restaurant

Health Centre

70

Al Kharaitiyat /

aC

Auto Dealer

Non-stop Expressway

69

Newton

Ba rw

Sub-station

em St

Veterinary Clinic

Club

WOQO

MoI Immigration Department et Directorate of Passports Stre rfa Ta Al

Al Sene

School, College, Club

Housing Complex

Doha Festival City

t et S kre Ze

Al Majd Road (Orbital)

oad

Government Office

70

Duhail Water Pumping Station

S

arfa

Al T

Jeryan Nejaima Street

al R

Petrol Station

Arch at Intersection of Al Tarfa and Lusail Streets

am Sh IKEA

Fox Hills South

ejaima Street

Al

an

Religious Complex

Sports Stadium

Al Izgh

4

kh

Bookstore

Cultural Landmarks

Al Rufaa Street

Faisal Museum

Du

The International School of London in Qatar

Mosque

Shopping Mall

Lu Tow

vd

sail Bl

169/Lu

Street

Jeryan N

Qatar Finland Int’l School

Legend Hospital

WOQOD

Fox Hills North

Crescent Park

QATAR

Hotel

Al Bayt Stadium is in Al Khor City, 30 km to the north on Al Khor Road

Lusail

CGIS

prepared in cooperation with

Al Bayt Stadium FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™

Lusail Stadium FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™

6

d

Doha

Map of Greater

See our map of the area north of Doha MAP of AL KHOR

1

r R oa

A

2

3

Al Khor Semaisma Lusail Int’l Circuit

o Al Kh

Al Majd Road 4

2

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

Lusail Al Mazrooah Al Shamal Rd

Umm

1

Ras Laffan Al Shamal Al Zubara Al Khor Al Shamal Rd

8/2/22 1:11 PM

Ansar Gallery

Icon Tower

Meryal Waterpark

Lusail Stadium FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™

6

WOQOD

WOQOD

5

EMBASSY LOCATIONS

Rixos

o hor R

Fox Hills North

ad

Lusail Towers

vd

Qetaifan Island South

sail Bl

169/Lu

Street

4

Qetaifan Island North

Qetaifan Island North

Crescent Park

Fox Hills South

Le Royal Meridien Place Vendome

Beverly Hills Lusail Cielo

Arch at Intersection of Al Tarfa and Lusail Streets

Qatari Diar

eet

Str

WOQOD

69

Wonderland

Prom

enade

Doha Sports Park

t ree

Marina

Marina District

Staybridge Suites

t

Katara Hospitality

QIPCO

Qatar University

Doha Golf Club Lagoona Mall

ag

St

iv

er

si

66

ty

Institut Francais du Qatar

Al M

hiya St ark

Edison

CCoQ

SEK

West Bay

65

St

sim n Bi ziz

Ab du lA DESS

Khalifa Tennis & Squash Complex Barzan

62

20 10 a St

iS

11 Park

White Palace

Hamad

St

Ooredoo

Four Seasons

Hotel Park Sheraton

60he ic rn

Doha Port Cruise Ship Terminal

Museum of Islamic Art

12

NCCCR Heart

Women’s

nduq

Tower Palm Towers

t aS

38

ad

61

DECC Al Fu

Hilton

The Curve

Amiri Diwan

he St Souq Al Cornic Waqif Bin Zaid Movenpick

C4

Bangladesh

D4

Mexico

C4

Belarus

B3

Moldova

B4

C3

Morocco

C4

Benin

C3

Nepal

E3

Bosnia & H

B3

Netherlands

C4

Brazil

B3

Niger

C3

Brunei

B3

Nigeria

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

B4

Costa Rica

C3

Peru

C3

Croatia

B3

Philippines

B3

Cuba

B4

A

C4

B3

Poland

Cyprus

C4

Portugal

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

B4

South Africa

B3

France

B4

C4

C4

Spain

Gambia

E4

Sri Lanka

E4

Georgia

C4

Sudan

B4

Germany

C3

Sweden

C4

Ghana

B3

Switzerland

B3

Greece

B4

Syria

C4

Hungary

B3

Tajikistan

C3

India

C4

Tanzania

C4

Indonesia

D3

Thailand

Iran

C4

Tunisia

C4

Iraq

C4

Turkey

B4

Italy

C4

Uganda

B3

Ivory Coast

B4

Ukraine

B3

Japan

B4

United Kingdom

C4

Jordan

C4

Kazakhstan

B3

United States of America

C3

Kenya

B3

Uruguay

C3

Korea (S)

