Living in Qatar: Spring/Summer 2022

83rd ISSUE

S P RI N G/S UMME R 2022 DAY TO DAY QATAR HEALTHCARE USEFUL NUMBERS HEALTHCARE IN QATAR FEATURES A NEW MINISTRY TO ADDRESS CLIMATE CHANGE MINISTRY OF PUBLIC HEALTH OPENS EASY STREET

Living in

Qatar

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4/7/22 7:41 AM

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4/5/22 3:18 PM

Living in Qatar

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• 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

Feature – New Ministry to Address Climate Change Late 2021 saw the establishment of a new ministry dedicated to climate change and the environment. Find out more about Qatar’s sustainability plans and initiatives.

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

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

Living in Qatar

Housing

Healthcare 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; Qatar Blood Services; Organ Donation; Meeting international standards of care; Working towards a healthy Qatar; Delivery of medical reports and consumables • 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.

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M83 Intro pages.indd 6

MARHABA

SPRING/SUMMER 2022

4/6/22 3:36 PM

ACS

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

The International School of London in Qatar

70 Jasim

Al Gharr afa St

Al

t

an S

Ray y

Celebration Hall

Al Jahanniya I/C

Road

uard

3

Gate 2

Education City

St

Qatar Nat’l Library

ek

St

Al Ray

Al Q a l ah

Al Shafi St

St a iy us

ir

St

St

d

Ras

56

A

d St eara Al M

Al Jazeera Academy

Al Sulaiti Bangladesh

Zaks Uniform Store Ideal Indian

Qatar Ind Tech QDC Safari

d

Wa

t

aS

riy

oo

4

Doha Mal

Park House

Ruqayya

Ut

Bin

Immigration

Pak Education Centre

Mind Institute

t mS

DOHA GREATER MAP M83.indd 2

t

lS

56

01 Mall

l iA

St

et

Mannai

Al Maha PISQ

B in

S

Doha Academy Girls Al Ma Creativity ad Centre ee Qatar Egyptian dS Skills t Language Academy TEK Cambridge Alfardan Girls Gardens 3 MES Doha Modern Mes Indian Mesaime Service

Mesaimeer Vaccination Unit Qatar Scientific Club

Ain Khaled Gate

Umm Al S enee

NBK

ed

St

mad

rk Ma

t Kh al

CEID

BMW

e

Ali

German School Doha

ale

dS

Khaled Bin Ahmed

hm

d

aR

Nissan

Omar Bin Al Khattab

lou

Ha

les

ho

ale

5

y

Dreama

Al Maamoura Traffic Police

W

Elder Tree Nursery

Kh

Abu Bakir Siddique

wa

t

d

Jarir

lw

Sa

Skills Developm Center

Alfardan Gardens 4 Dar Al Salam Mall

oa

aR

ss

Zakat Fund

Doha British

lw

Sa

pre

NBK Mercedes Hyundai Auto Class MG / Maxus Mitsubishi

Lycee Voltaire

2

La C

Gulf Pearls

Al Mirqab Mall

Cafe Batteel

Salwa Rd Bridge

Rd

Tebah Gardens

Ex

St idr

Aziziya

Swiss Belinn

Family Food Centre

Al Asiri

ASD

55

Al S

Al Sadd St

GAC

Garvey’s

Alfardan Gardens 2

Forensic Lab Dept

y Cit

55

Belgravia

aS

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

Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium (Al Sadd Club)

CESK

Beverly Hills

ts

Academy

Doha Academy Al Waab Campus

r Spo

Qatar Veterinary Centre

d oa aR iliy Summit

Sa

Newton

t/ eS

Royal Vet

Al

53

Sport City

Z on

Al Aziziyah

ire

Villaggio

Beverly Hills Gardens

Asp

KidsZania Hyatt Plaza

55

Step by Step

Al Waab City

Aspire Zone

2

Vet Surgery

39

QNA

ha

Awqaf

Torch

St

Hamad Amb Hospital

Wyndham

Joaan

Do

Aspire Park

Al

ab Wa

Hamad

DoubleTree Al Sadd Doha Clinic Victoria Hospital

Al Sudan Study Plus

A

Women’s Warwick

AIA

h in T

Su h aim Bin Ha

Am

Al Aziziyah Academy Aspetar Boutique Hotel

t Jassim Bi n Ali S

Al S

53

54

Driving School

Khalifa International Stadium FIFA World Cup Al Waab Qatar 2022™

Traffic Police

Royal Hall

Wathnan Mall

Al Rayyan Security Dept

s St ufou Al Kh Al Rayyan

Edison

ad

British Council

Rasheeda St

C

Fir Stat

Whit Palac

Le Park The Avenue Imperial Suites Millennium Al Asmakh Royal Plaza Mall

A

ziziy 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

Appletree Nursery

Ain

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

Al Furousiya 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

Sedaira St

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

an Ro

Al

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

University of Calgary

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

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

Al Rayy

54 38

Sa

Al Salam St

THE ZONES OF DOHA

City

Debakey

Al Rayyan

MoI HQ

ed B mm ha Mo

Lulu

Al Messila

Newton

Racing & Equestrian Club

Town Centre

Messila

yan Al Jadeed S t

Al Wajba St

Metro Stations

D

Al Messila Resort & Spa

Compass

St

t aS ajb Al W

Gold line Al Aziziyah - Ras Bu Abboud

Ansar Gallery

Nissan Civil Defence Al Ahli Hospital

36 37 Medical

Al Rayyan Al Qadeem

Beverly Hills Al Rayyan

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

20 1 a St

Ate

Al Jazeera

Onaiz

Al

Philippine School of Doha

Q S

t

ar

w

Hu

Khattab St

iS

Al Rayyan Municipality Food Jarir Centres Bookstore

Doha College Al Wajba

64

K &S

n Al

Education City St Al Rayya n

34 35

Al Jazira Al Arabiya St University Foundation College English Modern School

Al

Volvo

QBS QTV

DESS

French Nursery

Omar Bin Al

Ja

i ed B Ahm

52

adeena St Al M

Al Shaqab

Chef’s Garden

EC Golf Club

Makkah St

SEK

Imam Mohd Ibn Abdul Wahab Honda

Qatar Guest Centre

Omar Bin Al Khattab

Swiss International

Makkah St Oxygen Park Gate 5

Al Shaqab Mathaf

Edison

Traffic Dept HQ

Al Gharrafa

Souq Al Ali

St

All trains connect at Msheireb Station

uqta

Al L

51

College of Islamic Studies Education City Mosque

Oma

CCQ Boys

Al Hazm

Khalifa St

Al Luqta St

In Fr du

West Bay Al Meera

ad in Ham Jasi m B

Doha Metro Network

Car Park

New

Al Kh

St

Kanga’s Pouch

32 33

St

Al Wajba

2 Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (QEERI)

