Living Guide – Qatar
Living Guide in Qatar
About Country
Qatar is a very small country in the Arabian Gulf. It borders on United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia by land & Bahrain by Sea. Doha is the capital city of Qatar. Qatar becomes independence from British rule on September 3, 1971. Qatar is currently ruled by the Emir, HH Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani. Arabic is the official language in Qatar, and English is widely spoken. Islam is the official religion of the country, and the Shariah (Islamic Law) is the principal source of legislation in the country.
Doha, Al Wakrah, Ras Lafan, Al Khor, Dukhan, Al Shamal, Mesaieed and others.
Climate :
Qatar has a moderate desert climate,It is small, flat, dry and hot, with little or no arable land.. It is 160 Km long and 55 to 80 Km wide with a total area of 11,437 sq km. Temperatures in summer are usually in the high 30s to low 40s (Celsius), although temperatures into the high 40s are mostly recorded. Winter temperatures are mild and rarely go into the single digits.
Current (Qatari Riyal QR)
Qatari Riyal (QR)is divided into 100 dirhams. The Exchange rate of Qatari Riyal (QR) = INR 13.6 (Depending upon the market) – For the updated rate check with the below currency convertor.
New Born Baby & Registration :
In Qatar a birth certificate is issued to all children born in Qatar, but children born from other nationals are not entitled to Qatari Nationality by reason of their birth in Qatar.
Hamad Medical Corporation (Ministry of Health) will issue 2 letters to obtain a birth certificate but the parents must register their child’s birth to their respective country’s Embassy / Consulate.
The following documents required for a birth certificate:
- Children local birth certificate
- Both parents passports
- Marriage certificates
- Visas and copies of public health department
- Completed birth form
A cost of QR 310 applies per copy of each birth certificate & it is normally issued within a week. Permits for the Newborn babies registration must be processed & completed within 60 days of their birth. Qr 10 per day penalty for the failures until the visa is issued.
Procedure to get Family Visa
Expatriate who wish (Must have eligible ie on Salary) to bring their families to live in Qatar / renew their residence visas are required to get approval from the Ministry of Labor.
Application Process :
Follow below procedure to apply for New / Renew a Family Visa:
- To be Print and fill up the form.
- Enclose a letter from your employer outlining your position and salary.
- Enclose the copies of your family’s passports.
- Enclose statements of adoption along with adoption reasons, if any.
- Enclose the copies of your Education certificate, Marriage certificate, & birth certificates of all children (if required). The documents should be approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as well as your country’s embassy in Qatar.
- Enclose a copy of your electricity bill.
- Submit the application to the Ministry of Labor’s Labor Department.
Note :
- Application Should be complete in Arabic.
- English Names should be in specified boxes.
- Must hold your ID (work permit) first before applying for Family Visa.
- For a GCC resident who wishes to bring a wife of a different Nationality to Qatar, you must compile an additional No-Objection Certificate from your Country for approving your marriage to a foreigner.
- If working for a Government sector, the letter outlining your salary and position must be approved by the Ministry of Civil Service Affairs and Housing.
- Keep all original documents when submitting the application for review.
Note :
You can check the status of your Family Visa application online.
For Profession amendment
Employees who have changed jobs or career paths should apply to the Ministry of Labor to have the job titles on their ID cards amended.
Application Process
Follow these steps to change the profession listed the applicant’s ID:
- Obtain an application form from the front desk of the Labor Department.
- Attach a copy of the company’s Establishment ID, municipal license along with the applicant’s previous employment contract, ID, academic and employment certificates.
- Provide all the required information about the company, including a report on the number of workers.
- Provide a request to amend the applicant’s profession on his/her work visa.
- Attach three original copies of the applicant’s employment contract for the amended position, along with a bank statement showing his/her salary amount.
- Attach two “To Whom It May Concern” letters authorizing the job change.
- Bring all required documents to the reception and pay the appropriate fees.
Note :
A fee of QR40 applies for authorizing two amendments or QR60 for three amendments. The processing period may take 10 days after approval.
Visit Visa :
Expatriates in Qatar may sponsor their Family & relatives for up to six months duration. (Initial stay is for one month, & it can be renewed up to a total of six months.) Wives and children can come for up to a year.
To apply for the Visiting visa the applicant need to have a copy of his
- id or passport
- a copy of the visitor’s passport
- a letter from the applicant’s own sponsor (employer)
- Proof of their relationship such as by birth(Children) / Marriage certificates (Wife) / Parents.