B4

Venezuela

B4

Kosovo

C4

Vietnam

B3

B

C4

C

Najma St

D

B

oud St

ME & HE

American Academy

g Rd

47

E Rin

Sub-station

Al Thumama Stadium FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™

King’s College

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

Kahramaa Awareness Park

mad

Ah h Al

a

Sab Umm

Air Force I/C

St

t’l ad In

am

C–H

ba I/

Lekh

idor

Corr

ort

Airp

Free Zone Qatar Free Zone

Rd

e

daill

Al Fa

kra

46

Al Meera

Wa

Kahramaa

Al Weteyyat

cia

lA Jee ven ra u

B4

Mauritania

Abb

Rawdat Al Khail St

St

Jawaan

Mali

B4

Bu

Oqba Ibn Nafie

Al

me r

C4

Azerbaijan

St

Nafie Oqba Bin

t

om

Ras

Airport Shoprite

ri S nsa

aC

C4

Austria

HIA T1

Al A

Ba rw

B3

Malaysia

A

oub

Ansar Gallery

Libya

C4

Oryx Airport Hotel Concourse C

Ayy

Mind Institute

B3

Australia

E

D

Abu

Meteorology

Medical Commission Drainage Dept

St

Mesaimeer

Rd

Armenia

Montezine

t

Safari

et Stre ort Airp Old

aS

I

a

re

lA

ria

st

45 jm Na

QDC

Berlitz

u nd

IAID

t

Qatar Ind Tech

44 E Ring Rd

Tank Farm

Doha Mall

Zaks Uniform Store Ideal Indian

The Mall

Qatar Red Crescent

Mesaimeer Mesaimeer Services

Park House

Bangladesh

Summit KG

Indian Cultural Centre

LuLu

Regency Halls

Elder Tree Al Ahli Nursery Sports Club

rt po

t

Immigration

Al Jazeera Academy

atar entific Club

dS

Cambridge Girls

Kahramaa

aS

Doha Modern Indian

Pak Education Centre

43

C4

Hamad International Airport

48

Air

ee

MES

2526 jm Na

56

ad

B4

Liberia

Bu Abboud

C Ring Rd

Ro

Qatar Egyptian Skills Language Academy TEK Alfardan Gardens 3

Newton Int’l

Doha Academy

Girls Creativity Al Ma Centre

i

Grand Hamad St

ing CR

y wa ss

German School Doha

Alfardan Gardens 4

amoura c Police

e j St

d St

hmou

pre

Ex

D Ring Rd

Lebanon

B3

Stadium 974 FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™

National Museum of Qatar

41 42

40

lo

Ha

Dar Al Salam Mall

e Al Khal

Bin Ma

St mad Su h aim Bin Ha

ha

Do

55

C4

Argentina

C4

Banana Island Resort Doha

by Anantara

16 23 14 15 27

24

C3

Algeria

ark

1 7 22 13 34 5 6 17

39

Kyrgyz Rep

xP

Bo

Saraya Jouri Central Banyan Le Park Inn Tree Vet Alwadi Sharq Surgery The Avenue Village & Spa Four National Park Hyatt Souq Imperial Suites Millennium Points by Al Sadd Museum t Sheraton dS Al Asmakh Royal Plaza Msheireb Waqif Abbou Mall Ras Bu Ramada Abu Bakr La Cigale St Encore Ras Al Sadd St b e Premier Inn ir British Joaan Bin Swiss ha Doha Airport Hotel Al Doha Council Belinn Musherib Mahmoud i Mus Capital Al Jadeda DoubleTree Qatar ad Al Liwan Police W Al Sadd Doha Clinic Victoria Aeronautical Westin Doha Hospital Concorde College dan Crowne B Ring Rd Jarir Bookstore Safir Plaza The Gulf dusitD2 Al Muntazah QNA Doha Heliport Al Mirqab Centre Pearls Chevrolet Holiday Mall Al Muntazah Umm Inn Family Radisson Blu Plaza Steigenberger Food Centre

by Step Ghuwailina Jarir New Blue Rose Rawda Al Meera d Sterling Strato by Warwick Cafe Al Mansoura aR ad American Rawdat Jassim Bin Hamad Batteel Al Meera lw Ford Hyatt Regency Al Khail Stadium Sa St Hospital Oryx Doha Al Mansour Park AAB Nissan (Al Sadd Club) lib a Suites Al Jabor i T Turkish Al Mana Al Matar Al Qadeem Vision Ab Holiday d Hospital Chrysler Omar Bin gR Al Asiri Villa Bin n i R D li C CCoQ Al Khattab New A CAA Aslata Gulf Times Skills Salwa Rd Financial Marhaba Park Arrayah Safeer Al Arabi Square Development Bridge Club Gulf Rd Family Center Warehousing ing Food Centre Al Meera R Alfardan Al Emadi Darwish D Dreama St Hospital Le Mirage Gardens Travel ul AIA

Kuwait

B4

MIA Park

2

Rumailah

Hamad Ambulance Al Bidda Hospital Wyndham

Warwick

Katara The Pearl-Qatar Lagoona Mall Al Bidda Park Souq Waqif National Museum of Qatar 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

W

Dusit City Center

id d

an Ro

DOHA HOP-OFF BUS SIGHTSEEING ROUTE stops at

Dafna St St

Al B

City

Debakey

Al Rayy

The Pearl Island

Qatar Al Mourjan National Theatre

Fire Station

t

St

Lulu

sila

la

Corniche

Onaiz

6 37 Medical

Floresta Gardens

Qatar Post

t ni S Tha Bin ed mm Al Bidda ha Mo MoI HQ

Viva 29

North Beach

St Tornado da

West Bay l Bid A

Nissan Civil Defence Al Ahli Hospital

Town Centre

lM uk ht ar

63

Qatar Sports Club

Al Jazeera

n Al d Bi me Ah

ippine ool Doha

ad in Ham Jasi m B

ya St

ar A

InterCon The City

Newton

Volvo

QBS QTV

4 35

Medina Centrale

23

Bahriya Novo Cinemas Sedra Arjaan by Rotana 31 (Tower 26) Perlita Beach Beach Gardens 30

InterContinental Beach & Spa InterContinental Residences

61

The Gate

Imam Muhammad Ibn Abdul Wahhab

Honda

Qatar Guest Centre

Porto Arabia

St Regis Doha

Al Qassar Resort

t

64

Om

Al Jazi Gardens

Al S iya rkh Ma

fic HQ

Ja

1

The Pearl Island

Porsche

20

St

5/6 Int’change

Al Meera

Al Hazm

Edison

ar

Onaiza St

33

St. Regis Marsa Arabia Island

18

Al Qassar

5/6 Park

Omar Al M uk ht

Kanga’s Pouch Elder Tree KG Starfish Lane Kids

Chouiefat

66

67 zm

La Cr

22

2

Marza Katara

12

Newton

Newton

Al Co

Ha

ab St

4

21 High St

Al Khafji St

St

J Mall

6

Oyster Diplomatic Club

The Chedi Katara

Lusail St

Un

7

14 15

10

ette ois

g

68

St

Legtaifiya

Lusai l St

Le

L

Lycee Wadi Rawd a n St Voltaire

Al Ghaf St

ds 2

ya

t n S Katara oo

Marsa Malaz Kempinski

Qanat Quartier Hilton The Pearl

Katara

Jeliah St

ah plex

ifi

la

Is

Abraj Quartier

Ministry of Education

ta

an

w

Ge

Mondrian Grand Hyatt

Legtaifiya Lagoon

y of cience ology

Ritz-Carlton

nd

o La Cr isette

aS

B3

Albania

Belgium

Raffles and Fairmont Hotels are housed in the iconic Katara Towers

Al Maha Island

Yacht Doha Club Winter

QT MOCI

eet

Shafallah Centre

Newton

Century

il Str Lusa

arfa

Al T

Lusail City

Waldorf Astoria

Afghanistan

Ras Bufontas Qatar Free Zone

E

Airport (49) I/C Workers Health Centre

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FEATURE

New Number Plates to Celebrate World Cup

By Ola Diab Since June 2022, newly registered vehicles in Qatar have number plates bearing the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM logo.

A

ll newly registered vehicles in Qatar have number plates bearing the official logo of the upcoming FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM, in addition to the special plates announced at the recent 11th Electronic Auction for Special Numbers.

The Ministry of Interior announced that the special numbers recently auctioned on Metrash2 would carry the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM logo. The public online auction sold 50 car plates through the Metrash2 app. As per rules, participants are required to make a security deposit of QAR5,000.

Numbers with the football championship's logo were installed only on newly registered vehicles since June 2022.

