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:

1. Children local birth certificate
2. Both parents passports
3. Marriage certificates
4. Visas and copies of public health department
5. 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.

Download Various Forms

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

1. id or passport
2. a copy of the visitor’s passport
3. a letter from the applicant’s own sponsor (employer)
4. Proof of their relationship such as by birth(Children) / Marriage certificates (Wife) / Parents.
5. 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 :

 Driving Test :

QR 50 to register fee for the test.  It has 4 steps.

1. Oral test for the road and traffic signs
2. L-parking, pocket parking
3. 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

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 syllabus

  Al-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 10

  Birla 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, India

  DPS 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, India

  Ideal 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, India

  MES 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, India

  Qatar 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 satellite

  This 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) 440-7339

  Timings
  All Branches : Sunday – Thursday: 7.30am-1pm
  City Centre / Mall : Saturday – Thursday: 10.15am – 10.15pm
  Friday: 4.15pm – 10.15pm

  Marriott/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 4430121

  ·         Al Ahli Bank of Qatar

  Suhim Bin Hamad Street, P.O.Box. 2309, Doha
  Tel: 4232507, Fax: 4130992
  Weekly working days: 7.30 am – 1.00 pm (Sunday to Thursday)

  ·         Mashreq Bank Qatar

  P.O. Box 173, Old Al-Maghreb Area, Jabor Bin Mohammed Street, Doha
  Tel             +974 4413213      , Fax +974 4413880

  ·         Doha Bank Limited

  PO Box: 30828
  Tel +974 4715634/4715631 Fax +974 4715618/31

  ·         HSBC Qatar

  Tel 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: + 974 443-0490

  ·         Qatar Islamic Bank

  Call 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.qa

  ·         Arab Bank

  Tel : 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 3745

  ·         The Commercial Bank of Qatar

  Head 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.com

  Useful 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