TOTAL_YA_HALA_KIT_2018

YA HALA
YOUR WELCOME GUIDE

Christophe Eon
Deputy Vice President – HR, Communications, CSR

Editorial Message






Ya Hala, and Welcome to Qatar!
!رـــطﻗ ﻲـــﻓ مـــ�� ﺎ�ـــﺤرﻤو ﻼﻫ ﺎـــﯿ
I am happy to present to you the ‘Ya Hala’ e-book Our HR team at Total Qatar will get in touch with you
which contains useful information to make your for your induction – where different managers will
integration and your stay in Qatar much easier. explain the Group’s activities in Qatar, and other
expatriates will also share their experiences since
You will find practical information on a wide range of arriving here and offer advice.
topics about life in Qatar, and this will help you and
your family to prepare your expatriation well in In addition, we highly encourage you to interact with
advance, and to have a smooth transition to living in residents in Qatar, particularly Qatari Nationals, who
Qatar. will give you their perception of work and life in Qatar.
It is important for you to know your host country – the We hope you will enjoy reading it and equally benefit
culture, traditions, and practices .We have a special from it.
section in this e-book that will help you understand the
customs and way of living here. Do not hesitate to send us your comments and
suggestions through your expats officers. It will help
This e-book, however, will not be your only source of us to enhance future versions of the Ya’Hala E-book!
information. You will find other references inside to
know more about the activities in Doha and the We wish you a rewarding experience, and a pleasant
surrounding areas. stay in Qatar.

6 18
I QATAR II VISA, TRAVEL
IMMIGRATION
OVERVIEW
Geography 7 ID (Resident Permit), Family Visa 19
Climate 7 E-Gate 20
Demographics 7 Parents’ and Family’s Visit Visa 21
Government 8 Additional Information 21
Culture 9 Metrash2- Services 22
Cultural Do’s & Don’t 9 Leave Notification 23
Arabic Courtesies 14
National Holidays 16
Embassies in Qatar 17
V BANKS & VI FACILITIES
FINANCES
Bank & Finances 43 Medical Care 45
Public/Government 45
Health Card 46
Private Hospitals and Clinics 47
Hiring a Maid 48
Hiring a Fulltime Maid on Your Personal
Sponsorship 48
Hiring a Part time Agency Maid 49
Education 50
Arts 54
Places to Visit, Dining & Restaurants 60
Places to Visit in Qatar 62
44 86

24 34 43
III TOTAL IN QATAR IV DRIVING IN
QATAR
OVERVIEW
Facts & Figures 25 Roads & Transportation 35
Historical View 26 Driving License 36
Expatriate Employees 28 Driving Test 37
Work Locations Traffic Violations 38
Expatriate Employees 30 Vehicle Registration and
Accommodation and Security 39
Contact Information Traffic Incidents 40
Car Dealers
Events At Total In Qatar’s 32 41
Used Cars
Car Insurance 41
VII ANIMAL ENTRY VIII LAW ABOUT
ALCOHOL
& CARE
Animal Entry & Care 86 Law About Alcohol 90
IX COMMUNITY PLATFORM X REFERENCE
JOB SEARCH, NEWS &
Job Search, News and Community 92 Reference 96
90 92 96

I
QATAR
OVERVIEW












6 | YA HALA KIT

Qatar Overview






GENERAL
INFORMATION


GEOGRAPHY DEMOGRAPHICS (2017)
The State of Qatar is a peninsula located in
the western coast of the Arabian Gulf. It Capital Doha
includes several islands, the largest of which Population 2,668,415
are, Halul, Shraouh, and Al-Asshat. At the
same time, Qatar shares its southern border
with Saudi Arabia and a maritime border Area 11,521 square kilometers
with Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Local Time AST (UTC3+)
Iran. (1)
Currency Qatari Riyals (QAR)
CLIMATE Driving on the Right
Official Language Arabic and English
Qatar has a moderate desert climate with Official Religion Islam
mild winters and hot summers. Winter nights Legislator Sharia Law (Islamic)
can be cool, but temperatures rarely drop
below °7C. Humidity levels can be very high Electrical Current 6+ 240 – 220V/50Hz
on the coast during the summer, whereas, A mix of plugs:
rainfall is scarce (average 70 mm per year), -3pin square and
falling on isolated days mainly between -2pin round designs. (1)
October and March. (1)
YA HALA KIT | 7

GOVERNMENT




THE RULING FAMILY
His Highness
Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani
Emir of the State of Qatar
His Highness
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani
Father of Emir
His Highness
Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani
Deputy Emir
His Excellency
Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani
Prime Minister and Minister of Interior
8 | YA HALA KIT

Qatar Overview







CULTURE


CULTURAL
DO’S &
DON’TS


DO’S
DRESS MODESTLY
Qataris are proud of their traditional clothing and wear it with grace on a daily basis. Although there is no
dress code as such, it could be best described as modest and conservative. Foreign visitors are not
expected to wear Qatari attire, but should note to dress in a style that is culturally sensitive to Islamic
culture.
YA HALA KIT | 9

