If you just stay a few days in Qatar and only plan to visit Doha a car rental is may be not the best option compared to taxi or private chauffeur driven services: It is indeed quite challenging to find a place to park and traffic jams may be a real hassle to visitors searching their way through the city. However if your stay exceeds 3 days or if you want to visit Qatar rent a car is the best move.
Documents you need to rent a car in Doha: Tourists just need to be in possession of a valid driving licence in their country - Not to forget a compulsory third party insurance. They are allowed to drive for a 7 days period after date of arrival but will have to get a temporary license from Traffic Department beyond this. Residents can get a permanent Qatari Driving License (150QR Application fee to be paid by Credit Card) and need the following documents: Sponsor Letter in Arabic - Passport copy - Color Identity photo and of course your Driver's License.
Most of car rentals counters are located at the airport in the arrival Hall just after customs clearance. Here is the list:
Doha counts many other small car hire agents - Visitors will have no problem to find a vehicule.
Things you should know before renting a car: The maximum speed is limited to 60 KM/hour inside cities and to 100KM/hour on the highways. If you have an accident do not move the car (This point is important for insurance) and call the police at 999 - Policemen will make a report. This report is the key document to get your car repaired. If you plan to hire a 4 Wheel Drive vehicule do not forget that driving in the desert and especially in the dunes is difficult and may be tricky (Should only be reserved to experienced drivers). Last but not least do not forget that driving after drinking is a major offense to Sharia law - To enjoy your stay in Qatar do not try it.
First time in Qatar? Here is our guide to Doha's attractions, places to see and things to do...
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Doha City map
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Doha
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Here is a selection of the prominent attractions in Doha. Also see pictures of Doha & Qatar