Social ConventionsQatar is a tolerant country but visitors will avoid giving offence if they observe a few courtesies, especially with regard to dress. Cover knees and shoulders, except within hotel grounds where more casual clothing is acceptable. At business and social functions, traditional Qatari coffee is served as part of the ritual welcome. Guests are served in order of seniority - a few drops are poured before topping up the cups of the remaining party. Cups must be held in the right hand: accept two cups - taking only one cup will embarrass the host; taking more than three
will embarrass everybody else. Never pass or receive items with the left hand.
International Travel:Getting There by AirQatar Airways (QR) (website:
www.qatarairways.com) is the heavily promoted national airline of Qatar.
Departure TaxQR20, usually included in ticket price.
Main AirportsDoha (DOH) (website:
www.dohaairport.com) is 8km (5 miles) southeast of the city (journey time to city center - 15 minutes).
To/from the airport: Taxis are available to the city with official rates displayed.
Facilities: Car hire, banks, ATMs, restaurants, coffeeshops, handicraft/book shop and a duty-free shop.
Getting There by WaterMain ports: Doha and
Umm Said. The traffic is mostly commercial.
Getting There by RoadWith car insurance for both countries, the Qatar-Saudi border is open to residents of Qatar, Saudi Arabia and UAE. Others must have a Saudi visa or transit visa in advance. The same applies for those traveling by bus. The main international bus operator is Saudi Arabian Public Transport Co (Saptco) (tel: 454 5000;
website:
www.saptco.com.sa); bookings can be made on line. A new causeway linking Bahrain and Qatar is under construction, due for completion in 2012.
OverviewThe following goods may be imported into Qatar without incurring customs duty:
• A reasonable amount of tobacco and perfume for personal use.
Prohibited ImportsNo alcohol, narcotics, pork-related products or pornography may be brought through customs and goods conspicuously originating from Israel may pose problems if you are stopped by customs. Firearms can only be imported with a license obtained in advance from the Ministry of Defence.
Internal Travel:Getting Around by RoadThe road system is fair but the local driving is often fast and reckless. Driving is on the right. 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.
Bus: A new fleet of modern, air-conditioned buses now reaches main towns. Contact Central Bus Station (tel: 458 8888; website:
http://www.mowasalat.com/) to check on progress.
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.
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 license.
Emergency breakdown assistance: Police (tel: 999).
Documentation: An International Driving Permit is required, but a temporary license can be obtained on presentation of a valid UK license.
Journey TimesThe following chart gives approximate journey times (in hours and minutes) from
Doha to other major cities and towns in Qatar.
| Air | Road | Rail |
| Al-Khor | - | 0.45 | - |
| Al-Zubara | - | 1.30 | - |
| Bir Zekreet | - | 1.00 | - |
| Khor Al-Adaid | - | 3.00 | - |
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