DRESS CODES FOR
NATIONALS AND NON-NATIONALS










FOR MEN FOR WOMEN
Qatari men usually wear a long white Qatari women usually have their hair
garment called the “Thobe” over loose covered with a black head-dress called
pants, and a head-dress called “Gitrah” in “Shayla”, their bodies are covered with
white, held on with a black rope called black dress called “Abayah”. Some women
(Iqaal). also cover their face with a black “Niqab”
which may or may not leave the eyes area
Expatriates are expected to respect the uncovered.
modesty by avoiding shorts above
knee-length and sleeveless shirts in public. As for expatriates, the hot climate in Qatar
calls for informal but nonetheless smart
dressing. Women should avoid wearing
spaghetti-strap or see-through blouses and
short skirts.
Watch out for gender-specific queues and counters namely, note the separate waiting areas for
men and women in health centers, counters in banks and the government sector.
10 | YA HALA KIT

Qatar OverviewQatar Overview


















ENJOY QATAR
At night Qatar is considered one of the safest places in the world. Those wishing to socialize in hotels
can do so until the late hours of the night. Moreover, during the Holy Month of Ramadan, you will see
people around town well into the early hours of the morning. However, please note that alcohol is not
served in hotels during Ramadan.
YA HALA KIT | 11

DON’TS
For cultural reasons, do
not be offended if your
handshake is refused by a
member of the opposite
sex, especially local or
modest women. It is
nothing personal; rather,
it’s a religious prohibition
applicable to Muslims and
non-Muslims alike.




12 | YA HALA KIT

Qatar Overview







DO NOT TAKE
PHOTOGRAPHS
without permission of people
(including the police or armed forces),
luxury cars, sensitive sites or
accidents. Many people, including
Arab women, strongly object to being
photographed.
DO NOT DRINK TOO
MUCH ALCOHOL
to an extent that it affects your
behavior in public. Alcohol in Qatar is a
strictly regulated concession and there
is zero tolerance for DUI or rowdy
behavior. Please refer to Chapter VIII
for more information on Law About
Alcohol.
DO NOT GO
BAREFOOT IN THE SEA
as there may be stonefish that lie
camouflaged along the shoreline.
Although rare, their poisonous
defense mechanisms cause
excruciating pain and require a
hospital visit.
YA HALA KIT | 13

ARABIC
COURTESIES









Hello Assalam Alaykom Good afternoon/ Masaa al khair
(lit. Peace be evening
upon you)
Bye Ma’assalaamah Reply to Masaa al noor
good afternoon/
evening
Goodmorning Sabah al khair Thank you Shukran
Reply to
Goodmorning Sabah al noor You’re welcome Af-wan

14 | YA HALA KIT

Qatar Overview
Qatar Overview











Yes Na’am or Aiwa Congratulations Mabrook
No La Eid Blessings Eid Mubarak

Please Min fadlak or Ramadan Blessings Ramadan Mubarak
Lo samaht / esmahli
I’m sorry Ana asif (male),
Ana asifa (female)

YA HALA KIT | 15

QATAR NATIONAL
HOLIDAYS





Weekend: Fridays and Saturdays
Qatar National Day: December 18
National Sports Day: The second Tuesday of February
The Holy Eid Al-Fitr: 3 working days* at the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting
The Holy Eid Al-Adha: 4 working days* to mark the completion of the annual Hajj pilgrimage
Additionally, Total employees in Qatar enjoy holidays on Christmas Day (December 25) and
New Year’s Day (January 1). However, please note that these are not national holidays in Qatar.
* Both Eid holidays occur on dates in the lunar Islamic calendar, and thus their dates in the solar
Gregorian calendar change each year.


16 | YA HALA KIT

Qatar Overview
ARGENTINA
[email protected]
AUSTRALIA
http://qatar.embassy.gov.au
BELGIUM
http://qatar.diplomatie.belgium.be/en
EMBASSIES CANADA
Email:[email protected]
IN QATAR Web:http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/qatar/index
.aspx?lang=eng
CHINA
http://qa.china-embassy.org/eng/
FRANCE
https://qa.ambafrance.org/
INDIA
http://www.indianembassyqatar.gov.in/
INDONESIA
https://www.kemlu.go.id/doha/id/default.aspx
ITALY
https://ambdoha.esteri.it/ambasciata_doha/it/
NETHERLANDS
Visa:http://www.vfsglobal.com/Netherlands/Qatar/
Web:https://www.netherlandsandyou.nl/your-country-a
nd-the-netherlands/qatar/about-us/embassy-in-doha
NIGERIA
http://www.nigerianembassy.qa/
PHILIPPINES
http://dohape.dfa.gov.ph/
SPAIN
http://www.spanish-embassy.com/doha.html
UNITED KINGDOM
https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-embass
y-doha
UNITED STATES
https://qa.usembassy.gov/
VENEZUELA
Mail:[email protected]
Web: http://qatar.embajada.gob.ve/index.php?lang=en
YA HALA KIT | 17