Lieutenant Faisal Abdulaziz Al Haydous, an officer at the Vehicles Number Plate Workshop, explained that the auction includes samples of the plates that were recently put up for electronic auction to sell special numbers, organised by the General Directorate of Traffic. The new plates will bear the logo of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM.

A person can own more than one number, yet the auction committee reserves the right to take back the auctioned number or exclude any participant that is violating the auction rules. If the bidder withdraws from payment, the security deposit will be forfeited.

If a bidder wins more than one special number, none of them will be granted to him until he pays all the amounts for the special numbers he won.

The traffic police department sold 50 number plates with the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM logo during the online auction, with the most expensive number selling for QAR1.8 mn (USD495,000). Special plate numbers auction for cars are very popular that could amount to USD55 mn.

For more information, visit hukoomi.gov.qa/en/ service/special-plate-numbers-auction.The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM is scheduled to take place in Qatar from 21 November to 18 December 2022.

This will be the first World Cup ever to be held in the Arab world. m

Special Plate Numbers Auction The Ministry of Interior hosts annual special plate number auctions. Nationals, residents and companies can participate online in special plate number auctions or buy the plate directly, if it is offered for direct purchase. A variable fee, usually QAR100, commonly determined by the General Traffic Department, is applicable to issue a special number ownership certificate.

Those who have received the right to purchase an elite car number must pay for it within two days, otherwise they will be banned from purchasing it and receive a fine. The payment can be completed by cheque to the Finance Department at the Ministry of Interior or by credit card. The rules and conditions of HE Minister of Interior Decree No 6 of 2001 on special numbers are applicable to the auctions.

QATAR MOTORING E-GUIDE ©

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Msheireb Downtown Doha Unit #G12, Building #30, Street #950, zone #03 W W W. P R E S E N T E D B Y.C O M | @ P R E S E N T E D B Y | + 9 74 4 0 0 1 1 3 8 3

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Main Car Showrooms

Car Showrooms

• • • • • •

Auto Class Cars Salwa Road Hours: 8 am – 9 pm, Fri 5 pm – 9 pm 4040 1444 mg-qa.com

Domasco Khalifa Street Hours: 8 am – 8 pm, Fri 4 pm – 8 pm Toll free 8008 123 honda-mideast.com/en-qa, domasco.com

Qatar Automobiles Company Salwa Road, Al Waab Zone 55 4422 7555 mitsubishiqatar.com

Saleh Al Hamad Al Mana Co. Salwa Road and Al Khor 4428 3333 and 4464 7848 nissanqatar.com

Domasco Salwa Road, opposite HSBC bank Hours: 8 am – 8 pm, Friday Closed 4424 8989, Toll free 8008 123 domasco.com

Domasco Khalifa Street Hours: 8 am – 8 pm, Friday Closed Toll free 8008 123 volvocars.com/en-qa, domasco.com

Bentley 4411 4411 • BMW, MINI 4420 8888 • Cadillac, GMC, Opel, Subaru 4455 8000 Chevrolet 8000 100 • Citroen 4436 1811 • Ford, Lincoln 4448 9922 • GMC 4455 8053 Hyundai, Genesis 8000 231 • Infiniti 4460 0167 • Jaguar 4440 8490 • KIA 4403 9444 Lamborghini 4411 4411 • Land Rover, Jaguar 4447 7566 • Maserati 800 0003 • Maxus 4040 1444 McLaren 4411 4411 • Porsche 4459 9666 • Skoda 4468 8894 • Suzuki 4462 0967 Toyota 4462 9321 • Volkswagen 4445 2365

QATAR MOTORING E-GUIDE ©

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Useful Numbers

PRINT and ONLINE

marhaba.qa

EMERGENCIES – AMBULANCE, FIRE OR POLICE – 999 For those considering driving licence applications, driving lessons, car hire, vehicle purchase or lease, and breakdown cover, all the relevant contact numbers are listed below. The rest of the Motoring section has more essential information, including test drives of selected models, car showrooms and service centres.

Vehicles drive on the right-hand side of the road, and seat belts are mandatory for both driver and frontseat passenger. Although measures have been implemented by the traffic department to help reduce the accident rate in Qatar, driving here can still be a hazardous affair and you need to remain fully aware and alert at all times when you are driving. Speeding, tailgating and sudden lane changing, especially near traffic lights, are common.

Useful Numbers

Be aware – radar! Be careful to keep your speed within the limits; there are cameras on most roads keeping watch on traffic speeds. Be especially careful at traffic lights as this is where most violations occur. The penalties, in financial terms, are strict: QAR6,000 for going through a red light and seven (black) points! See Traffic Violations in Motoring Essentials for more details.

Motorists should exert caution and watch out for cyclists or people stepping onto the road unexpectedly, especially at night. Conversely, be mindful if you need to cross the road on foot as it is easy to misjudge speeds of oncoming vehicles. Cars tend to move fast and unpredictably, except when in a traffic jam.

For convenience, use the Metrash2 app for a number of services, such as transfer of ownership, istimara (permit) renewal, and payment of violations.

Madinat Khalifa Traffic Department

Pre-owned Vehicles

HQ building on Khalifa Street C3 234 4444

Al Boraq Automobiles Co (Porsche Approved Pre-owned Cars) 4459 9666

Open Sunday to Thursday 6:30 am – 12:30 pm/ 1 pm – 7 pm, Saturday 8 am – noon, Friday closed

Domasco (Honda) 800 8123

Traffic Investigation Department

Jaidah Automotive (Chevrolet) 800 0100

Madinat Khalifa (24/7) C3

234 4499

Locations include Al Thumama, Al Wakra, Dukhan, Education City, Industrial Area, Maamoura, Umm Slal, and some insurance companies.

Visit Hukoomi for online services, gov.qa

Vehicle Inspection

Domasco (Volvo)

4424 6860

Oasis Used Cars 4431 2828 Qatar Automobiles Co (Mitsubishi)

4422 7555

Bank Auto Finance Departments See Banking and Finance in Business and Economy for a list of banks.

FAHES 4021 8800

Motor Insurance Companies

Driving Schools

Al Khaleej Insurance 4404 1111 4032 4444

Doha Insurance Company 4429 2777

Gulf Driving School

4465 2822

General Takaful 4449 9999

Karwa Driving School

4458 8865

Libano-Suisse Insurance Company

United Driving School

4468 1003

Qatar Insurance Company (QIC) 800 0742 Qatar Islamic Insurance Company 4465 8888

Car Rental and Leasing Al Futtaim Vehicle Rentals (AVR) Avis Rent-A-Car (Head Office) gulfcar

4466 4406

800 0225

Vehicle Breakdown Services

4466 7744

Arabian Automobile Association 4481 0400/0500

800 0881

Other breakdown services are available from smaller entities around town – be aware that they may not be insured to provide this service though.