66

ty

Madinat Khalifa

Porsche Quick Service

Compass QNCC Qatar National Library

St

6

Starfish Lane Kids

Park View Compass Pet Centre

Little Academy

St

ur o

Dukhan

iri G

Education City Stadium FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™

Premier Inn Doha Education City Hotel

in Jassim

Al F

Am

b St

LuLu

QSTP

22 Feb

51

erha

Al Riffa - Mall of Qatar

C

Education City Community Housing

Gh af f

1 Al T

T ha n i B

afa Al

Japan School

AlRayyan Hotel

si

Al M

Elder Tree KG

Umm Lekhba

ya

i rkh Ma

Mall of Qatar

Tawar Mall Dahl Al Hamam Family Park

Ezdan Mall

er

67 zm

Edison

a St Al Markhiy

ACS Int’l School

iv

hiya St ark

Interchange

Ezdan Palace Landmark Mall

Gulf Mall

Ha

Un

St

ad

Ma jd

Ro

t

tS Gulf English School

Sherborne

31

Qatar Canadian School

Duhail

51

13. Qatar Foundation Headquarters

Al Ghaf St

Jelaiah Complex

ifi

Lycee Wadi Rawd a n St Voltaire

68

Starfish Lane Kids 2

St Al Khafji

Al Gharrafa Sports Club

Al Gharrafa Park

Jeliah St

Qatar Veterinary Centre

Riviera Gardens

ee

2

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

g

A

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

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

ta

UDST

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( )

Education City EC

Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™

Interchange

la

ez l Gh

Ze

Dukhan Zekreet Al Sheehaniya Sheikh Faisal Museum

4

Doha Shooting Club

St niya

, 245

Faisal Museum

30

North Gate Compass

sim

St

Ministry of Education

Le

B

Izghawa

n

awa

et Stre St. (

Al Izgh

Al Meera

ad Ham Bin

Al Rufaa Street

68

Bi

Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium (Al Duhail Sports Club)

Doha G

e

Road Interchange

Qatar University

FAHES

ziz

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

cia

School, College, Club

Housing Complex

69

Jawaan

Government Office

Doha Festival City

Newton

MoI Immigration Department et Directorate of Passports Stre rfa Ta Al

mm er

Petrol Station

Duhail Water Pumping Station

WOQO

Co

Religious Complex

Sports Stadium

Al T

wa

Bookstore

Cultural Landmarks

St

arfa

t et S kre Ze

Al Majd Road (Orbital)

IKEA

Mosque

Shopping Mall

Fox Hills South

Qatar Finland Int’l School

Legend Hospital

Lusa Towe

vard

Comm

Crescent Park

QATAR

Hotel

WOQOD

Fox Hills North

Boule

ercial

Lusail

CGIS

prepared in cooperation with

ad

Al Bayt Stadium FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™

Lusail Stadium FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™

6

oad

Doha

Map of Greater

1

al R am Sh Al

A

2

3

Al Khor Semaisma Losail Int’l Circuit

o r Ro Al K h

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

Ba r

1

Ras Laffan Al Shamal Al Zubara Al Khor Al Shamal Rd

3/28/22 9:53 AM

Ansar Gallery

Nissan

4

Water Slide

Lusail Stadium FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™

6

WOQOD

EMBASSY LOCATIONS

Rixos Fox Hills North

o r Ro ad

Lusail Towers

vard

Qetaifan Island South

Boule

ercial

Comm

5

Qetaifan Island North

Qetaifan Island North

WOQOD

Crescent Park

Waldorf Astoria

Fox Hills South

Royal Meridien Vendome Mall

Beverly Hills Lusail Cielo

Qatari Diar

eet

Str

WOQOD

QNTC MOCI

Shafallah Centre

69

Newton

Marina

Marina District

Doha Sports Park

t ree

Staybridge Suites

t

Katara Hospitality

QIPCO

Qatar University

Doha Golf Club Ritz-Carlton

ag

ya

L

St

er

si

66

ty

CCQ Boys

Kanga’s Pouch

SEK

St sim n

Bi

ziz

64

Al Jazi Gardens

4 35

St

Jawaan

y

wa ss

Salwa Rd Bridge

d aR

e air sh Mu

bS

St

lA Jee ven ra ue

cia

Mexico

C4

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

am

C–H

ba I/

Lekh

t’l ad In

ort

Airp

Free Zone Qatar Free Zone

Kahramaa B Square Mall

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

Hungary

B3

Tajikistan

C3

India

C4

Tanzania

C4

Indonesia

D3

Thailand

C4

Iran

C4

Tunisia

C4

Iraq

C4

Turkey

B4

Italy

C4

Uganda

B3

Ivory Coast

B4

Ukraine

B3

Japan

B4

United Kingdom

C4

C4

B

C4

Kazakhstan

B3

United States of America

C3

Kenya

B3

Uruguay

C3

Korea (S)

B4

Venezuela

B4

Kosovo

C4

Vietnam

B3

C

D

B

St

ah A

Sab

Umm

r

rrido

d Co

ma l Ah

Rd

mm er

D4

Belarus

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

Al Meera

Air Force I/C

St

kra

Al Weteyyat

daill

Al Fa

Wa

Co

Bangladesh

A

oud

Kahramaa Awareness Park

Al

wa

C4

Abb

47

King’s College

t

Ba r

B4

Mauritania

Bu

Sub-station

46

DOHA GREATER MAP M83.indd 3

Mali

B4

g Rd

E Rin

Al Thumama Stadium FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™

Workers Health Centre

Ras

Oqba Ibn Nafie

ri S

Meteorology

C4

Azerbaijan

Airport Traffic Division

nsa

Mesaimeer

Rd

Medical Commission Drainage Dept

C4

Austria

HIA T1

Al A

ea

Ar

48

oub

Nissan

American Academy

ME & HE

t

al

tri

B3

Malaysia

A

Airport

St Bin Nafie

aS

Ansar Gallery

Oqba

Concourse C

Ayy

Berlitz

Libya

C4

Oryx Airport Hotel

Qadeem

Shoprite

jm

Mind Institute

45

Montezine

Qatar Red Crescent

E Ring Rd

B3

Australia

E

D

Abu

44

The Mall IAID

Na

Safari

LuLu

Al Ahli Sports Club

et Stre ort Airp Old

t

Qatar Ind Tech QDC

Gulf Times Safeer Arrayah Gulf Rd Family Warehousing ing Food Centre Alfardan R Al Emadi D Hospital Le Mirage Gardens

Elder Tree Nursery

Armenia

Hamad International Airport

Doha Heliport

Umm Ghuwailina

41 42

Summit KG

Tank Farm

s du

Chevrolet

aS

43

2526

Regency Kahramaa Halls

C4

Ras Bu Abboud Qatar Aeronautical College

Strato by Warwick Al Mansoura Al Meera Al Meera Hyatt Regency Ford Al Mansour Oryx Doha AAB Mashreq Suites Al Jabor Bank Al Mana Al Matar Al Vision Holiday d R Chrysler g Villa C Rin