II
VISA, TRAVEL &
IMMIGRATION












18 | YA HALA KIT

[email protected]
http://qatar.embassy.gov.au
http://qatar.diplomatie.belgium.be/en
Email:[email protected]
Web:http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/qatar/index
.aspx?lang=eng
http://qa.china-embassy.org/eng/
https://qa.ambafrance.org/
http://www.indianembassyqatar.gov.in/
https://www.kemlu.go.id/doha/id/default.aspx
https://ambdoha.esteri.it/ambasciata_doha/it/
Visa:http://www.vfsglobal.com/Netherlands/Qatar/
Web:https://www.netherlandsandyou.nl/your-country-a
nd-the-netherlands/qatar/about-us/embassy-in-doha
http://www.nigerianembassy.qa/
http://dohape.dfa.gov.ph/
http://www.spanish-embassy.com/doha.html
https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-embass
y-doha
https://qa.usembassy.gov/
Mail:[email protected]
Web: http://qatar.embajada.gob.ve/index.php?lang=en
Visa Travel & Immigration
ID (RESIDENT PERMIT),
FAMILY VISA
Qatar adopted a visa-exemption policy for citizens from more than 80 countries (including France and
the UK) in order to boost tourism. Visas are renewable every month. A tourist can get a visa upon arrival
at the entry points in the country or from Qatar’s embassies abroad. A joint-entry visa of Qatar and Oman
could also be used, which permits visits to either country. (2)
Total’s Immigration Officer is authorized to issue When applying for a Family Residence Visa,
the resident visa for expatriate employees and expatriate employees will need to prepare the
their families, and follow up with the process. following document. (2)
The employee and their spouse are both
required to provide the following to obtain the
Resident Permit: 1
Copies of all family members’ passports
1
Medical Check-up 2
A blood test for HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B and Marriage certificate in/translated into Arabic
C, and a chest X-ray for TB
3
2 Children’s birth certificates in/translated
Fingerprinting into Arabic
Once employee’s medical results are
published online, their fingerprints must be
delivered to the Criminal Evidence and 4
Investigation Department (CEID). Resident
Permits take around 6-2 weeks to be issued, In the case of adopted children, statements
of adoption and reason(s) for adoption
and the employee must not leave Qatar
during that period. are required
YA HALA KIT | 19

E-GATES
Easing the entry and exit
process for resident
expatriates through the
Hamad International Airport,
the Ministry of Interior has
activated e-gate services on
their ID cards and passports
free of charge.
This service can be
accessed by resident
expatriates with ID cards and
their children above 18 years
without the need for prior
registration. They are
required to scan the ID card
on the card reader machine
installed at e-gate followed
by fingerprint or eye scan
(retina scan). If the data on
the ID and biometrics/ retina
match, the system will open
the gate.
Further details can be found
on Metrash 2 App.
20 | YA HALA KIT

Visa Travel & Immigration
PARENTS & 1 Download and fill out the application form
FAMILY VISIT 2
VISA Attach the following documents in case
of applying visa for wife
Copies of personal ID or passport of
the resident husband and wife's
valid passport
Letter from husband's employer
citing profession and salary
Copy of attested marriage contract
3
Attach the following documents in case
of applying visa for other relatives
Copies of personal ID or passport
of the sponsor and valid passport of
the visitor
Copy of sponsor's wife's passport
with valid residence permit or
residential tenancy contract
Letter from employer of the sponsor
citing profession and salary
Document to prove relationship
Residents can apply for a short-term family visit visa for their families to enter Qatar. The visa is valid for
one month. However, relatives who wish to stay beyond one month may undergo a medical examination
within the first 72 hours of arrival to apply for an extension.
The visa can be extended for another five months for first and second degree relatives and in-laws
(Father, Mother, Sister and Children) and can be extended for only two months in case of other relatives.
Foreign employees who wish to bring their families to live in Qatar should refer to the Family Visa. (2)
YA HALA KIT | 21

