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Qataer's Doha at night

© Creative Commons / TheRainbowRaider

Getting around in Qatar

Side of road: 
N/A
Road quality: 

The road system is fair but the local driving is often fast and reckless.

Areas of sabka (salt flats) make leaving the road to access the coast a hazard in many parts of Qatar, even in a 4-wheel drive vehicle.

It's best to stick to prior tracks.

Car hire: 

Car hire: Available from local and international companies at the airport and hotels. The minimum age for driving is 21 years. Seat belts must be worn. Large on-the-spot fines are issued to anyone not wearing one or not carrying a driver's licence.

Taxi: 

Taxi: There is a choice between the old orange and white cars or newer, slightly more expensive sea-blue taxis. Both have meters. Taxis can be hired on an hourly basis, but in this case it's better to negotiate the fee in advance. Taxis are the main source of public transport within Doha.

Coach: 

Breakdown service: 

Emergency breakdown assistance: Police (tel: 999).

Documentation: 

Documentation: An International Driving Permit is required, but a temporary licence can be obtained on presentation of a valid UK licence.

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