- Two photographs of the visitor..
The validity of visit visa for a month but it can be renew for up to 5 months for immediate family & for up to 2 months for other family residents.
Residents in the country should apply at the Gharaffa immigration department near Landmark.
Procedure for Driving License :
If you are holding Valid International Driving License on your arrival to Qatar, you are permitted to drive in the country for 7 days only (which includes your day of arrival). Those who are going to stay in Qatar for more than 6 months, then they have to apply for either a temporary or permanent driving license.
If you are a resident of the G.C.C. countries, GCC license will be valid for 3 months from the date of your arrival in Qatar.
A temporary license holders will be allowed to drive rental cars, however you may not be insured to drive a privately owned car – (this is at the discretion of the insurance company and they should be contacted to ensure coverage).
As soon as you got your residence permit, temporary license to be converted into a Permanent license. It is valid for 5 years.
In Case If not hold a valid driving license applicant home country, then you have to enroll yourself into a driving school. Depending on driving skills, it required to take a full course (25 classes) / a half course (12 classes).
For enroll for Driving License :
- Passport copy with visa or Immigration ID copy
- Passport size photos – 5 Nos
- QR 2000 full course (Negotiable & it will vary depending upon the number of classes)
- Eye test to be completed at the traffic department in Madinat Khalifa / a Certificate from a licensed optician / Private clinic.
Most of the Western countries Driving licenses can be converted. They no need for you to take the test or go to a driving school, though you are required to do an eye test at the traffic department.
If the expatriates license is from Asia, you may have to undergo a driving test or the traffic department will suggest on your application form to go to a driving school for two weeks (half the course).
Holders of GCC licenses can obtain a permanent Qatar license automatically, regardless of their country of origin.
If you haven’t received a Residence Permit (RP) they will give you a temporary license after an eye test, & as soon as you get your RP, they will convert that into a permanent license.
If you are in Business visa, then Arabic application form to be submitted by the Sponsor at Madinat Khalifa Traffic Department.
Documents Required :
• The application form
• Original & Copy of Driver’s license from your home country
• Original / Copy of Passport or your Qatar ID
• Copy of trade license (if you are sponsored by a company)
• Passport photos – 4 Nos (with eye glasses if required)
• Eye examination at the traffic department (cost QR 150 paid by credit card, cash is not accepted) / a certificate from a licensed optician / private clinic.
Visa Regulations :
No |
Visa type | Period | Fees | Authority |
Special conditions |
1 | Visit visa for family members |
One month renewable for a maximum period of five months for immediate relatives and two months for other relatives |
-220 riyals for each visa -50 riyals for each companion in the passport-220 riyals for each month of renewal | Directory of Residents Affairs in the General Directory of Passports |
____ |
2 | Visit visa for wives and children |
One year or more |
-520 riyals for the wife-120 riyals for each companion in the passport | Directory of Residents Affairs in the General Directory of Passports |
____ |
3 | Work visa under the sponsorship of companies and institutes |
One year or more |
220 riyals | Directory of Residents Affairs in the General Directory of Passports |
Approval of the Permanent Committee of Recruiting |
4 | Work visa under personal sponsorship(servants and others..) | One year or more | -220 riyals for Qataris -1020 riyals for non-Qataris | Directory of Residents Affairs in the General Directory of Passports | Approval of the Permanent Committee of Recruiting |
5 | Return visa |
____ |
-220 riyals 50 riyals for each companion in the passport | Directory of Residents Affairs in the General Directory of Passports |
The visa visit should be valid for a period longer than the person’s stay abroad. |
6 | Tourist visa |
Two weeks renewable for two more weeks |
-50 riyals for each two weeks – 20 riyals for each companion | Directory of Residents Affairs in the General Directory of Passports |
– two-way ticket on the Qatari Airways -either the presence of immediate relatives in Qatar or booking at a hotel – an amount of 5000 riyals or its equivalent |
7 | Business visa |
Two weeks renewable for two more weeks |
50 riyals for each two weeks | Directory of Residents Affairs in the General Directory of Passports |
Issued at the entry on condition that there is a deputy from the company or institution |
8 | Visa for GCC residents |
Two weeks renewable for another two weeks |
– 50 riyals-20 riyals for each companion | Directory of Residents Affairs in the General Directory of Passports |
Valid residence permit in one of GCC countries for at least three months |
9 | Visa for companions of GCC nationals |
One month renewable according to the request of the sponsor |
100 riyals for each month | Directory of Residents Affairs in the General Directory of Passports |
____ |
10 | Work visa |
Six months or less |
– 100 riyals for each month if the sponsor is a company or an institute– 20 riyals for each month if the sponsor is a person | The Permanent Committee for Recruiting |
____ |
11 | Lorry drivers’ visa |
– five days and can be extended – three months for a number of travels |
– 100 riyals for each month– visa fees obtained abroad + fax fees | – The Directory of Residents Affairs-Qatari missions abroad-The directory of Passports of Entries |
The lorry should be Qatari licensed or owned by one of GCC nationals and loading goods from GCC countries |
12 | Multi-visit visa |
– not exceeding six months -not exceeding one year |
– 300 riyals+50 riyals for each companion-600 riyals+50 riyals for each companion | Directory of Recruiting Affairs |
Issued for employees, technicians, and workers with short-term contracts and employees of foreign companies that have branches in Qatar whose residence in Qatar is for a short period. |
Driving Test :
QR 50 to register fee for the test. It has 4 steps.