METRASH 2 SERVICES

The Ministry of Interior (MOI) constantly TRAFFIC SERVICES
improves and simplifies its services delivery
channels and procedures. In the light of this,
MOI introduces its unique service “Metrash 2” LEAVE NOTIFICATION
that enables Qatari nationals and residents to
apply for and obtain more than 100 services ENTRY VISA
that save their time, effort and money, while
enjoying the convenience of using their smart
phones. The app offers several services E-GATE
including:
HOW TO INSTALL
METRASH 2
1 under your own name 2 Download the app Once you open the
App 3
Make sure the mobile
Play
Google
number you use is
from
app, enter your Qatari
Store.
date.
STEP and Qatari ID number. STEP Store/Apple STEP ID number and expiry
4 click send. No need to 5 codes (Part 1 and Part 6 Open the app and ID
You will receive an
The app will draft an
SMS with 2 activation
SMS to 92992. Simply
enter
Qatari
STEP modify. STEP 2). Note them down. STEP number and both
activation codes.
7 choice (this will be 8 You will receive a 9 Now you can login to
In PIN Code, enter
confirmation SMS.
the app with your
any -4digit pin of your
using it.
STEP your password). STEP STEP PIN Code and start
22 | YA HALA KIT

Visa Travel & Immigration











LEAVE
NOTIFICATION

All expatriates except wives and children under the sponsorship of their family members are required to
obtain a business leave notification when leaving Qatar. The employer is responsible for arranging the
business leave notification. Authorized users may complete the procedure online, through the MOI
self-service machine, MOI website’s E-service, or in person through General Directorate for Borders
Passports and Expatriates Affairs.
Please also note that Total in Qatar requires that employees should send a POB email to
[email protected] as notification when leaving the country.
For assistance or inquiries regarding any of the services above, please contact Total E&P Qatar’s
Immigration Officer. (2)
YA HALA KIT | 23

III
TOTAL IN
QATAR OVERVIEW












24 | YA HALA KIT

Total In Qatar Overview
40% 30%
Operator and Shareholder North
Shareholder Oil Company
Al-Khalij Field
20% 10%
Participant Shareholder Qatargas
Qatargas 1 1 Liquefaction Plant
Upstream North Joint Venture
16.7% 10%
Shareholder Shareholder Ras
Qatargas 2 Train 5 Laffan Refinery
2 & 1
FACTS 20% 48.6%
& FIGURES
Shareholder Shareholder
Qapco Qatofin
24.5%
Total is the only international oil company (IOC) in the
country to operate along the entire oil and gas value chain,
from exploration and production to refining petrochemicals
and lubricant retailing. All three business segments are Shareholder
presently located in our Al Fardan Tower offices. Dolphin Energy
YA HALA KIT | 25

1936 1938 1940
Total becomes a Qatar’s first oil and gas The production on
shareholder in Iraq discovery, Dukhan, is Dukhan field starts.
Petroleum Company (IPC), made on the concession
which establishes Qatar held by the IPC’s
Petroleum Company (QPC). subsidiary QPC.
2002 2001 1997
Total’s 10% interest in Dolphin Energy project First oil production from
QAPCO is raised to is launched to provide Al-Khalij Field.
20%. UAE and Oman with
natural gas from Qatar’s
North Field.
2006 2008 2009
Total acquires 16.7% Total partners with Qatar Total acquires a 10%
interest in Qatargas 2 - Petroleum International interest in the Ras
Train 5. (QPI), with 20% stake in Laffan condensate
Total acquires a 36% two exploration blocks in refinery (LR1).
interest in QATOFIN. Mauritania.
HISTORICAL VIEW



26 | YA HALA KIT

Total In Qatar Overview
1949 1974 1980
Qatar’s first oil exports QPC is nationalised and Dukhan Qatar reopens its oil
field’s operator status is transferred to and gas fields to
Qatar General Petroleum Company international oil
(QGPC), later renamed Qatar companies.
Petroleum (QP). Total takes a 10%
stake in Qatar Petrochemical
Company (QAPCO), producing
ethylene and polyethylene.
1996 1991 1984
Total pioneers first LNG Total discovers the QP, Total and BP form the
production in Qatar with Al-Khalij oilfield offshore Qatargas joint venture
the completion of the Halul. (involving gas production,
Qatargas 1 project. liquefaction and export) to
develop LNG from Qatar’s
giant North Field.
2012 2013 2015
Total and QP sign a Total enters into a new Total reaches a
heads of agreement to joint venture with QP by milestone sum of 200
extend Al-Khalij Field acquiring 10% interest million barrels of oil
license by 25 years. in a new condensate production in Al-Khalij
refinery in Ras Laffan Field.
(LR2).
QPI acquires 15%
interest in Total E&P
Congo.
2017 2016
Total and Qatar Petroleum will take over the operatorship of Total celebrates 80 years of
the giant Al-Shaheen offshore oilfield for a period of 25 years partnership with Qatar.
beginning July 2017 ,14. The concession is to be operated by Total obtains 30% stake in
the North Oil Company (NOC), which was established in 2016 the giant Al-Shaheen field
as a partnership between Total (30%) and Qatar Petroleum concession for 25 years.
(70%)
YA HALA KIT | 27