National Car Rental (Head Office)

4474 0666

Oasis Rent-A-Car

4413 0011

Prestige Cars

5547 4242

Regency Fleets

4032 5301

Checked & Updated June 2022

Al Khebra (also offers VIP courses)

You may have breakdown assistance as part of your insurance policy or be able to add it – check with the insurance company. ©

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ALL-NEW

ECLIPSE CROSS TECHSPEC ENGINE Turbocharged 1.5 litre 16-valve DOHC MIVEC; electronic direct fuel injection MAX POWER 147 hp (110 kW) @ 5,500 rpm MAX TORQUE 255 Nm (184 lb-ft) from 2,000 rpm TRANSMISSION 4WD advanced eight-speed CVT gives smooth, powerful acceleration with new sports mode shift control and paddle shift EXTERIOR Dynamic, youthful lines exude a sense of energy; the elegant, sporty front grille, LED headlights; sloping roofline and rising shoulder line give a coupé-like appearance; deeply sculpted lines and good use of polished chrome enhance its look of quality; rear styling is much sleeker and offers good visibility; 18" alloys INTERIOR More space and touch-friendly trim create a modern vibe; attractive black and metal trim; new seat designs are great and visibility is good all round; digitally up to date too, with large 8.0" touchscreen showing Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; Bluetooth technology, dual USB ports; eight speakers provide great Hi-Fi from the MPSS premium sound system; steering wheel controls SAFETY/SECURITY Mitsubishi is a leader in safety technology: seven front, side and curtain airbags; Active Stability Control; ABS and driveline traction control; blind spot warning; lane departure warning; rear cross traffic alert; misacceleration mitigation; tyre pressure monitoring system; keyless operation; engine start button; disc brakes all round; high strength energy-absorbing reinforced RISE body

Qatar Automobiles Company on Salwa Road offer very competitive prices and will be pleased to arrange a test drive of the new Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross or any of its SUVs and cars for Marhaba readers. Call 4422 7555 QATAR MOTORING E-GUIDE ©

Mitsubishi has been building tough cars and SUVs for over 100 years; as people's tastes are moving more to compact SUVs and Crossovers, it is logical to see the Eclipse Cross emerge as another SUV to enhance Mitsubishi’s already wide range.

With its modern exterior design, elegant interior and advanced technology, the fast-selling Eclipse Cross appeals to a young and active audience; it's right in the middle of the booming market segment for compact SUVs to which the Eclipse Cross brings Mitsubishi's reputation for durability and economy. It certainly feels solid – I was instantly reassured by the feeling of well-made quality and being well-planted safely and securely on the road.

Less noticeable than the styling but perhaps more important is the new turbocharged 1.5 litre inline-four under the bonnet. Part of a new engine family, it puts out around 150 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. A sign of a good engine is where the torque starts to work and this engine starts from a low 2000 rpm which is great for negotiating traffic in town. The engine is smooth and sounds pleasant, pulling without complaint from about 1500 rpm and then really coming to life. Moving the shift lever over to the left into its manual gate gives the ability to lock in one of eight preset ratios, allowing you to keep the turbo on the boil and deliver on turbocharging’s big promise of better performance than larger, naturally aspirated engines.

Another benefit, this for the economy minded – a rapidly increasing number these days – is an Eco mode to make sure you get full value from your petrol purchases. Plus the engine is quite content on regular unleaded petrol – another saving!

The new, longer Eclipse Cross is clever in terms of seating space and cargo-carrying practicality.

The 60/40 split-folding rear seat slides about 20 cm forward and back to make space between rear legroom and luggage capacity, and the rear seat back is adjustable.

Mitsubishi with the Eclipse Cross has made a strong commitment to its future with a sharp focus on providing excellent quality and value for money, both at point of sale and over the life of the car.

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2022

PILOT SUV TECHSPEC ENGINE 3.5 litre V6 24-valve SOHC iVTEC + VCM MAX POWER 280 hp (209kW) @ 6,000 rpm MAX TORQUE 355 Nm (262 lb-ft) @ 4,700 rpm TRANSMISSION Nine-speed automatic; 4WD (fourwheel drive) or 2WD EXTERIOR The updated styling is both rugged and refined that represents the modern family SUV; the front grille is black and bold on top models, with aggressive chrome accents on others; LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) standard in all grades; 18" or 20" alloy wheels look great INTERIOR The luxurious Pilot is spacious and practical with familyfriendly options such as a DVD entertainment system; two USB outlets, two 12-volt outlets and wireless charging up front; another two USB ports, as well as a 3-pin plug located on back of the centre console; eight seats in three rows; easy-to-use climate controls; bright, colourful and clear dashboard dials and gauges, and lots of cupholders; high seating position gives a commanding, panoramic view, while large windows give best-in-class visibility; a cavernous cargo area and lots of useful storage spaces SAFETY/SECURITY ABS, Electronic Brake Force Distribution, Traction Control System, Brake Assist, Traction Management takes care of all terrains, including thick sand; now with Honda Sensing providing forward collision mitigation with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning with lane keep assist; adaptive cruise control; blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert; famous Honda extra-strong ACE body structure Collision Mitigation Braking System

Visit the Honda showroom on Khalifa Street, near TV Intersection. Staff will explain all, and arrange a test drive of the new Pilot or any of the stylish new Honda SUVs, sedans and crossovers. Call 800 8123 QATAR MOTORING E-GUIDE ©

The Honda Pilot is a joy to drive! It's always been up there as perhaps the best large SUV, indeed almost a 'can't-go-wrong' option where its combination of a roomy, well-appointed interior, strong engine, and pleasant handling made it appealing to families. The latest model has made this option even stronger!

The Pilot rides softly, and the kilometres pass by in comfort. Its steering is light and crisp with precise self-centring, making it very pleasant, enjoyable even, to drive down a twisty road, or a narrow street in traffic. It has more than 7" (18.5 cm) of ground clearance which help it handle rough roads and sandy beaches just fine. In fact, with its Intelligent Traction Management, the Pilot can tackle any terrain in Qatar, even thick sand.

The Pilot has a great engine; power comes on instantly and smoothly, no 'turbo-lag' here! It has power to spare, whenever you need it and smooth powerful braking to match.

All Pilots now come standard with an 8-inch Display Audio system. The new infotainment interface looks sharp, is incredibly responsive and delivers wonderful sound. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a Wi-Fi hotspot for up to seven devices are also included, and a good feature is the return of a physical volume knob. In the age of touchscreens, Honda recognised that many people like a physical volume knob when driving; it's a simple thing but it makes driving less stressful and that's important.