Al Meera

Liberia

Sharq Village & Spa

Abu Bakr

Holiday Inn

Financial Marhaba Square

B3

d St

St

Newton Int’l

In

Zaks Uniform Store Ideal Indian

Darwish Travel

D Ring Rd

Doha Mall

Park House

Abbou

rt

40

Crowne Safir Plaza

Al Muntazah Plaza

Argentina

C4

Stadium 974 FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™

Premier Inn Doha Airport Hotel Capital Al Liwan Police Concorde Jarir Bookstore

jm

Al Jazeera Academy

National Museum

Ras Bu

Al Doha Al Jadeda

B Ring Rd

24

Immigration

Pak Education Centre

atar ntific lub

Saraya

Na

56

Souq Waqif

B4

Banana Island

by Anantara

po

t

Ramada Encore

t

Musherib

Al Muntazah The Centre Radisson Blu aalishan Rawda

Doha Academy 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

Bangladesh

Msheireb

C3

Lebanon

ark

National Museum of Qatar

Movenpick

Alwadi Park Hyatt

Four Points by Sheraton

Westin Doha

Sterling

lw Sa

German School Doha

Alfardan ardens 4 Dar Al Salam Mall

ura ce

i ad W

Jarir

lS

lou

Ha

he St Souq Al Cornic Waqif Bin Zaid

Amiri Diwan

Kyrgyz Rep

C4

xP

Bo

Air

Dreama

Cruise Ship Terminal

Museum of Islamic Art

Kuwait

B4

Algeria

Jordan

Doha Port

Al Mourjan

American C R Hospital b Nissan ali Rawdat i T CCQ ing R Al Khail Ab d Garden Girls in Omar Bin B New Al Khattab Ali CAA Aslata Skills Park Al Arabi Development Club Center

Al Asiri

D

c

C Ring Rd

pre

Ex

Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium (Al Sadd Club)

Sheraton

Grand Hamad St

ha

Do

55

Bin Mahmoud

Gulf Pearls

Al Mirqab Mall

Cafe Batteel

Ooredoo

Hotel Park

16 23 14 15 27

La Cigale

St

39

Family Food Centre

e j St

Al Sadd St

QNA

by Step

Al Sadd

mad

dan

Vet Surgery

Joaan Swiss Belinn DoubleTree Al Sadd Doha Clinic Victoria Hospital

British Council

i rn

Banyan Tree

e Al Khal

Le Park The Avenue Imperial Suites Millennium Al Asmakh Royal Plaza Mall

St

60heTowers

Hamad Ambulance Al Bidda Hospital

Wyndham

d St hmou Bin Ma

AIA

Tornado

NCCCR Rumailah Heart

Women’s Warwick

nduq

Four Seasons

11 12 2 1 7 22 3 13 4 5 6 17 Al Bidda Park

Su h aim Bin Ha

38

ad

61

Al Fu

St

Hilton

The Curve

DECC

St

an Ro

a

i St han in T

White Palace

Hamad

a

W

Dusit City Center

da

Al Rayy

St

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

Dafna St

id Al B

City

Debakey

63

Qatar National Theatre

Fire Station

a St

t

ila

lM

Qatar Post

Corniche

Onaiz

St

iS

6 37 Medical

MoI HQ

DOHA HOP-OFF BUS SIGHTSEEING ROUTE stops at

North Beach

uk ht ar

Newton

62

ed B mm ha Mo

Lulu

61

The Gate

20 10 n Al

Town Centre

ar A

Khalifa Tennis & Squash Complex Barzan

Nissan Civil Defence Al Ahli Hospital

Floresta Gardens

InterContinental

West Bay l Bidd Palm Tower A

Al Jazeera

i ed B Ahm

ppine hool Doha

ad in Ham Jasi m B

a St

Om

Qatar Sports Club

Volvo

QBS QTV

DESS

b St

29

30

rS t

Imam Mohd Ibn Abdul Wahab Honda

Qatar Guest Centre

Viva

Bahriya Novo Cinemas Sedra Arjaan 31 Residences by Rotana Perlita Beach Beach Gardens

1

The Pearl-Qatar

t

Ab du lA

ta

Onaiza St

Al S iya rkh Ma

Edison

c HQ

uk h

65

Al Hazm

Ja

Medina Centrale

22 23

Porto Arabia

2

St Regis

5/6 Park

5/6 Int’change

West Bay Al Meera

Starfish Lane Kids

The PearlQatar

Porsche

20

Al Qassar

Al Co

hiya St ark

Omar Al M

Elder Tree KG

33

Chouiefat

Institut Francais du Qatar

Al M

18

Newton

Newton

Al Khafji St

St

66

67 zm

Edison

t

4

Rawdat Al Khail St

Ha

iv

Lusail St

68

Un

7

6

Oyster

Diplomatic Club

The Chedi

La Cr

21 High St

Lycee Wadi Rawd a n St Voltaire

Al Ghaf St

12

ette ois

g

ifi

t n S Katara oo

14 15

10

Katara

Jeliah St

s2

Abraj Quartier

Lusai l St

Le

ta

f the antic

ah ex

Hilton The Pearl

Legtaifiya

Ministry of Education

Marsa Malaz Kempinski

Qanat Quartier

Grand Mondrian Hyatt

Legtaifiya Lagoon

o La Cr isette

Lagoona Mall

Najma St

aS

B3

Albania

Belgium

Katara Towers

Al Maha Island

Century

eet il Str Lusa

arfa

Al T

Lusail City

Waterfront

Afghanistan

Ras Bufontas Qatar Free Zone

E

Airport (49) I/C

MegaMart

3/28/22 9:27 AM

Founder & Managing Editor Hilary Bainbridge Editorial Sarah Palmer (Editor) Ola Diab (Deputy Editor) Terry Sutcliffe Advertising Howard Bainbridge Charlotte Wright Retail Sales Ayen Molina Maria Anicas Online/Digital Lalaine Turqueza Weslee Dizon Ramla Mohamed Abdirahman Design and Artwork Dick Tamayo Mar Principe

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FEATURE

'The phenomenon of climate change is undoubtedly one of the most serious challenges of our time.'

The Amir, HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. speaking at the UN Climate Action Summit in 2019

NEW MINISTRY TO ADDRESS

CLIMATE CHANGE

By Sarah Palmer

In

late 2021, Qatar created a new ministry for the environment and climate change, part of a government reshuffle announced by The Amir, HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

HE Sheikh Dr Faleh bin Nasser bin Ahmed bin Ali Al Thani was appointed the minister in charge of the new entity.

Although this is a new ministry for Qatar, the state has over the last few years been actively involved in finding solutions for the global climate change problem.

What Qatar is doing about climate change internationally Qatar signed the Kyoto Protocol in 2005, an international treaty which extended the 1992 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), an international environmental treaty to combat 'dangerous human interference with the climate system', in part by stabilising greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere. Qatar is also a signatory to the 2015 Paris Agreement.

The Global Drylands Alliance (GDA) is an initiative Qatar was instrumental in creating, first mooted at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP17) in 2011. The GDA is a collaboration to make food sources in dryland countries secure – dryland countries make up around 40% of the planet's total land surface and are home to almost 3 bn people.