4
2









1 Total EP Qatar (TEPQ) and Total Petrochemicals
France – Qatar Branch Office (TPF QBO)
Al Fardan Tower, 61 Al Funduq Street, West Bay. P.O. Box 9803.
2 Total Research Center Qatar (TRCQ)
Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP),
Qatar Foundation, Al Luqta St, Ar-Rayyan, Qatar.
3 North Oil Company (NOC)
Navigation Tower West Bay, Doha, Qatar
Dolphin Energy
4
Dolphin Energy Tower P.O. Box 22275
West Bay, Doha, Qatar
5 Qatar Gas
Qatar Gas Doha Head Office, West Bay, Doha
6 Qatar Petroleum
P.O. Box 3212, West Bay, Doha, Qatar
28 | YA HALA KIT

3







5 6




1






YA HALA KIT | 29

EXPATRIATE EMPLOYEES
ACCOMMODATION AND SECURITY
CONTACT INFORMATION
Alfardan Alfardan Call Centre Alfardan Office Tower Alfardan Residential
Tower +974 4440 8558 Reception Tower Reception
From 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM +974 4498 0779
+974 4498 0778 +974 4420 8858
+974 4420 8859
Alfardan Security Safety and Security Maintenance
Control Room Executive Abdul Kalam

(in charge of maintenance)
+974 4498 0797 +974 3372 7351 +974 6689 8413
+974 6693 5975
(night duty for maintenance)
Al Jazi Reception Gate Security -
Compound +974 4483 3102 - +974 4487 4337
Total Holine:
+974 5090 6414
Al Messila Compound Manager: Maintenance
Compound Ajith Nair +974 5526 4078
+974 5585 7682
Total Holine:
+974 5090 6414
Gulf - Compound Manager:
Garden +974 4483 4405 Mr. Imran
Total Holine: +974 5588 9204
+974 5090 6414
Al Gassar Mr. Nomen
+974 3008 2284
Total Holine:
+974 5090 6414
City Center
Rotana
For inquiries, kindly contact
Al Areen General Services team at Al Fardan Office Tower.
Total Holine: +974 5090 6414
Marriott City Christian Le-Moine Muhammed Ashique Souher Al-Humesh
Center Hotel [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
+974 4420 8338 +974 4420 8704 +974 4420 8226
W Doha Hotel
& Residences
30 | YA HALA KIT

Total In Qatar Overview























YA HALA KIT | 31

EVENTS AT
TOTAL IN QATAR Total Qatar Open
Total in Qatar’s annual calendar is always busy with events for
employees and their families. Keep an eye out for save the dates,
which are sent to employees approximately one month prior to the
event.







Total Tennis Tournament






Traffic Week HH The Emir’s Sword Race
32 | YA HALA KIT

Total In Qatar Overview




Farewell Party
Garangao Celebrations



Blood Donation
Family Sports Day




Get on Board and Lunch & Learn sessions


Annual Party
YA HALA KIT | 33

IV
DRIVING IN
QATAR












34 | YA HALA KIT

Driving in Qatar
ROADS IN Qatar’s roads are divided into three categories.
Main roads are three-lane highways that link the
capital with other large regional centers. Minor
QATAR roads link major roads with each other and serve
the purpose of getting smaller towns and cities
connected to the major system. Access roads
serve to prevent traffic from jamming on main
roads; however, traffic is frequently very
congested even on these access roads,
especially around Doha. (3)
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
Getting around in Qatar is easy, as Doha is a fairly
compact city. Public transport services provided
by Mowasalat are safe, comfortable and relatively
inexpensive. Both taxis and buses are easily
identifiable by their turquoise-and-silver color and
Karwa designation.
KARWA TAXI
A Karwa cab can be ordered through the official
Karwa App on Apple and Google Play stores.
KARWA BUS
Mowasalat operates a large fleet of brand-new,
air-conditioned public Karwa buses that run
several routes within Doha and to other towns.
The starting point for all routes are the Grand
Hamad Street and Al Ashat Street, close to the
Doha Corniche. Bus service is available daily
between 05:00 and 23:00. Fares are QAR2 for an
inner-city ride and up to QAR7 for long-distance
journeys to towns outside Doha, including the
very north of the peninsula. Besides tickets for
individual journeys, you can buy day or weekly
tickets, which are discounted.
Whether you are headed to work, Hamad
International Airport, or out of Doha, Uber
and Careem car booking apps connect you
with a reliable ride in minutes at an
affordable rate and flexible payment
methods.
Doha Metro project will be one of the most advanced
rail transit systems in the world. It will have four lines
with an approximate overall length of 300 km and 100
stations.
YA HALA KIT | 35

Temporary (valid for 3
months) and international DRIVING
(valid for 6 months) driving
licenses’ holders are LICENSE
restricted to driving rental
vehicles; as insurance
companies require drivers of
privately-owned vehicles to
hold a full license. Once you
become a resident, you may
apply for a Qatari Driving
License. The license fee for
Qataris is QR500 (valid for 10
years) and QR250 for
non-Qataris (valid for 5
years). Additional fees apply
for driving and vision tests.