Another stress-reducing feature is the remote engine start that lets you start the engine from a distance, enabling climate control system to regulate cabin temperature to ensure maximum comfort before you get in. And when you walk away, it locks itself.

The Hands-Free Access Power Tailgate allows you to load and unload cargo with the remote key fob in your pocket or handbag. Simply kick under the rear bumper and the tailgate opens without the need to use your hands. The updates to the latest Honda Pilot make this popular three-row SUV even better.

Now with sleek good looks both inside and out, an improved technology menu and smoother driving, the Pilot is among the most complete competitors in the segment today. With the Pilot, the modern family SUV is reaching new heights. The new exterior is designed to turn heads, matched by an interior that’s totally at home in the digital age.

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EXPERIENCE THE GRAND LIFESTYLE

Powerful V6 engine with 9-speed automatic transmission

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8-inch Touch-screen Display Audio

HONDAQATAR

www.honda.qa

10.2 inch Rear Entertainment System

Al Mirqab Complex 1, Khalifa Street, Near National Mosque and TV R/A

Multi-angle Rear View Camera

Open from Saturday to Thursday: From 8 am to 8 pm

©

MARHABA

8008 123

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2022

MG GT TECHSPEC

ENGINE 1.5 litre Turbo MAX POWER 173 hp (172 kW) @ 5,600 rpm TORQUE 275 Nm (265 lb-ft) from 1,750 rpm ACCELERATION 0 – 100 kph in only 8 seconds TRANSMISSION Seven-speed iCVT automatic EXTERIOR So distinctive in the all-new MG GT is the swooping bonnet and slim headlights aside the large black grille; futuristic wheel and grills designs; wide stance and racing silhouette of a fastback; stunning aerodynamic body lines; youthful paint colours INTERIOR Welcome to your padded luxurious studio with sculpted and supportive sports seats and wheel, top quality materials and the engaging desktop of two large screens, chiselled shapes and a prominent, almost playful hexagonal or honeycomb patterned fascia. I enjoyed the power of ultramodern technology, yet so easy to use that it becomes almost playful.

Yes, it’s just a most attractive, comfortable, quality environment to make a sporty yet serene experience SAFETY/SECURITY High-strength steel cage; side chest airbags give more protection against impacts; rear parking sensors, rearview camera; 360 degree parking view gives assurance when reversing and manoeuvring; tyre pressure monitoring system; forward collision warning assist, lane departure warning system all help to make driving your new MG GT less stressful Warranty: six years or 200,000 km coverage

Visit Auto Class Cars showroom on Salwa Road. They offer very competitive prices and can arrange a test drive of the new MG GT or any of the range of sleek and sporty MG cars and SUVs. Call 4040 1444 QATAR MOTORING E-GUIDE ©

MG is on a roll, creating a new motoring success story: introducing the all-new MG GT, a beautiful sports sedan, to expand their range of SUVs and sedans, and it could indeed liven up your life!

MG’s strong sales in the Gulf and worldwide is mainly down to its extremely attractive range of compact sporty and large SUVs, in addition to the economical, spacious and comfortable sedans.

‘Attractive’ in this case means not only undoubted good looks, but also superb quality and comfort, plus the performance and, last but not least, the competitive prices. And so many people agree!

MG is adding variety to its lineup with the allnew MG GT, and this beauty is a sleek, muscular fastback sports sedan. The GT is ready to ignite your passions with many youthful new features, a smart interactive infotainment system with two large crystal-clear touchscreens and, as befits its GT name, sparkling, dynamic performance enjoyed in luxurious comfort.

Maybe it was the bright yellow colour, but this coupé-like MG is a delight to behold, to enjoy and to drive. The massive front ‘flaming’ grille and air intakes, the muscular shoulder line, the compact rear spoiler, they all scream sports and performance. The turbo-charged engine, together with the sports-tuned chassis and the XDS dynamic control system, will all take you to your sports car ’nirvana’.

To emphasise, and it has to be said again, the level of quality of the beautiful MG two-tone and double-stitched leather seats and all-round trim materials was until recently only to be found on some very expensive cars… The same revolution applies to the level of technology employed by MG for both the safety systems and the infotainment connectivity. As easy as your phone.

An MG and a GT should deliver smooth, sporty performance and the all-new MG-GT doesn’t disappoint. From the moment you press the button to fire the engine you’ll be impressed. Apart from the responsive standing start, the most useful asset is the ability while cruising slowly, say around 40–50 kph, then to accelerate quickly to say around 80 or 100 kph. The MG GT is excellent here and it is very useful in escaping from heavy and slower traffic situations.

Yes, a really enjoyable and luxurious drive – MG GT.

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Service Centres

Service Centres

• • • • • •

Auto Class Cars Industrial Area, Street 10 4489 1666 mg-qa.com

Domasco Industrial Area, Street 10 (Servicing) Street 43 (Body Shop) Also at Salwa Road, Al Shamal Road, Al Khor 4424 6700, Toll free 8008 123 domasco.com honda-mideast.com/en-qa

Qatar Automobiles Company Industrial Area, Street 10 4460 1995 mitsubishiqatar.com

Saleh Al Hamad Al Mana Co. Industrial Area, Street 10 Also Al Shamal Rd, Salwa Rd, Al Wakra 4460 0167 nissanqatar.com

Domasco Industrial Area Street 10 (Servicing) Street 43 (Body Shop) 4424 6735, Toll free 8008 123 domasco.com

Domasco Industrial Area Street 10 (Servicing) Street 43 (Body Shop) 4424 6731, Toll free 8008 123 domasco.com, volvocars.com/en-qa

Bentley 4411 1102/08 BMW, MINI 4406 5555 • Cadillac, GMC, Subaru 4455 8000 4459 9777 Chevrolet 8000 100 • Ford, Lincoln 4448 9922 • Hyundai, Genesis 8000 231 • Infiniti 4460 0167 Jaguar 4440 8490 • KIA 4460 0081 • Lamborghini 4411 1102 • Land Rover 4460 1100 Maserati 800 0003 • Maxus 4040 1444 • McLaren 4411 1102 • Mercedes-Benz 4458 7777 Peugeot 4448 9053 • Porsche 4459 9777 • Skoda 4499 1000 • Suzuki 4462 2067 Toyota 4452 8777 • Volkswagen 4445 2383

QATAR MOTORING E-GUIDE ©

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Motoring Essentials

Some national driving licences are recognised as valid by Qatar and you need only take an eye test before you are issued with a valid Qatari licence and you are set to go. The police have offices in all the driving schools; you can also take your eye test there.