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In 2012, Doha hosted more than 20,000 delegates at COP18, and held the Global Drylands Alliance's first meeting of potential member states of 16 countries, partners and specialised entities. At the 68th United Nations General Assembly in 2013, HH The Amir reiterated that the Global Dryland Alliance is 'an initiative created to establish an international organisation to face food insecurity consequences and negative environmental and economic impacts associated with climate change.' The Founding Conference of the GDA was held in October 2017 with 11 Member States signing the Convention on Establishment.

Attending the Climate Action Summit in September 2019, HH The Amir announced the substantial contribution of USD100 mn to support small island developing states and least developed countries to address climate change and environmental challenges.

Qatar also sent a delegation to COP26, held in Glasgow in late 2021. HH The Amir and a group of Qatari experts joined almost 200 world leaders in discussing answers to the growing climate emergency. The Gulf countries have been accused of contributing a sizable amount of carbon emissions. However, the UN has recognised that the GCC states are making net-zero commitments.

At the same time as COP26, two important new initiatives were unveiled. The Gulf Organization for Research & Development (GORD) announced the launch of a Green Events Tool (GET) in collaboration with UN climate change platforms to help evaluate and reduce the carbon footprint of events, while Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF) announced a long-term partnership with Rolls-Royce to create a global centre for climate technology innovation.

Qatar's sustainability goals Qatar’s National Environment and Climate Change Strategy (QNE) is an ambitious policy framework to safeguard the state's environment for future generations. Meanwhile, the Qatar National Climate Change Action Plan will chart the next chapter of the nation's environmental journey, its aspirations for sustainable development projects and the achievement of the country's goals in preserving the environment and promoting green growth by 2030.

The nation's efforts in tackling climate change were reaffirmed during a statement given by HE Sheikha Alya bint Ahmed bin Saif Al Thani at the UN Security Council Arria-Formula Ministerial Meeting on 'Climate Finance for Sustaining Peace and Security' in March 2022. The statement also mentioned a new partnership between the Qatar Fund for Development and the Food and Agriculture Organization – USD1.7 mn is to be donated to vulnerable communities in Somalia to achieve food security and build resilience towards climate change.

What Qatar is doing about climate change locally As one of the world’s largest producers of liquefied natural gas (LNG), Qatar is actively looking at the ramifications of climate change, and ways to tackle it. Climate change is included in Qatar National Vision 2030, a long-term policy in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Prior to COP26, the new Ministry of Environment and Climate Change was established and the National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP) was launched.

According to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, 'NCCAP sets a clear roadmap on how Qatar will meet its international commitments to help fight the causes and mitigate the effects of manmade climate change, and in particular to reducing emissions of greenhouse gases.'

There is also a National Environment and Climate Change Strategy covering five areas: greenhouse gas emissions, air quality, biodiversity, water, circular economy, waste management and land use. The Qatar Food Security Strategy has additionally been extended to include further green spaces. ©

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Like other countries in the Gulf region, Qatar is highly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change.

The new Ministry of Environment and Climate Change has been created to solely address matters of environmental concern and ensure that sustainable and climate-conscious practices are adopted in all sectors of business and society.

In September 2021, Qatar’s Council of Ministers approved the National Climate Change Plan, a strategic framework reflecting Qatar’s long-term sustainability ambitions and the urgent need to respond effectively to the climate crisis.

An integral part of Qatar National Vision 2030 and in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the plan sets out Qatar’s commitment to tackle climate change by diversifying the economy, building capabilities, and optimising the use of natural resources. It establishes national climate targets to enhance climate resilience through more than 35 measures and over 300 adaptation initiatives focused on mitigation.

Commitment to the environment Research: There is a crucial role being played in assessing potential environmental risks and identifying solutions at hubs such as Qatar Science and Technology Park and Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (QEERI).

Sustainable cities: Lusail City and Msheireb Downtown Doha (MDD) are both smart and sustainable cities, combining eco-friendly technology with optimised urban planning and the highest environmental standards.

MDD is the world’s first sustainable downtown regeneration project, designed to limit car use to mitigate carbon emissions using such transportation methods as the tram shown below. The projects aims to reduce water usage by up to 30%, and increase energy efficiency through more than 5,200 photovoltaic (PV) solar panels to provide electricity and hot water.

Meanwhile, Lusail City has state-of-the-art district cooling to save 65 mn tons of CO2 a year. There

is a tram network, park and ride system, and cycle and pedestrian paths for eco-friendly transportation solutions.

The Qatar Green Building Council (QGBC) generally oversees construction, advocating the use of environmentally sustainable practices in the design and development of infrastructure.

The non-profit organisation, part of Qatar Foundation, has three main pillars: Technical Expertise Development, Research and Innovation, and Sustainability Education and Training. QGBC offers its support to professionals in the industry, and hosts an annual Qatar Sustainability Week, engaging with the public to raise awareness.

Green transport: The Doha Metro has revolutionised public transport, allowing commuters to access key locations quickly and sustainably. National airline Qatar Airways is working with the aviation industry towards environmental goals and is certified under IATA’s Environmental Assessment programme, a framework for delivering continual improvement of environmental performance.

Clean energy: Qatar is a leading exporter of LNG, one of the cleanest fuels in the world, to meet energy needs around the world and reduce carbon emissions from other fossil fuels.

The state-owned energy company Qatar Petroleum (QP) rebranded as QatarEnergy (QE) in October 2021 with a new slogan: 'Your Energy Transition Partner'.

Speaking at the announcement, HE Saad bin Sherida Al Kaabi, Minister of State for Energy Affairs and CEO and President of QE stated 'Natural gas is our core business, and we are conducting that in the most responsible way. Natural gas is also part of the solution in the ongoing energy transition and that it will be a requirement for sustaining the development of the world for at least a few decades.

'Becoming QatarEnergy reflects our understanding of the global changes and our response to the need to protect our planet and the environment. Not only

Msheireb Downtown Doha tram LIVING IN QATAR E-GUIDE ©

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will our LNG projects bring additional cleaner energy to customers across the globe, but we will continue our heightened commitment to our central role in the global energy transition.'

HE Al Kaabi further stated plans to reduce the carbon intensity of its LNG facilities, 'utilising sophisticated carbon sequestration methods to capture and sequester 9 mn tons of CO2 per annum by the end of this decade.'

QatarEnergy launched its Sustainability Strategy in 2021, with several targets in alignment with the Paris Agreement and a plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. The Strategy was updated in March 2022, setting targets to capture over 11 mn tonnes of CO2 annually by 2035. This will further reduce the carbon intensity of LNG facilities by 35% and upstream facilities by 25% (up from 25% and 15% by 2030 respectively).

Qatar is also conducting long-term research to address other environmental priorities in the energy sector, like reducing methane and working with partners to develop and integrate carbon capture and storage technologies across operations.

Moving away from the hydrocarbon sector, the state's first large-scale solar power plant was announced in 2020 to provide sustainable, affordable and clean energy.

The Ministry is also raising awareness about waste management under the Zero Waste Campaign to improve community health. The Ministry's waste treatment centre is one of the largest in the Middle East, producing fertiliser, electricity, biogas and recyclable material.

How the public can get involved

Public awareness is the focal point of Qatar Environment Day which takes place on 26 February each year.