If you are caught driving
without a license, the penalty
can start at QR 1000 and
possible imprisonment; as
driving without a license is a
criminal offence. Holders of
GCC driving licenses can
obtain a permanent Qatar
driving license automatically,
regardless of their country of
origin. The majority of
European and western
licenses can also be
automatically exchanged;
however, due to the
constantly changing
regulations, it is prudent to
check with the traffic
department at the time of
applying. (3)
36 | YA HALA KIT

Driving in Qatar
The minimum age for learning to drive is
18 years old. Those who are applying for THE DRIVING
a driving license for the first time should
register with one of the Authorized TEST
Driving Schools. There is a requirement
to pass an eye test before applying to
the Driving School. To be able to take
the test, a learner must have had at
least 15 hours of theoretical classes and
a minimum of 35 hours of driving
lessons.
Most driving schools offer male and
female instructors and the test may be
taken in English or Arabic. A choice of
manual or automatic transmission
vehicles is available – check with the
Driving School for details. Please be
aware that there are restrictions and
conditions with an automatic
transmission license. (3)
The driving test comprises:
THEORETICAL TEST
PARKING TEST
ROAD TEST
You will take all parts of the test and will You can register at one of the following government
be informed at each stage whether you
have passed or failed. If you fail one part approved Testing Centres:
of the test, you will not proceed to the
next. Female applicants will most likely Al Rayah Driving School
take the test with a female Traffic Police http://alrayahdrivingschool.com/
Officer.
Doha Driving Academy
A driving license is issued immediately http://www.dohadrivingacademy.com/
after successfully passing the test.
Gulf Driving School
If you fail the test you can retake it within http://gdsqatar.com.qa/
a specified time frame without additional
charge. Parts of the test that were
successfully passed previously do not United Driving Company
have to be retaken. http://udqatar.com/
The driving license is issued immediately after passing
the test and is valid for five years for residents, and ten
years for citizens.
YA HALA KIT | 37

TRAFFIC
VIOLATIONS
VEHICLE REGISTRATION AND TRAFFIC INCIDENTS
Vehicle owners are required to register their newly purchased vehicles with the Ministry of Interior.
Registration is mandatory for both new and used vehicles.
At the scene of the incident you will be asked to
Fill out vehicle registration application form provide your license, vehicle registration and
in Qatar’s e-Government insurance documents.
(http://www.hukoomi.qa/wps/portal/hom
epage) portal
They will then inform you of the date that you
need to go to the Traffic Department to collect the
Insurance document valid for one year police report. This is usually done on the same
day or the next day.
For details regarding different traffic violations in
Qatar ID
Qatar, check the Ministry of Interior’s website on
https://portal.moi.gov.qa/wps/portal/en .There are
Bring your car along with all records and violations that can be settled by paying fines; and
papers to the Ministry of Interior’s Traffic some that cannot be settled by fines and are to be
Department viewed by the concerned court(s). Fines can be
paid directly through the Metrash 2 App.
Registration fee of QR100
Provide signed No Objection letter from
sponsor/company
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Driving in Qatar
PROCEDURE FOR
TRAFFIC INCIDENTS
For the below scenarios, it is strongly recommended to
take photo(s) of the vehicle(s) involved.
CASE A
Minor accident both parties agree on who is at fault.
Move the vehicle to the roadside to prevent traffic
congestion
Call the police (999)
CASE B
Minor accident both parties agree on who is at fault
and meet later
Exchange phone numbers
Take down their name and license number
Make an arrangement to meet at the nearest Traffic
Department
CASE C
Injury/major damage/parties do not agree on who
is at fault
Do not move the vehicle no matter the obstruction they
may cause to the road
Call the ambulance if someone is injured
Call the police as they need to see the position of
vehicle(s) to assess responsibility
CASE D
Hit and run/accident or scratch while at parking
Go to the Traffic Department closest to the scene of the
accident
The Traffic Department officer will open a file and you
will have to wait for a week in case someone comes
forward to claim responsibility
Thereafter you will receive a police report which will
enable you to fix your car
CASE E
Accident without another party (hit on stationery
object)
Go to the Traffic Department closest to the scene of the
accident
You will receive a police report which will enable you to
fix your car
You can claim insurance if your car is fully insured
YA HALA KIT | 39

CAR DEALERS
As you transition to life in Qatar and consider vehicle
ownership, you'll want to keep some key factors in mind –
affordability, type of vehicle and age of vehicle. Whether,
you're considering buying new or secondhand. Big 4WD
cars are very popular in Qatar and recommended if you
have children.
Most common car brands in Qatar are Toyota, Nissan,
BMW, Honda, Mitsubishi, Kia and Ford. Below are the
showroom locations:
TOYOTA
Abdulghani Tower, C Ring Rd, Doha, Qatar
http://www.toyotaqatar.com/