- Oral test for the road and traffic signs
- L-parking, pocket parking
- Actual road test. (note that each test will prerequisite for the next, you need to pass to proceed to the next). The tests are conducted in manual transmission cars and there may be up to four people in the car, each one taking turns to drive. During the Holy month of Ramadan ladies are not permitted to take a road test.Procedure to convert temporary license to a permanent driver’s license
Documents Required
• Your temporary driver’s license (TDL)
• Photos – 2 Nos
• Passport copy
• Residence permit copy
• QR 155 as Process fees.International Driving License You can obtain an International driving license from the Qatar Automobile and Touring Club (Tel: 441 3265) as well as some Travel Agencies (Regency Travels). To do so, you will need to bring with you the following:
• Valid Qatar Driving License
• Passport
• 2 passport photos
• Process fees of QR 100
Police , Civil Defense and Emergency |
999 |
Water and Electricity Emergency |
991 |
Accidents and Emergency – Hamad Hospital |
(+974)44392111 |
Hamad Medical Corporation |
(+974)44392222 |
Medical Commission |
(+974)44950000 |
Telephone Directory |
180 |
Ministries |
|
Presidency of Ministers’ Council General Secretariat |
(+974)44388888 |
Ministry of Foreign Affairs |
(+974)44334334 |
Ministry of Education |
(+974)44941111 |
Ministry of Social Affairs |
(+974)44841111 |
Ministry of Health |
(+974)44473111 |
Ministry of Environment |
(+974)44207777 |
Ministry of Labor |
(+974)44406406 |
Ministry of Finance |
(+974)44461444 |
Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs |
(+974)44470777 |
Ministry of Energy and Industry |
(+974)44846444 |
Ministry of Justice |
(+974)44842222 |
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Planning |
(+974)44348888 |
Ministry of Defense |
(+974)44614111 |
Ministry of Commerce and Business |
(+974)44945555 |
Public Prosecution |
(+974)44843333 |
Public Works Authority |
(+974)44950000 |
Central Municipal Council |
(+974)44436177 |
Hotels |
|
Doha Sheraton Hotel and Spa |
(+974)44854444 |
Marriot Hotel |
(+974)44432432 |
Ramada Hotel |
(+974)44417417 |
Al Waha Hotel |
(+974)44854444 |
Sofitel Hotel |
(+974)44432432 |
Other Usefull Numbers |
|
Legislative Council |
(+974)44413222 |
Qatar University |
(+974)44614111 |
Qatar Investment Authority |
(+974)44995900 |
E- Government |
(+974)44069999 |
General Authority for Retirement and Pensions |
(+974)44242666 |
General Secretariat for Educational Planning |
(+974)44958888 |
Administrative Development Institute |
(+974)44406666 |
Auditing Authority |
(+974)44382382 |
Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry |
(+974)44559111 |
Radio and TV Authority |
(+974)44894444 |
Qatar News Agency |
(+974)44450211 |
Foreign Media Section |
(+974)44847777 |
General Authority for Minors Affairs |
(+974)44137777 |
Supreme Council for Justice |
(+974)44859111 |
Supreme Council for Education |
(+974)44559555 |
Qatar Foundation |
(+974)44927000 |
Supreme Council for Family Affairs |
(+974)44628444 |
Al Shaflah Centre for Special Need Children |
(+974)44956666 |
Family Counseling Centre |
(+974)44327777 |
Qatar Foundation for Protecting Women and Children |
(+974)44679444 |
Qatar Foundation for Caring Old age |
(+974)44551777 |
Qatar Foundation for Orphans |
(+974)44589444 |
National Office for Combating Human Trafficking |
(+974)44669111 |
