Driving in Doha is not as straightforward as most counties. After several months I feel I've gotten a good handle on things and thought I would put together some handy tips for anyone who may ever have a need to get behind the wheel here.
On choosing your equipment: 4x4s are best, the larger the better. Gas costs the equivalent of roughly 77 cents per gallon, so fuel economy should be of no concern.
Though this culture takes quite a bit of influence from the Brits, driving is done on the right side of the road, though it is not uncommon to see someone who has decided to go against the flow, as it were.
Roundabouts are very common. Unless you have a green light, yield to those already in the roundabout, but do your best to retain momentum and join with the flow. There are typically three lanes: the right lane is for turning right or going straight, the left is for turning left or making a U-turn, and the middle is for going straight, however, many drivers prefer to invert this. For this reason, it is best to hold off on blinking until you have safely exited the roundabout.
Those dotted white lines going down the road are merely a suggestion, do not feel constrained by them at any time.
Sidewalks and medians are really synonymous with roads; if traffic has stopped for more than a few seconds, feel free to hop a curb and simply make your own path. This is where driving a 4x4 comes in especially handy.
Based upon the two previous rules of the Qatari road, there are roughly twice as many lanes of travel as one would expect, based upon the road markings.
When merging or changing lanes, it is the responsibility of those already in the desired lane to make room when you decide to join them. Most especially if you turn on your blinker, do not bother checking your mirrors before making your move.
Police generally drive Land Rovers, 5 Series BMWs, and BMW motorcycles. There are a minimum of three types of police: Special Police, which shepherd motorcades and block roads for them, are bright red. Traffic police, which are mostly found at roundabouts directing traffic turning rush hours, are white, blue and yellow. Normal police are white and black. However, none of these seem to actually pull over anyone, so do not be too concerned with any of them. Also, if any emergency personnel happen to be driving with lights and sirens do get out of the way, but feel free to join the convoy of vehicles inevitably following behind to make use of the open road.
Watch for cameras, which are placed at busy intersections and occasionally in the median. This is the only time to watch your speed or be bothered by red lights. Qatar does have the highest traffic fines in the world, including more than $1000 for running a red light, so do be on the look out for these boxes.
Most intersections on main roads have two left-turn lanes, which are separated from the main road by a curb. U-turns are perfectly acceptable, but please do so from the inner-most turn lane; though if you happen to be in the outer lane, no biggie. Also, feel free to rejoin the traffic going straight on, if you should change your mind.
Flashing of high-beams is common, and generally means "get the hell out of my way." It is best to be highly responsive to these requests, as the faster car behind you is not inclined to slow down. Feel free to use this method as well as your horn liberally, even (and perhaps especially) if there is no place for anyone to go.
Dogs are not the only animals who like to go for a ride. Falcons and even large cats such as jaguars and cheetahs can be spotted in passenger vehicles.
As for the interior of the vehicle, no not bother with seat belts. The best place for your children to ride is in the driver's lap (infants), standing in the passenger footwell (toddlers), in the boot of your SUV (older children), or hanging out the windows of the backseat (all ages). If there is any reason to celebrate, i.e. National Day, place them on your roof. Occupancy limits are really non-existent. A small extended-cab pickup truck can accommodate a driver and 8 children. The boot of an SUV alone can fit 6.
I hope that this list of tips will prove useful.
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