In an effort to reduce traffic congestion, certain professions (approximately 240) will preclude you from gaining a licence. However, if you have the personal sponsorship of a Qatari national, or your spouse, then your profession is not important.

Holders of driving licences from some countries, eg the UK, France, Turkey, South Korea and Malaysia, can get a Qatari driving licence without a test. Take your Residence Card and original driving licence to the Traffic Department headquarters at Khalifa Street, Madinat Khalifa.

Drivers from other countries will need to enquire at the Traffic Department to check the validity of that home country's licence. Open daily (except Friday) 7 am – 11 am/4 pm – 7 pm. For more information, visit Hukoomi at gov.qa International licences You are allowed to drive with your national driving licence (if it is recognised by the State of Qatar) for one week only (seven days from arrival).

You can alternatively use an international driving licence for up to six months, after which it is

marhaba.qa

compulsory to have a valid Qatari licence. To use an international driving permit issued by your country of origin, you must also hold a valid driving licence that is recognised by the State of Qatar.

Temporary Qatari licences Residents or visitors who wish to drive for more than one week will need a temporary licence.

Motoring Essentials

Obtaining a Qatari Driving Licence New residents wishing to drive here need a Qatari driving licence. The procedure is simple: go to one of the registered driving schools in Doha and complete all the paperwork and receive instruction, if necessary, in the same place. Fees: Vehicles QAR250, motorcycles QAR150, valid for five years, for first time applications/renewals/replacements.

PRINT and ONLINE

Apply in person at the Traffic Police office in one of the driving schools within seven days of your arrival in Qatar. You will need your valid national driving licence and passport along with copies, and three passport-size photographs with a white background.

If you need to wear glasses while driving you must be wearing glasses in the photos. Fees: QAR10 for the card, QAR150 for the application.

You will also need to take an eye test, usually available at the driving school, and you may have to do a half course.

Temporary Qatari driving licences are valid for three months, but may be extended on application.

International and temporary licence holders are restricted to driving rental cars only. Driving without a licence of any kind is a criminal offence.

Converting a non-approved licence If your home country's licence is not considered valid by the authorities you will have to take a driving test. For those applying for a driving licence for the first time, as well as those who have to take a test: • The minimum age for learning to drive is 18 for light vehicles and motorcycles, 21 for heavy vehicles.

• You will need: four passport-size photos (with a white background), valid Qatar ID, an eye test certificate, and a copy of your sponsor company ID, plus a letter of permission from your sponsor.

Need assistance after a car accident? Stranded in the desert?

Call 999 (Police | Ambulance | Fire) ©

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PRINT and ONLINE

marhaba.qa This includes female applicants sponsored by their husbands/men sponsored by their wives.

This step can now be done online using the Metrash2 app. Check up to date requirements when applying at the driving school.

Motoring Essentials

• Complete an application form at a driving school (see Useful Numbers in this section).

• If you are learning to drive for the first time, a full driving course will cost around QAR3,500.

A learner must have had at least 15 hours of theoretical classes and a minimum of 35 hours of driving lessons.

• Drivers who have licences which cannot be directly changed to a Qatari licence can choose from a 'half course' or a refresher course customised to your needs.

• There are separate courses for heavy duty vehicles and for motorcycles.

• There is a charge of QAR50 per test.

• Licences are for manual or automatic cars.

If you hold a manual licence you may drive an automatic, but not vice versa.

• There is a unified driving curriculum and contract to be used by all driving schools.

Licence Renewals A driving licence may be renewed six months prior to or upon its expiry date. Renewal is easy and can be processed through Hukoomi at gov.qa, or the Metrash2 app. Fees: QAR250 (valid for five years), plus QAR20 for delivery, if choosing to have the new licence delivered to you by QPost.

You must disclose any changes to your health that may affect your ability to drive since your last licence application. If, for example, you have been prescribed glasses, you should apply through the Traffic Department to retake the eye test.

QATAR MOTORING E-GUIDE ©

International Driving Licences To obtain an international driving licence you must be in possession of a valid Qatari driving licence.

Take this along with your passport, two passportsize photos and QAR150 to any travel agency or driving school.

The Driving Test To get your driving licence, you will have to pass the following tests: Theory: A digital test; applicants need at least 18 correct from the 20 multiple-choice questions, many of which deal with traffic laws.

Parking: Two sections – reverse test and vehicle parking. The results are given immediately. The Traffic Department has completely automated these two parking tests, to prevent complaints of unfairness in evaluation from trainees. It is based on land sensors and surveillance cameras used inside and outside the vehicle.

Road test: Once you pass your theory and parking tests, your examiner will take you out of the yard testing grounds onto the real road to test your proficiency. You may also be asked to do a hillstart before leaving the yard. In order to develop the highest standards of transparency and eliminate complaints from trainees who fail driving tests, smart cars have been introduced in some driving schools.

Once you have passed your driving test, your driving licence will be issued while you wait. The vehicle licence fee for non-Qataris is QAR250, valid for five years. All transactions at the Traffic Department must be paid for using a credit/debit card, or the Ministry of Interior eCASH card (see Day to Day Qatar in the Living in Qatar section for more information about eCASH cards).

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PRINT and ONLINE

marhaba.qa Getting Your Car or Motorcycle Tested for a Road Permit

Smartphone users can send photos of traffic violators directly to authorities via Metrash 2. To use, click on ‘Communicate with us’ and 'Contact us'. Enable GPS on your phone, select ‘Take photo’, write your comments and send.

Driving Conditions

The second five-year plan (2018–2022) was launched buoyed by the successful conclusion of the first five-year plan (2013–2017) of the Strategy, which saw the number of deaths on the roads reduced from 235 in 2013 to 178 in 2016.

New private vehicles are issued with a registration valid for three years, known as istimara. Vehicles more than three years old must pass an annual inspection before the Traffic Department will renew the road permit. Mandatory periodical vehicle inspections for all applicable vehicles must be done at a Fahes testing site. For a map of stations, details of how to prepare the vehicle and inspection tips visit fahes.com.qa, call 800 3835, 4021 7777 Timings: Sunday to Thursday 6 am – 6 pm (gate closes at 5:45 pm); 8 am – noon is the busiest period. Bookings for inspection at Wadi Al Banat and Mesaimeer stations must be made via the app.

Fees: Cars QAR150, motorcycles QAR100, by card only. Remember to take the expiring istimara.

The main causes of road accidents continue to be reckless and negligent driving, dangerous overtaking, illogical lane changing (especially at intersections), and using the phone while driving.