NISSAN
Al Sadd St, Doha, Qatar
https://en.nissanqatar.com/
BMW
Al Fardan Tower, 61 Al Funduq Street, West Bay
https://www.bmw-qatar.com/

MITSUBISHI
Al Sadd St, Doha, Qatar
http://www.mitsubishiqatar.com/

KIA MOTORS
Al Rayyan Rd, Doha, Qatar
http://www.kiaqatar.com/
HONDA
Khalifa St, Doha, Qatar
http://www.honda.com.qa/

FORD
Najma St, Doha, Qatar
https://en.almanamotors.com.qa/
40 | YA HALA KIT

Driving in Qatar
USED CARS CAR INSURANCE
There are several helpful websites that simplify All cars in Qatar must have insurance valid for
the process of finding the right used car, such as: 12 months before they are registered. Driving
without at least third party insurance is strictly
QATAR LIVING prohibited and illegal.
http://www.qatarliving.com/
The cost of insurance is calculated based on the
MZAD QATAR value of the vehicle; usually at a rate of around 6
http://en.mzadqatar.com/ % of the value of a saloon car, although it is
more expensive for high performance vehicles.
OLX Car insurance becomes invalid if the driver was
https://olx.qa/en/ found to be driving off-road or drinking alcohol,
however, some insurance agencies cover
QATAR SALE off-road accidents.
http://www.qatarsale.com/EnMain.aspx
Below is a list of top car insurance agencies in
Qatar:
Qatar Insurance Company
http://www.qatarinsurance.com/corporate/
Arabia Insurance Company
http://www.arabiainsurance.com/
Doha Insurance Company
http://www.dicqatar.com/en-us/
Qatar Islamic Insurance Company
http://www.qiic.com.qa/
General Takaful Insurance
http://www.g-takaful.net/
Beema Damaan
http://beema.com.qa/
YA HALA KIT | 41

V
BANKS & FINANCES













42 | YA HALA KIT

Banks & Finances
To open a bank account in
Qatar, you must be holder o f
a Residency Permit (RP). You
also need to provide a
photocopy of your passport,
your RP, two photographs,
your Qatari mobile number
(registered under your Qatar
ID) and a salary certificate
from your employer.
QATAR NATIONAL BANK
City Center Doha Mall
FREQUENTLY www.qnb.com
USE BANKS
COMMERCIAL BANK
OF QATAR
City Center Doha Mall
http://www.cbq.qa/en/perso
nal/pages/default.aspx
HSBC
City Center Doha Mall
(If you already have an
HSBC account, it will be
easier to transfer it to here)
www.hsbc.com.qa
YA HALA KIT | 43

VI
FACILITIES













44 | YA HALA KIT

Facilities
MEDICAL CARE











PUBLIC / GOVERNMENT
Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) is the main provider of secondary and tertiary healthcare in Qatar
and one of the leading hospital providers in the Middle East. For more than three decades, HMC has
been dedicated to delivering the safest, most effective and compassionate care to all its patients.
HMC manages ten hospitals – Hamad General Hospital, Women’s Hospital, Al Rumailah Hospital, Heart
Hospital, Al Wakrah Hospital, Al Khor Hospital, Cuban Hospital, The National Center for Cancer Care &
Research (Al Amal Hospital), Communicable Disease Center and Enaya Specialized Care Center – as
well as 23 primary health care centers, the National Ambulance Service and home and residential care
services.
Health care services are available to citizens and residents of the state of Qatar at a heavily subsidized
rate at HMC hospitals and clinics. These subsidized services are accessed using government-issued
Health Cards. The card provides access to all personal medical data saved in the nearest healthcare
center for rapid treatment. The health card also provides access to all public services at any of the HMC’s
run facilities. (4)
YA HALA KIT | 45

HEALTH CARD
Eligibility:
All citizens and residents of the State of Qatar are eligible to apply for a Health Card.
Validity:
One year, subject to renewal.
Outpatient Information:
To see one of the physicians, you must have an appointment. If this is your first appointment at one of
HMC hospitals, you must have a referral from your primary health care doctor or private clinic.

All referrals from Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) will go straight to the Referral Management
Office at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC). There, a specialist will review your case and determine the
level of urgency. A hospital representative will then call you to arrange an appointment within the clinically
advised time frame and at a convenient time for you.
For patients referred to HMC by a private provider, you will need to bring the referral to the clinic in
question and they will be able to send it to the Referral Management Office for the appointment booking
process to start.
Follow up appointments will be made by the booking clerks in the HMC outpatient clinic you are
attending Patients will not be seen as outpatients at HMC without an appointment. (4)
FOR MORE DETAILS HMC CALL PHCC CALL
CHECK: CENTER: CENTER:

Hamad Medical Corporation: If you need to cancel or If you need to cancel or
https://www.hamad.qa/EN/ change your appointment at change your appointment
one of HMC’s outpatient at one of PHCC centers,
Primary Health Care clinics, please call 5777 4439 please dial 107.
Corporation (PHCC): as soon as possible.
https://www.phcc.qa/
46 | YA HALA KIT