Qatar National Olympic Committee |
(+974)44944444 |
Civil Aviation Authority – Flight Movement |
(+974)44557333 |
Qatar Water and Electricity (Kahrama) |
(+974)44845555 |
Museums Authority |
(+974)44859888 |
Qatar Petroleum |
(+974)44491491 |
Qatar Specification Authority |
(+974)44139444 |
Central Tenders Committee |
(+974)44378111 |
General Authority for Ports and Customs |
(+974)44457457 |
Qatar Postal Authority |
(+974)44464000 |
Qatar Central Bank |
(+974)44456456 |
Qatar Tourism Authority |
(+974)44628555 |
Ict Qatar |
(+974)44935922 |
Ministry E Services
- Visa Approval Tracking
-
Visa Enquiry & Printing
-
RP Application Tracking & Printing
-
Metrash for Individuals
-
Traffic Violations
-
Official Documents
-
Exit Permit Application Form
-
Airport Entry Permit Application Form
Indian Schools
Doha Modern Indian School
Location: Abu Hamour, near Pakistani School, PB 47391, Doha
Contact: +974 44583121 / 22
Fax: +974 44583124
Email: dmis@qatar.net.qa
Website: www.dmisqatar.com
Curriculum: CBSE syllabusAl-Khor International School – Indian Stream
Location: Al Khor Housing Community, PB 22166, Doha
Contact: +974 44734301
Fax: +974 44734360
Email:akisind@akisis.org
Website: www.akisis.com
Curriculum: CBSE curriculum, kindergarten to year 10Birla Public School
Location: Building No.270, 40 D New Salatha Street, D Ring Road, Opp. Noor Al Khaleej International school, PB 24686, Doha
Contact: +974 44676701 /02 /03 / 44551249
Fax: +974 4466212 / 213 / 44676101
Email: bpsdoha@qatar.net.qa
Website: www.bpsdoha.com
Curriculum: Affiliated to CBSE, IndiaDPS Modern Indian School
Location: PB 14868, Doha
Contact: +974 44660366 /44654958
Fax: +974 44667117
Email: misdps@qatar.net.qa
Website: www.dpsmisdoha.com
Curriculum: Affiliated to CBSE, IndiaIdeal Indian School
Location: Salwa Road, Abu Hamour, PB 2836, Doha
Contact: +974 4684849 /4929 / 5337
Fax: +974 4682939
Email: misdps@qatar.net.qa
Curriculum: Affiliated to CBSE, IndiaMES Indian School
Location: PB 3453, Doha
Contact: +974 44572888
Fax: +974 44681816
Email: info@mesqatar.org, mesindia@qatar.net.qa
Website: www.mesqatar.org
Curriculum: Affiliated to CBSE, Delhi, IndiaQatar Newspapers
English Newspapers in Qatar
- Gulf Times
- Gulf States Newsletter
- The Peninsula
- Qatar Tribune
- Al Sharq – Arabic
- Al Watan – Arabic
Arabic Newspapers in Qatar
Qatar TV Channels
Qatar Television (QTV)
QTV began its first phase of transmission in 1970 in black and white, while the colored transmission began in 1974. The second channel which transmits in English was opened in 1982. QTV has 24 hours of daily transmission. Website: www.qtv.iscool.net
Qatar News Agency (QNA)
Beginning with just half an hour of transmission a day in 1975, QNA now transmits non-stop 18 hours in Arabic, English, Spanish and Portuguese through its worldwide network and transmission. More details at www.qnaol.com
Foreign Information Agency (FIA)
The FIA enjoys an autonomous status that permits it to discharge information policies, duties and objectives assigned to it with high efficiency level. Website: www.qatarinfo.net
Al-Jazeera Independent satelliteThis is a television news channel in Arabic, while its website has a link to the English version. It covers sections on news, business, culture, science & technology, Arab stock indices, world stock indices, currency converter and other features. Website:www.aljazeera.net
Al-Jazeera sports channel