Residents can take part in webinars and workshops, tree planting and beach clean-ups, as well as watch the release of deer and birds at Qatar's nature reserves.

One of the first projects is the One Million Trees Initiative by the Ministry of Municipality, which will be completed before the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM begins. Residents, schools, embassies and the private sector are all encouraged to participate – visit mme.gov.qa to find out more.

Meanwhile, the Qatar International Agricultural & Environmental Exhibitions (AgriteQ and EnviroteQ) invites industry specialists to explore agricultural technologies and equipment, meet experts and discuss best practices in order to achieve food security and sustainable development.

A sustainable FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ Sustainability has been a core consideration in the design, preparation and delivery, so that the tournament leaves a lasting legacy across its infrastructure and environment. Stadiums have been designed to consume 30% less energy and 40% less water, and built to serve communities in Qatar and around the world after the event. The stadiums will have more than 850,000 sq m of new green spaces with over 5,000 native trees and plants. In legacy mode, excess seating will be removed thanks to modular designs – Stadium 974 (below) is even the first fully dismountable venue!

In 2015, FIFA and the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) began to develop and implement the event’s Sustainability Strategy. This was the first to be planned and delivered jointly by FIFA, SC on behalf of the host country, and the local organisers, FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 LLC (Q22).

The Sustainability Strategy was unveiled in January 2020 and is in line with the United Nation's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Adopted by world leaders in September 2015, there are 17 universal Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), or Global Goals, and 169 targets, setting out a vision for ending poverty, protecting the planet and ensuring that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by 2030. The Sustainability Strategy for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 TM has been aligned with the most relevant SDGs based upon sustainability topics and human rights issues and will achieve 11 SDGs. See more about the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ and its sustainability in our free e-guide, available at marhaba.qa m ©

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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 Founded in 1978, the newspaper is the first English newspaper in Qatar, and the first publication of the Gulf Publishing and Printing Company in Qatar. gulf-times.com The Peninsula Launched in 1996 by Al Sharq, the newspaper has extensive news coverage from around the world with a primary focus on life in Qatar. thepeninsulaqatar.com Qatar Tribune Launched in 2006 by Dar Al Watan publishing, printing and distribution, the newspaper covers news from Qatar and around the world. qatar-tribune.com There are other international titles that arrive in Qatar, but a little later, including the international New York Times.

The Arabic dailies published in Qatar include Al Arab alarab.qa, Al Sharq al-sharq.com, Arrayah raya.com and Al Watan al-watan.com. 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. golforadio.com Habaieb FM 93.7‎An Arabic broadcast and internet radio station. habaiebradio.com QFM Malayalam 98.6 FM First Malayalam radio station in Qatar. radio986.com LIVING IN QATAR E-GUIDE ©

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 under Qatar Media Corporation (QMC) on 97.5 FM in English. qbsradio.qa QFM 95.3 Bangla, Sithula, and QFM Tamil First Sri Lankan radio stations in Qatar broadcast in Sinhalese, Bangla and Tamil languages. sithularadio.com, qfmradio.qa Quran Radio Qatar Operates 24/7 in Arabic with more than 10 talk shows on 103.4 FM. quranradio.qa 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 RCCG Rehoboth Assembly E4 A parish of the redeemed Christian Church of God. Teenage Church and Children's Club available. 7770 7783, rccgrehobothqatar.org

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marhaba.qa Sheikh Abdulla Bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Center (Fanar) D4 Al Juma’a Khutba and prayer in English for male and female English-speaking 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 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 apps You can also use your mobile phone to perform personal and corporate government transactions.

Amerni Provides residents access to services of the Ministry of Labor to perform personal and corporate services such as those related to housing, security or family affairs, and employment or establishment data.

EHTERAZ Created due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all visitors and residents of Qatar are required to have the app to enter public places. It's the official contact tracing app by the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH). ehteraz.gov.qa Hukoomi Enables the use of up to 650 online services accessible remotely without having to visit a government office.

Metrash2 Offers the residents of Qatar an easy way to access MOI services through their mobile devices including enquiring about official documents, creating and paying for individual/ company exit permits, enquiring about and settling traffic violations, and more.

Oun Helps users in Qatar to acess the services provided by the Ministry of Municipality such as pest control, tree-pruning and rain water removal, among other services.

There are other important apps. The Ministry of Transport and Communications (MOTC) has the MOTC app, Sila and metroexpress by Qatar Rail.

There is also Nar'aakom by the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry's MOCIQatar app. All government apps are available on iOS and Android.

Hukoomi 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, offering more than 500 services. 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. Hukoomi is also available as an app on iOS and Android.

Day to Day Qatar

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 directly with government officials; however, most services can be done online.

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 ©

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marhaba.qa

Day to Day Qatar

Useful Documents/Processing

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

• 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. 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/Old Airport (Al Matar Al Qadeem) D4.

Immigration Department branches: Al Gharrafa C2, the Industrial Area, Hamad International Airport (HIA) D5, Al Wakra and Al Khor.

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.

LIVING IN QATAR E-GUIDE ©

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.

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 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: Labor; 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.

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

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 Labor 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.

Ministry of Labor (formerly Ministry of 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

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 Labor to resolve disputes. The maximum period for reviewing the disputes before the committee is one month, including the time for any potential appeal.

Day to Day Qatar

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.

Labour Relations Department: File your complaint within one year of the event with the section for workers’ rights and grievances. 4028 8888 Ministry of Labor: Formerly Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs (MADLSA), has its own dedicated 24-hour confidential hotline number for its own employees who have employment grievances. Workers 92727, employers 1893 National Human Rights Committee in Qatar: Protects and consolidates human rights of all, subject to the jurisdiction of Qatar. Hotline 800 2222, SMS number 119, 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 ©

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marhaba.qa women in independent jobs to sponsor their husband and children (conditions apply).

Day to Day Qatar

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, Metrash2 and the internal services system.

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 the Ministry of Labor's 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).

• 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 LIVING IN QATAR E-GUIDE ©

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

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 Qatar 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

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marhaba.qa 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.

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, 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

Qatar Post’s e-Resident online service: You can renew your Residence Permit and passport with an optional home delivery service via Metrash2 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

Day to Day Qatar

any clinic for both adults and children. You must have this certificate before going for your medical test.

In October 2021, HH The Amir issued Law No 22 of 2021 on regulating healthcare services, making it compulsory for expatriates and visitors 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.

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 Metrash2. New services include issuing and reactivating the Residency Permit (RP), which requires the completion of a medical test.

To issue a new RP, fingerprinting is necessary. ©

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marhaba.qa Exit Permits

Day to Day Qatar

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 in October 2018, allows most migrant workers covered by the Labour Law to leave the country without having to obtain an exit permit.

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 Labor 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 ministry's website. The ministry will then move those lists to the MOI. Employers are not required to seek an employee’s consent prior to including a name on the list.

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 Metrash2 or portal.moi.gov. qa. Sponsors can issue the permit via the internet and their mobile phones worldwide.

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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.

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

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 healthcare centre. You can renew your health card online, or replace a lost or damaged card.