Facilities
PRIVATE HOSPITAL
AND CLINICS
Sidra Outpatient Clinic (OPC)
Education City, Al Luqta St, Ar-Rayyan, Qatar
Phone: +974 4003 3333
Al-Ahli Hospital
Ahmed Bin Ali St, P.O. Box 6401, Doha, Qatar
Phone: +974 4486 8888
Al Emadi Hospital
Al Hilal West, P.O. Box 5804, Doha, Qatar
Phone: +974 4466 6009
Hours: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Doha Clinic Hospital
Al Mirqab Al Jadeed St, Frieg Al Nasr, P.O.Box 9958,
Doha, Qatar
Phone: +974 4438 4333
Email: [email protected]
Aspetar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital
Sport City Street (Near Khalifa Stadium), P.O. Box 29222,
Doha, Qatar
Phone: +974 4413 2000
Email: [email protected]
www.aspetar.com
YA HALA KIT | 47

HIRING A MAID
HIRING A FULLTIME MAID ON YOUR
PERSONAL SPONSORSHIP
1 7 11
The rules for hiring maids You have to submit an The maid will have to undergo
can change quite frequently, application for approval to the medical testing to check for
so do keep an eye on local Immigration Department to HIV, TB and pregnancy as
news for updates. hire a maid. Afterwards, you well as fingerprinting.
will be told whether you are
eligible to sponsor a maid and 12
2 what nationality of maid your
Only a resident family can family will be allowed to If possible, see if the
Immigration Officer at Total
employ. Don't line someone up
sponsor a maid (not E&P Qatar can help you
divorced or single parents). until you have been told which
nationality. process all the paperwork.
3
8 13
To hire a full time live-in Applications can be rejected for There are also Maid
maid, you must be the sole various reasons, such as size Recruitment Agencies that
sponsor. of family, whether one parent can handle the whole
will be working or at home process for you. They have
4 during the day. potential candidates on their
books and they will do the
You have to show 6 months flights, visa, etc. This can be
of bank statements to get 9 a much easier, if slightly
approval to hire a live-in Once you have received more expensive option.
maid.
approval and have found a
candidate, the residence visa 14
5 procedure can start. Agencies tend to offer
You will need a no objection -2year contracts with a
certificate (NOC) from your 10 -3month trial period. If you
employer to hire a maid. If are not happy with the maid
obtained from the husband's You can bring a maid from or she is not happy with you
company, this can only be outside of Qatar or find during this time, a
done after the wife has someone who is already in replacement maid will be
gotten her Residence country with a transferable arranged free of charge.
Permit. visa. You must make sure that
her visa status is legal and the
6 current sponsor has no issues 15
You will also need to provide with the transfer to save It can take a month to three
a copy of your marriage yourself any headaches. months for all of your maid's
certificate, copies of both of paperwork to be processed
your Qatari IDs, passport so take this into account
photocopies with Residence when making the
Permits of all the family applications. (5)
members.
48 | YA HALA KIT

Facilities
HIRING PART TIME
AGENCY MAIDS
Another option is to use a part time maid who
would come to your house a set number of hours
and days a week to help you with your cleaning.
Some agencies also offer babysitting services.
The average rate is QR 45 - 35 an hour. This can
be a much easier arrangement than employing a
live- in maid for some. Make sure that the agency
is registered and legal. Word of mouth
recommendations are also good.
The service is charged for at an hourly rate with
the minimum usually being 4 hours per week. It’s
up to you how often you want a maid. For an
apartment, 4 hours per week is probably long
enough. For a villa, 8 hours a week should do it,
but you can have someone every day as most
services are fully flexible. It also depends on what
services you want- floor cleaning, washing,
ironing, tidying, dusting, cooking etc. (5)
A basic house cleaning service will normally
cover the following:
Floors: Thorough mop and vacuum as needed
Kitchens: Clean surfaces, dust appliances, wipe
cupboards, clean oven and fridge, and wash
floors
Bathrooms: Sanitize sinks, baths, toilets, floors
and counters
All Rooms: Vacuum and mop throughout, replace
bed linen, clean lampshades, furniture, and light
fittings
Part-time agencies:
Qatarmaids.com: 2999-7736 (Al Shafi Road)
Eurabia: 80668-445 or 1227-5556 (Salwa Road,
Near Qatar Islamic Bank)
Facebook Pages:
Maids in Qatar
Maid/Nannies in Qatar
Filipina Maid/Nannies in Qatar

YA HALA KIT | 49

EDUCATION











For a detailed map of all
schools in Qatar for all
nationalities, please visit
the Ministry of Education’s
website:

http://www.edu.gov.qa/En/Pa
ges/Home_en.aspx
50 | YA HALA KIT