What to Expect in the First 30 Days in Qatar

Posted by: AdminMH
May 09, 2019

Respect for Religion

Islamic religious value are greatly respected in Qatar. Showing any disrespect towards religious beliefs or practices is considered deeply offensive and very likely to result in a heavy fine and/or imprisonment. Other religious are respected and can be followed by the expatriate community.

The men wear their national dress of a Thobe, which is a long white garment worn usually with either a white, or red and white chequered head scarf. The women wear traditional black abayas and many cover their faces with a veil, others choose to just cover their hair. For expats, they are not required to dress in traditional attire it is recommended that women cover their shoulders and knees and do not wear particularly tight or revealing clothing as a mark of respect. These rules become much more important during Ramadan and are enforced by police that ensure ladies are covered appropriately.

Muslims pray five times a day. You will notice that the mosques call people to pray through a speaker system. At this time you will also notice public music is turned off as Muslims perform their daily prayers. During Ramadan, Muslims and non-Muslims are forbidden to eat or drink in public (with the exception of young children, pregnant and menstruating ladies, the elderly, the insane or the chronically ill).

Every evening during Ramadan, Muslims celebrate the breaking of their fast with an evening meal called Iftar.

Qatar Price Guide

Obtaining Driver’s License

If you have a valid driving license from your country of origin, you can drive a rental car for a period of seven days. Before the seven-day period is up, you will need to get a temporary driving license that is valid for the period of your visa. You need to have a completed application form in Arabic, original license from country of origin, ID, passport, copy of passport, three passport size photos and an eye test. However, if you have an international driving license, there is no time limit.

Follow essential rules of the road

Do not jump red light.
Do not drive in the opposite direction.
Do not exceed the maximum speed.
Do not drive recklessly and dangerously.
Do not drive with defective brakes.
Do not drive with inappropriate license.
Do not drive with stripped or invalid license.
Do not drive an unregistered vehicle.
Do not drive a vehicle without number plates.
Unauthorized changes made to number plates.
Blocking the flow of traffic intentionally.
Do not drive a polluting vehicle.
Driving a vehicle that leaks any material that can damage the road.
Driving a vehicle which drops loads which can endanger the public safety.
Making a wrong U-turn.
Parking offence.
Giving license to someone who has no license.
Driving a vehicle with unclear number plates.
Refraining from giving driving license to traffic police.
Using lights, horns, microphones, or other machines against the law.
Disobeying traffic signs.

As per Article 57 of the Traffic law, any person who drives a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs or any other psychotropic substances shall be punished according to the Article 94, in which the offender shall be sentenced either to imprisonment for not less than one month and not more than three years or a fine not less than QR 10, 000 and not more than QR 50, 000.

Paying Fines

It is very important that you check regularly to see if there is an offence against your vehicle. If you do not check regularly and you try to leave the country with a fine outstanding then it is likely that you will not be allowed to leave the country until it has been paid. It is very easy for you to check to see if any offences have been committed. The easiest way is to go to the Ministry of Interior (“MOI”) website (www.moi.gov.qa).

Source:
Gulf Law | http://www.gulflaw.info/index.php