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marhaba.qa AXA Insurance GlobeMed Qatar Libano-Suisse MetLife Qatar Insurance Company (QIC) QLM Seib Insurance & Reinsurance

4483 2995 4405 6999 4466 4406 800 9711 800 0742 800 0880 4402 6888

Vaccination

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 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 Health Insurance In October 2021, HH The Amir issued Law No 22 of 2021 on regulating healthcare services, which makes it compulsory for expatriates and visitors to have private health insurance in order to live in Qatar or visit the country. 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.

Health, Home and Life insurance Al Koot Insurance & Reinsurance Arabia Insurance

4040 2999 ​ 4442 2682

The Department of Health Protection and Communicable Disease Control and the expanded immunisation programme in Qatar have developed an advanced and modern child immunisation programme. The National Vaccination Committee is also constantly reviewing and making adjustments to the vaccination schedule in accordance with the trends of disease prevention in the country.

Currently, there are 12 vaccines used in the national programme for basic vaccinations in Qatar, providing children with immunity against 14 diseases.

Day to Day Qatar

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 the PHCC centre 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

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 (PHCC) offer travel immunisation as well, 107

Some PHCC provide immunisation services to the public, and to obtain them, you can visit the hospital/health centre that you belong to, and there are a number of private health facilities that also provide vaccination services, either under private health insurance or for a fee.

COVID-19 Vaccination Campaign Qatar has issued an emergency use authorisation for the Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, and AstraZeneca vaccines. The current vaccination rollout includes two doses of the vaccine, plus a third booster dose for which all individuals are eligible from six months after receiving their second COVID-19 vaccine dose. All citizens and residents, aged 12 and above, regardless of their health conditions, can receive the COVID-19 vaccination.

Qatar is committed to offering vaccinations and boosters to everyone eligible. The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has made tremendous efforts with its vaccination campaign since 2021.

A number of vaccination centres opened across the country dedicated to administer all three doses to all eligible citizens and residents, with dedicated facilities for the business and industry sector. For more information or to make an appointment, call 4027 70​​77 or visit covid19.moph.gov.qa ©

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Day to Day Qatar

Housing To Rent

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 one-bedroom apartment leases for somewhere QAR6,000 to QAR8,000 per month at The Pearl-Qatar, Lusail City and Msheireb Downtown Doha (MDD).

If you are looking to buy a property you may wish to contact one of the following legal companies for advice:

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.

Sultan Al Abdulla & Partners 4442 0660

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

4466 6625

Alfardan Properties

4440 8488

Al Jazi Real Estate

4032 0666

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.

LIVING IN QATAR E-GUIDE ©

Al Tamimi & Company 4457 2777 Clyde & Co 4494 1000 Dr Ghada M Darwish Karbon Law Firm 4488 9050 Gulf Legal Consultants – Dr Jumah Nasser Al Kaabi Law Firm

4433 7777

Hassan Al Khater Law Office 4443 7770 Law Offices of Gebran Majdalany 4442 8899 Simmons & Simmons 4409 6700

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 Professional Real Estate & Relocations 4031 6639 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 Qatar Home Services

7759 8405 3060 3076/4427 1197

Qatar Pest Control Company (QPC)

4422 2888

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Utilities and Services Water and Electricity 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.

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.

marhaba.qa

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.

Day to Day Qatar

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.

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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 service providers, Ooredoo or Vodafone Qatar.

A new mobile sim card costs QAR50.

Day to Day Qatar

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.

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

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-the-world to launch it on a commercially available network. Ooredoo is able to use 5G through the apps they are developing.

Landline Telephone 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.

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

LIVING IN QATAR E-GUIDE ©

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

• Vodafone Passport Pack is a roaming pack, which gives you the freedom when travelling to receive 100 minutes of incoming calls, calling 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 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

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.

Day to Day Qatar

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.

Almuftah Cable Vision

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

Day to Day Qatar

Post Office Boxes 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.

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 Aramex DHL Express FedEx Qatar Post

4420 4458 4484 4446

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.

UPS Express

4011 9600

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

Under Qatari law, a woman must be married to give birth in Qatar.

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 LIVING IN QATAR E-GUIDE ©

0100 7888 1111 4000

Birth, Marriage, Divorce and Death Birth

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 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.

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 performed by churches registered with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and by clergy recognised by the ministry to perform non-Muslim marriages. Certain embassies and churches will perform marriages for expatriates. See Places of Worship earlier in this section. The church will

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.

Day to Day Qatar

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

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.

Day to Day Qatar

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.

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.

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.

LIVING IN QATAR E-GUIDE ©

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.

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.

Liquor Permit The purchase and transportation of alcohol by individuals in Qatar is strictly regulated. Liquor for home consumption is available only from the Qatar Distribution Company (QDC) E3 which issues a permit. Call their Permit Department on 4429 9777. QDC is open Saturday to Thursday 8:15 am – 9:30 pm, Friday 1 pm – 9:30 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, benefits, and accommodation, together with a copy of your passport or RP. On approval of an application, the applicant will be required to pay an annual license fee, paid on a pro-rata basis, based on your RP's 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. There's also a Click & Collect service on their website.

In addition, the shop at QDC has a range of pork products. 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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Pets

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marhaba.qa

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.

Cremation: Must be arranged through your veterinarian.

Importing a Pet

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

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.

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.

4443 5357

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Jelaiah B3

4411 8850

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Dr Faris Al Timimi Clinic

Katara Cultural Village B4

4408 1492

Dragon Animal Care Center

Duhail B3

4441 1866

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Parkview Pet Center

Madinat Khalifa North C3

4417 1560

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Pets Care Clinic

Al Hilal D4

3322 7664

Qatar Vet Center

Al Aziziya D3/Duhail B3

4016 1366

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Royal Vet Clinic

Al Waab D3

7000 3156

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Madinat Khalifa South C3

Canadian Veterinary Hospital

LOCATION

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Advanced Veterinary Clinic

VET CLINIC

AT IO

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EN C

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Y

As regulations and requirements relating to the import and export of pets are subject to change, it is recommended that you contact a pet relocator specialist to help you. m

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Checked & Updated February 2022

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.

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

Day to Day Qatar

The Ministry of Municipality'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: 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.

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British International Dental Centre Creating beautiful smiles with exceptional dentistry

Est 1994

Welcome to British International Dental Centre. We have two luxurious Dental Centres - the Al Waab branch has recently moved to a new location. The dental centres feature the latest dental technology paving the way to a new generation of dentistry.

The British International Dental Centre provides professional and friendly service for you and your family. Our vision and commitment are to dental excellence.

We follow hygiene and health and safety guidelines from the World Health Organisation, Ministry of Health Qatar and Public Health England.

We verify our standards.

10th Floor, Salam Tower Doha Corniche Tel: 4411 7755 4411 7744 scan for location

Kaab Bin Zuhair St. Al Waab Tel: 4460 6058 Mob: 5037 5217

scan for location

Direct billing with many insurance companies.