Specialized Arabic sports channel by Al-Jazeera Qatari news channel. Website –www.aljazeerasport.net
Al-Jazeera International
International English version of Al-Jazeera Qatari news channel. Website –www.english.aljazeera.net
Showtime Arabia
This digital satellite pay TV network in the Middle East and North Africa, a joint venture between Viacom and KIPCO, offers about 50 prime channels. Website –www.showtimearabia.com
Al Muftah Group – Cable Vision
Authorized dealer appointed by Qatar Cable Vision (QCV) to sell, install and service cable TV systems. Website: www.almuftah.com.qa
Al-Kass – Qatari League Channel
Specialized Qatari Arabic sports channel. Website: www.alkass.net
JSC Sports Guide, Qatar
English translation of Aljazeera Sport TV schedule. Website: www.jsc-sports-guide.com
Baraem TV, Qatar
TV channel for children in Qatar. Website: www.baraem.tv
Taalam TV Channel, Qatar
Online TV channel for kids in Qatar. The channel offers programs, videos, science and technology knowledge, and contests to enrich children education. Website:www.taalam.tv
Call center: (+974) 440-7777
Email : ccsupport@qnb.com.qa
Retail Banking Tel (+974) 440-7777
Corporate Banking Tel (+974) 440-7321
Fax (+974) 443-1036
Private Banking Tel (+974) 440-7177
Fax (+974) 440-7636
Investments Tel (+974) 440-7339Timings
All Branches : Sunday – Thursday: 7.30am-1pm
City Centre / Mall : Saturday – Thursday: 10.15am – 10.15pm
Friday: 4.15pm – 10.15pmMarriott/Sheraton/Ritz Carlton
Sunday – Wednesday: Morning 8.30am – 12.30pm
Afternoon 5:30pm – 8:00pm
Thursday 8:30am – 1:30pm· Bank Saderat Iran
PO Box 2256, Doha
Tel 974 4414646 , Fax 974 4430121Suhim Bin Hamad Street, P.O.Box. 2309, Doha
Tel: 4232507, Fax: 4130992
Weekly working days: 7.30 am – 1.00 pm (Sunday to Thursday)P.O. Box 173, Old Al-Maghreb Area, Jabor Bin Mohammed Street, Doha
Tel +974 4413213 , Fax +974 4413880PO Box: 30828
Tel +974 4715634/4715631 Fax +974 4715618/31Tel 442 HSBC ( 442 4722) / 4382100
· Banque Paribas – Qatar
Al Fardan Office Tower, 6th Floor, 61 Al Funduq Street
Diplomatic District, West Bay, PO Box 2636 Doha – Qatar
Tel : (+974) 4 537537 Fax: (+974) 4 537453· Central Bank Qatar
P.O. Box No. 1234 Al Corniche Area Doha
Tel: + (974) 445-6456 Fax: + 974 443-0490Call Center: Tel. 4448444 Email :info@qib.com.qa
· Qatar Industrial Development Bank
Grand Hamad Street PO Box 22789
Tel 4421600 Fax 4350433 Email contact@qdb.org.qaTel : 438 7878
· Standard Chartered Bank Qatar
Doha Main Branch Abdulla bin Jassim Street, P.O. Box 29 Doha, Qatar
Tel + 974 4414252 / +974 4410973· The International Bank of Qatar (IBQ)
Head Office Suhaim Bin Hamad Street PO Box 2001 Doha
Tel: +974 4447 8000 Fax: +974 4447 3745Head Office: Grand Hamad Street PO Box 3232, Doha State of Qatar
Telephone: +974 449 0000 Facsimile: +974 449 0070 Telex: 4351 TEJARI DH
Swift Code : CBQAQAQA
General enquiries: info@cbq.com.qa· United Bank Limited
PO Box No 242 Doha
Tel +974-4254444 Fax +974-4254401 Email: doha_branch@ublme.comUseful Qatar Website Links
Government and Official
- Amiri Diwan
- Qatar E-Government Portal
- Muncipal Affairs & Agriculture
- Ministry of Public Health
- Ministry of Interior
- Ministry of Foregin Affairs
- Central Tender Committee
- Planning Council
- Supreme Education Council
- Foregine Information Agency
- Qatar Tourism Authority
- Reach Out to Asia
- Gulf Times
- Gulf States Newsletter
- The Peninsula
- Al Sharq – Arabic
- Al Watan – Arabic
- Al Jazeera