Motoring Essentials

Traffic Law No 19 of 2007 introduced a system of tough penalties for traffic offences. They include points and fines for speeding, parking violations and using a hand‑held phone while driving. These, and other measures for road traffic safety, are a priority for the government as part of Qatar National Road Safety Strategy 2013–2022.

Road rage is a constant in Qatar. Motorists are warned to be aware of drivers ‘tailgating’ and flashing their lights to force the driver ahead to move out of the way, even if there is no space to safely move into. Drivers change lanes without signalling and often weave through the traffic, continuously changing lanes at high speed. You may experience bullying tactics including overtaking from the right and then slowing down as a 'punishment' to the driver who failed to move out of the way. In any of these situations, be aware of your own safety.

Insurance: Renew prior to inspection, as there must be a full year's insurance on the vehicle before taking it for the istimara.

Metrash 2 Service Metrash is a free electronic service provided by the Ministry of Interior (MoI). Residents of Qatar can register to receive an SMS alerting them to traffic violations, driving licence expiry, car registration expiry, and inspection pass/fail.

Under Metrash 2, citizens and residents can access a large number of MoI services, including traffic. The mobile phone number must be registered under the applicant’s name.

Smartphone users can download Metrash 2 on the App Store and Play Store, and the service can be activated via SMS or a Self Service Kiosk.

For assistance call 234 2000, visit moi.gov.qa

The General Directorate of Traffic has new patrol vehicles equipped with the latest camera sensors to detect violations and identify the vehicles and motorists involved. ©

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marhaba.qa Traffic lights flash on green before changing to amber and red. At the few roundabouts remaining in the country, signals will often flash amber for a short period of time to allow the flow of traffic – drivers should only pull out if it is safe to do so.

Motoring Essentials

Cameras and radars are installed at intersections to catch those who race through red lights. The installation of many more is planned, including sophisticated advanced radar systems which allow for the recording of accidents and booking of reckless drivers.

The police have a number of cars fitted with mobile speed radars – difficult for motorists to locate, unlike permanent roadside speed radars.

In addition to speeding, the radars can also detect seatbelt violations, overtaking from the wrong side, and illegal usage of mobile phones.

The Ministry of Interior stresses that its aim in deploying these mobile radars is to reform bad driving practices, thereby saving lives, and not simply to punish offenders.

Violations Traffic Law No 19 of 2007 introduced a demerit point system which helps to ensure safe driving (by curbing reckless driving) and to reduce traffic related accidents, deaths and casualties. Drivers convicted of certain driving-related offences will have what are termed 'black points' recorded on their records.

The Ministry's website moi.gov.qa lists the violations, which include paperwork and registration offences, driving offences, wrongful parking or obstruction, and many dealing with commercial vehicles.

• Driving in the wrong (opposite) direction – QAR6,000 fine, 6 points • Driver and/or front seat passenger not wearing seatbelts – QAR500 fine • Using/holding a mobile phone/other device while driving – QAR500 fine • Allowing children under 10 to occupy front seats – QAR500 fine • Exceeding the maximum speed limit – QAR500– 1,000 fine, 4 points • Obstructing traffic at intersections – QAR500 fine, 3 points • Parking/waiting at places reserved for persons with special needs – QAR300 fine, 3 points • Driving a vehicle without carrying driving licence – QAR500 fine, 1 point • Driving a vehicle without a valid permit (istimara) – QAR1,500 fine • Driving a vehicle without number plates – QAR3,000 fine, 3 points • Not moving vehicle to nearest safe area in case of an accident not involving injury, or not informing police immediately – QAR1,000 fine, 3 points • Applying tint to glass or windows of vehicle without permission – QAR1,000 To check violations registered to your vehicle, visit moi.gov.qa, or receive SMS alerts via Metrash2.

Some of the fines are draconian, like running a red traffic light. However, in some cases, if you pay within a month you may get a 50% discount – you can either visit the Traffic Department or use the Metrash2 app to check if this is applicable.

The points system means that your licence can be suspended or revoked, depending on the number of points accrued. In this situation, a new driving licence may be issued only after passing a new driving test after a minimum three months of suspension.

Always carry your driving licence and passport copy/Qatar ID with you while driving, as well as the vehicle registration, insurance documents, and car rental agreement (as appropriate).

Some of the more common violations include: • Running a red light – QAR6,000 fine, 7 points QATAR MOTORING E-GUIDE ©

There is a zero-tolerance policy on drink driving in Qatar – the legal limit is 0 mg. Drivers who are found to have alcohol in their system when breathalysed face fines of between QAR10,000 and QAR50,000, with a chance of a jail sentence and deportation.

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Traffic Accidents Minor accidents If you are involved in a minor traffic accident within Doha city limits, you must move the vehicles involved to a safe place. Get the information of the driver of the other vehicle(s), ie name, ID number, car registration number, insurance details and mobile number, and take photos if necessary.

Breakdown cover may already be included on some insurance policies or can be added at an extra cost. Check with your insurance company.

See the list of insurance companies in Day to Day Qatar in the Living in Qatar section.

Weather Conditions

Motoring Essentials

Drivers can avoid a trip to the Traffic Department by reporting the incident via the Metrash2 app. Any of the car owners involved can report the accident, giving their Qatar ID numbers, car registration numbers, and photos of the cars involved.

Alternatively drivers can visit one of five traffic investigation offices at insurance companies.

If your car is in the garage for more than 15 days after an accident it is mandatory for insurance companies to provide a substitute car; this rule only applies to those cars waiting for genuine imported parts.

Dust storms occur due to shamal, dust-laden winds that can suddenly appear between March and August. They can compromise visibility on the roads, making driving extremely hazardous. Switch on dipped headlights – not fog or hazard lights – and drive slowly, using the centre line or the edge of the road as a guide.­ Fog may occur between November and January and can drastically reduce visibility. Slow down and use dipped headlights and fog lights, if necessary.

Rain and thunderstorms can happen during the winter months, especially December and January.

Downpours may limit visibility, cause flooding on some roads, and make sandy areas muddy. Be especially vigilant during the first rainfalls of the season as any oil spills on the road make driving particularly treacherous.

Beware of drivers using their hazard lights while driving in adverse weather conditions.

Petrol Stations and Other Services

Car Insurance Be aware that the terms and conditions of Comprehensive and Third Party insurance policies vary depending on the insurance company and underwriter, and that it is the car that is covered, not the driver – anyone with a valid Qatar driving licence can then drive the vehicle. Check the policy to ensure you are sufficiently covered in the event of an accident.