Opening hours: 7 am – 10 pm Sun-Thu 8 am – 4 pm Sat sarah@qatardental.net

BritishInternationalDentalCentre

britishdentaldoha

www.qatardental.net 24 Hour Emergency number 5581 9591 LIVING IN QATAR E-GUIDE ©

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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; Qatar Blood Services; Organ Donation; Meeting international standards of care; Working towards a healthy Qatar; Delivery of medical reports and consumables • 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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FEATURE

Ministry of Public Health Opens Easy Street

By Sarah Palmer Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) has recently expanded its specialised rehabilitation services thanks to a new modern simulated environment at the Qatar Rehabilitation Institute (QRI).

HE

Dr Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari, Minister of Public Health, opened the ‘Easy Street’ patient rehabilitation facility in 2021, meeting with some of the patients who have benefitted from the service.

Easy Street simulates real-world situations in a safe clinical environment for patients to take their first independent steps towards recovery following protracted illness with life-changing medical issues.

HE Dr Al Kuwari praised the team for the efforts in establishing this new facility due to the challenges faced by so many healthcare systems during the COVID-19 pandemic. HE Dr Al Kuwari said: 'This remarkable facility represents an exceptional addition to the growing rehabilitation capabilities in Qatar and will provide a huge boost for all patients who need targeted therapy to enable them to be reintegrated back into their community.'

Easy Street is the first of its kind in Qatar, with only a few such simulated environments in the region.

The facility was designed for patients recovering from stroke or brain haemorrhage, traumatic brain

injury, spinal cord injuries, orthopaedic surgeries or other medical issues that have impacted their ability to live at home and conduct basic life tasks.

Dr Hanadi Al Hamad, Qatar National Lead for Healthy Aging and Medical Director at the Qatar Rehabilitation Institute spoke more about the establishment of the facility, stating that since QRI first opened at the end of 2017, the goal has been to expand the rehabilitation services and facilities.

This has led to the opening of additional services such as assistive technology services, adult day rehabilitation services, and a specialised rehabilitative gym. Programmes have been developed according to international best practices for the best outcomes for rehabilitation patients.

According to Dr Al Hamad: 'We had planned to open Easy Street last year, but when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, we had to deploy our resources to where they were needed most. However, the team continued to work on this project whenever time permitted and with the combined support from all staff, the Ministry and our partners who donated many of the items to aid simulation of normal tasks, we are able to establish this amazing facility.'

Easy Street sees patients simulating a trip to a supermarket, handling a small shopping basket and utilising ramps, while an ATM facade replicates the simulation of obtaining cash. A small coffee shop experience opens during patient practice sessions; patients taking a cup of coffee or tea can learn how to navigate the challenges of handling a hot beverage while still experiencing mobility issues.

Sultan Al Abdulla, Chief of Occupational Therapy Services for HMC, explained the exceptional design concept of Easy Street: 'We have patients who are learning to master the use of devices such as wheelchairs, walkers, crutches or canes; and in order for them to feel confident to manage being reintegrated into life in the community, they often need to relearn and practice simple daily tasks, such as buying a coffee or groceries. Once a patient has been assessed and deemed ready to use facilities

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such as Easy Street, they will be accompanied by a trained Physical or Occupational Therapist to guide them in how to make certain movements safely.'

All inpatients are referred for admittance by an acute care facility, such as Hamad General Hospital, the Outpatient Department, another Hamad Medical Corporation facility or service, Primary Health Care Corporation, or a private health clinic.

The Inpatient Rehabilitation Program is a patient centred care model which allows the patient to maximise their functional potential. An active programme of care is offered by a core multidisciplinary care team such as physician, nurses, and therapy services, and specialised clinical services. There is one-on-one therapy as well as supervised and group therapy sessions, together with patient and family education and training.

About Qatar Rehabilitation Institute (QRI) The opening of Easy Street joins other innovative services available at the world-class QRI. The modern and well-equipped rehabilitation facility is the one of the largest tertiary hospitals in the region, with 193 beds, 159 of which are private.

Patients are able to benefit from five hydrotherapy pools, 10 exercise rooms and inpatient units exclusively for the care and well-being of paediatric, stroke, and general trauma patients, as well as those suffering from spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries and musculo-skeletal disorders. There are also advanced outpatient clinics for occupational and physiotherapy therapy and speech therapy.

Outpatient rehabilitation is for patients who need a less intensive therapy, as a continuation of an inpatient stay or day care rehabilitation, as well as via a referral. This is available from outpatient clinics which have relocated to QRI from Rumailah Hospital, including physical medicine and rehabilitation, speech therapy, adult neuro occupational therapy, and adult neuro physiotherapy.

Learn more about the Qatar Rehabilitation Institute, as well as Hamad Medical Corporation's other facilities, at hamad.qa m

Patient care at QRI is programme based, with rehabilitation programmes intended to promote and enable patient-centred care. This approach ensures that a patient’s needs and expectations are consistently met throughout their recovery journey.

Five main rehabilitation programmes are available, focusing on strokes, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, musculoskeletal/pain management, and paediatric rehabilitation.

©

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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 • South Wakra F5 • 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

Call PHCC 107

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

4415 1252

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

4442 7152

4483 3349

4411 7755 4460 6058

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

Kulud (Industrial Area) E3

4458 0945

Kulud (Markhiya) C3

4487 7784

Care n Cure

Hotline 3006 0101

Mina Al Nayef p/stn (Al Rayyan) C3

4481 1896

Wellcare Pharmacy (Airport Street) D4

4037 0896

LIVING IN QATAR E-GUIDE ©

Support Groups Alcoholics Anonymous males 5070 9809 aaqatar.org females 5559 7512 ACA (Adult Children of Alcoholics) 5505 9124 Doha Mums (breastfeeding, depression, fertility, food allergies and special needs) dohamums.com Overeaters Anonymous

5512 7252

Qatar Cancer Society qcs.qa D4

4484 7777

Checked & Updated February 2022

Plastic Surgicentre D4

Qatar Diabetes Association qda.org.qa D4 4454 7334

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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

t HSO Physiotherapy Dept

Women’s Hospital Al Rayyan Road

Warwick Hotel

LuLu Centre

Al Dafna

4

Helicopter Landing Pad

Trauma and new Emergency BDC 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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White Palace Metro Station

Suhaim Bin Hamad St

Blood Donor Center

ACC

Ambulance Service

Al Corniche

QRI

MOPH

On aiz a

Heart Hospital

Al Wajba Motors

Ambulance Service

Str

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CDC HITC

Rumailah Hospital

BDC ACC HR HSO Retaj Itqan WWRC

Dental Clinic

NCCCR

Al Dafna

QRI NCCCR

Dermatology Clinic

Al Bidda Park

HITC CDC MOPH 3

4

Blood Donor Center (new) 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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Healthcare in Qatar 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.

Under a new health insurance law (see below), expatriates and visitors have to provide proof of medical insurance. Residents should check with their employer to see what health insurance is provided, or contact one of the insurance companies to take extra personal cover – see Day to Day Qatar in this section for a list of companies.

Healthcare in Qatar

Healthcare News Mandatory health insurance law passed regulating healthcare services Law No 22 of 2021 regulating healthcare services in the country was passed by the Amir, HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in October 2021.