In addition to providing fuel, WOQOD stations offer a wide range of services like car washing, oil change, and tyre checks/purchases. There is usually a convenience store (Sidra), ATM, Ooredoo payment machine, and fast food. Stations now cover the country, and you can pay for fuel and services by card or cash.

A few non-WOQOD stations may only provide fuel, but other small independent companies can easily be found for other services such as checking tyre pressure, repairing tyres (aptly named 'punctury'), oil and water levels, and car wash facilities. m

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Major accidents If anyone is injured, none of the vehicles can be moved and the police must be notified immediately (dial 999). You will be required to report to the relevant traffic department with your documentation – you will be advised which one by the attending patrol officers.

Qatar Fuel, also known as WOQOD, releases the fuel prices each month, as determined by QatarEnergy.

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FEATURE

Sila: Connecting Transport to One Network

By Ola Diab Sila is a new app, aiming to bring together the country’s transport modes into one network.

G

etting around Qatar has become almost seamless in recent years. It will soon be a lot easier once most of the road infrastructure is complete and even easier with the new app, Sila, an integrated public transport system that makes planning your journey and payment a whole lot smarter.

The Ministry of Transport recently unveiled Sila, a brand that brings together Qatar’s transport modes into one integrated network, in collaboration with transport providers such as Qatar Railways Company (Qatar Rail), Mowasalat (Karwa), Qatar Foundation and Msheireb Properties. By bringing together Qatar’s transport services, Sila aims to improve the accessibility of the country’s transport network.

Sila, which means ‘connection’ in Arabic, currently includes the metro, bus, taxi and tram networks. It includes a series of projects and initiatives designed to give people the smartest choices for travel, including contactless payment, integrated payment through the Sila card, and the Sila journey planning app and website.

Through Sila, the Ministry of Transport aims to bring together the means of transportation operating in Qatar under one umbrella, and to improve and ease the use of the public transport network, in order

QATAR MOTORING E-GUIDE ©

to enhance the transportation process for citizens, residents and visitors. In the near future, it will activate the trip planning feature on the Sila app and its website, and this feature will allow transportation users to plan their trips in an integrated way.

With Sila, users can benefit from real-time navigation. It enables transportation users to look for the best routes and means of transportation that can be used and combined to reach their desired destination. The use of the Sila app and website also provides access to information on public transportation, parking and station locations, general layout of stations, flight schedules and routes.

Sila also helps users explore Qatar more – stop to see attractions and enjoy their free time.

Other initiatives – which will be unveiled in the near future – include integrated and contactless payment methods, introducing new services and transport modes, and promoting the transport network through public awareness and marketing initiatives to reach a wider audience within Qatar.

For more information, find Sila’s social media pages: Facebook: @silaqatar Instagram: @sila_qatar Twitter: @sila_qatar m Website: sila.motc.gov.qa

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EXPLORE ISTANBUL DURING YOUR LAYOVER Free touristanbul service in Istanbul for international transfer passengers who have 6-24 hours of layover time at Istanbul Airport

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FEATURE

Scooting Around Qatar

By Ola Diab Micro-mobility solutions are now available to commuters in Qatar with the increase of e-scooter sharing services in the country.

F

inding transportation in Qatar is not a task.

Taxis, limousines, buses, trams and now the metro are different forms of public transportation available in the country. Following the global growth of electric scooters as a micro-mobility solution, there are now e-scooters as well.

E-scooters typically have two wheels, a handlebar for steering, a platform to stand on (deck), a stem, brakes, a battery, lights and a small electric motor.

This personal mobility device is also typically foldable, making it a more portable option than bicycles. There are now electric scooter-sharing schemes, which require periodic charging.

Since late 2020, Qatar has introduced many electric scooter-sharing schemes where dockless e-scooters can be rented per minute on-demand for short trips by using e-scooter rental apps. E-scooters can be mostly found in the West Bay, Al Dafna and Al Waab at metro stations and popular shopping streets.

QATAR MOTORING E-GUIDE ©

Vodafone Qatar is supporting Loop Mobility, with the Internet of Things (IoT) to power its smart scooter sharing service.

Qatar's e-scooter rental apps: Loop Mobility loopmobility.co Falcon Ride falconride.io wer2 wer2.com Fenix fenix.life To use an e-scooter, you’ll need to install the e-scooter rental app of your choice, which will require you to sign up for an account using your email address and a scanned copy of your QID. Through the app, you’ll be able to locate the nearest scooters available through GPS technology. Once you reach the scooter, just scan the QR code and pay through the app to be able to use it. You can then hop on the scooter, put on your helmet, and ride to your destination.

It will cost a minimum of QAR2 to unlock an e-scooter followed by a certain charge of per minute. Loop users can pay using their debit or credit card. Users must have a QID. Riders are required to use a helmet and abide by the road safety regulations. m

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Al Sailiya Masaken Al Sailiya

Ras Laffan, Al Khor, Lusail City, Al Wajba, Dukhan Road

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Salwa Road

5 Saudi Arabia Bu Samra Hilton Salwa Beach Resort Umm Bab Al Sheehaniya

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Amiantit Qatar Pepsi Co

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Industry Street Street 4

CMC

Al Hodaifi Cables

Dallah

Al Manjara Joinery

Elite Paper Recycling

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Itag Int’l

Al Muftah Carpentry

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Future Pipe Ind

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Min of Commerce & Industry

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Al Andalus Wood Factory

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LOGISTICS VILLAGE QATAR (LVQ)

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Mowasalat HQ

Water Tower

Car Service Centre

Petrol Station

New Interchange

Qatar Airways

Bank

Hospital Primary Health Center Non-Stop Super Highway

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Education City/Qatar Foundation Aspire Zone, Aspire Park Al Waab Street Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club

Al Furousiya Street

Salwa Road Bu Sidra Interchange

Khaled Bin Ahmed Interchange (was Industrial Interchange)

Ain Khaled St

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Radisson Blu Junction Al Asiri Interchange

Street 1 Jaguar Land Rover

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Al Attiyah Souq

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Markaz Tableegh

QNAV

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Ain Khaled

WOQOD

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NATIONAL

Khaled Bin Ahmed St

CAT

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FAHES Vehicle Inspection

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JAIDAH GROUP

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Colour Correction Al Inshaat St

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Hazm Mebaireek General Hospitals Hamad Industrial Hospital

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Industrial Area Road East Street 33 I/C

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Umm Al Seneem I/C Rawdat Al Khail St Mesaimeer

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Khaled Cement Works

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Al Wraq

Cricket Stadium

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Tadmur

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Gulf Warehousing Company – GWC

Khaled Cement Works

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Al Kasarat Street

West Industrial Street

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Madina

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Qatar Int’l Safety Centre Street 47 Street 48

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