Under the system, expatriates will need to acquire health insurance for any family members residing in the country.

Over the years, expatriates and visitors have been able to access basic public healthcare for free by paying a nominal fee for a government health card and heavily subsidised medication. Employers have not been obliged to provide additional private health insurance. However, Qatar's growing population has placed a heavy burden on the national health system.

The law will come into effect six months after its publication in the Official Gazette (ie in April 2022). Mandatory health insurance will then be necessary – during this six-month period, services will continue to be provided to all residents. The ministry will issue details regarding the application of the law and the health insurance system.

The new law states that a mandatory health insurance system will be implemented for all resident expatriates and visitors to the country, providing basic healthcare services via healthcare providers in government health facilities and the private sector, according to the provisions of the insurance policy.

The provisions of the law oblige that the employer provides health insurance for all non-Qatari workers through insurance companies registered with the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), in order to provide them with basic insurance coverage. This is for all expatriates including domestic workers and labourers. The same obligation to provide basic coverage applies to recruiters bringing in new employees.

The Department of Insurance and Finance at MoPH will be the supervisory body for the entire project, with several levels for filing complaints, whether from individual beneficiaries, insurance companies or health facilities.

Commenting on the new law, the MoPH stated that the health insurance system will lead to the development of the health sector and services provided to the public. The challenges facing the healthcare sector resulting from the steady population growth will be alleviated, via the participation of the public and private sectors in providing healthcare services to the population.

This in turn will reduce waiting times in government health facilities and provide easier and quicker appointments for medical consultations, while simultaneously meeting the health needs of the population at the highest level of quality.

Qatari citizens will continue to be provided with necessary health services at all health facilities within the country without the need for health insurance, as it is the responsibility of the state.

Read updates about the law as they are released on marhaba.qa, sign up for our newsletter, and follow us on social media.

LIVING IN QATAR E-GUIDE ©

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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 (MoPH, moph.gov.qa).

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 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.

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

• 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.

Healthcare in Qatar

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.

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

• Health Emergency: 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

Healthcare in Qatar

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.

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.

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.

In 2021, HMC marked 15 years of accreditation

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

How to get an appointment at an HMC 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. > Once your referral has been received by HMC, you will be sent an SMS acknowledging receipt.

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

HMC Hospitals 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.

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.

> 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 three days before your appointment and an 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 LIVING IN QATAR E-GUIDE ©

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marhaba.qa 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.

There are more than 65 specialty clinics, one of the world's busiest 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 the Amir, HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, with a Hyperbaric Therapy Unit and the first hyperbaric oxygen therapy chamber of its kind in Qatar.

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.

Hazm Mebaireek General Hospital Located in the Industrial Area of Doha, the hospital provides inpatient and outpatient care, surgical

Easy Street at Qatar Rehabilitation Institute

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.

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.

Healthcare in Qatar

Hamad General Hospital One of the region's leading tertiary hospitals, offering highly specialised care since 1982.

The 600+ 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, 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.

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.

The ‘Easy Street’ rehabilitation facility, opened in 2021, simulates real-world situations in a safe clinical environment so that patients can take their first independent steps towards recovery after a lengthy illness with life-changing medical issues.

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. ©

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Healthcare in Qatar

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. ​ 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.

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 helicopters ensure 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 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.

The Mobile Healthcare Service (MHS), launched in 2015, provides senior physician support and nursing care to patients outside the hospital LIVING IN QATAR E-GUIDE ©

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.

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

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 provides services for patients with 24-hour specialist care needs, in conjunction with Hamad General Hospital and Rumailah Hospital. ​​Continuing Care is for patients who need care outside of a hospital in specialised facilities, in the community or at home.

Dental services Hamad Dental Services offers patients access to specialised oral and dental care at the stateof-the-art Hamad Dental Center and several other locations within HMC. This includes both routine dental exams and more complex procedures.

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 highquality mental health system and transform the way mental illness is perceived and treated.

The strategy will drive important structural changes which allow HMC to be more 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.

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

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

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marhaba.qa Extensive information regarding mental health can be found at sehanafsia.moph.gov.qa, an initiative run by MoPH to provide information to the public about wellbeing, mental health conditions and how to access services in Qatar. More than 25 organisations in Qatar joined their 'Are You Ok?' campaign in 2021.

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, 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.

• PEC Al Rayyan: Al Fourousiya Street • PEC Al Shamal: Al Ruwais • PEC Airport: Airport Street

Qatar Blood Services As Qatar is witnessing rapid growth in all fields, especially in the health sector, the Blood Donor Center is the only health entity providing blood supplies for the whole of Qatar. The centre's 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, only takes about one hour.

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

HMC hospitals with emergency departments

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

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

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

• Hamad General Hospital • Al Wakra Hospital • Al Khor Hospital • 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 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 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.

Healthcare in Qatar

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).

• PEC Al Daayen: Al Khor Road

Organ Donation The Qatar Organ Donation 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’.

Pediatric Emergency Centers (PEC) The PECs provide 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.

• Main Pediatric Emergency Center: Al Sadd Street/Suhaim bin Hamad Street ©

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marhaba.qa 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.

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.

Healthcare in Qatar

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

Public awareness campaigns Another focus for HMC is educating the public about the signs, symptoms and care options of important health issues. A number of public awareness campaigns have been run for such things as stroke, diabetes, organ donation, psoriasis and smoking cessation. Major campaigns include breast cancer awareness each October and 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.

Meeting international standards of care 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.

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, including four of HMC's newest hospitals in May 2019, as well as the Hamad Dental Center and Mental Health Service. The National Ambulance Service, Home Healthcare Service, Stroke Service and Palliative Care have also 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 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.

Hamad Trauma Center HMC’s Trauma System at Hamad General Hospital provides comprehensive care for patients including pre-hospital, while at the centre, and rehabilitation services. Education and outreach programmes are supported by data from the National Trauma Registry, analysed by the Clinical Research Unit and Hamad Injury Prevention Program (HIPP).

HIPP, a research initiative to improve public health and safety, is a collaboration with many partners related to injury prevention, such as for construction workers and pedestrians. HIPP activities also engage those in other high-risk groups for injury, such as children and young drivers. HIPP's two National Priorities Research Program Grants from Qatar Foundation are for improving the use of child restraints in children aged under five, and for creating a unified registry for all occupational injuries in Qatar.

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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.

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.

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 About Primary Health Care Corporation

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

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 • 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.

• The Women’s Obstetrics Triage and an Urgent Care Clinic treats moderate to serious health issues for women relating to pregnancy and the female reproductive system.

• 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.

Healthcare in Qatar

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.

and exceptional patient and family focused care.

Sidra Medicine is the only specialist hospital in Qatar to care for children with cancer from the ages of 0 to 18 years.

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 selfreferrals, tours of the maternity wards or ante-natal classes for patients. Operating hours for WCCT are Sunday – Thursday 7 am – 3 pm.

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,

Women’s Health Physiotherapy Team at Sidra Medicine ©

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Healthcare in Qatar

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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marhaba.qa 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.

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.

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

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 ©

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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.

Healthcare in Qatar

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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