DRIVING LICENCE FOR VISITORS TO QATAR

All visitors to Qatar are permitted to drive in Qatar for only 7 days from the date of their arrival in Qatar using their valid National Driving Licence. After this period they must obtain a temporary Qatari Driving licence valid for the duration of their stay in Qatar, unless they have a valid International Driving Licence which is acceptable for only six months of driving in Qatar from the time of their arrival here if they are on a Visit or Business Visa.

When a person acquires the Qatar Residence Permit, only a valid Qatari Driving Licence will be acceptable, and all other licences will not be valid to the Insurance Company.

All persons on business or visit visas are permitted to drive for only 7 days from the date of their arrival in Qatar using their National Driving Licences (All Nationalities). After this period, the insurance company will not entertain any claims, whatsoever, resulting from any accident and it will be the sole responsibility of the driver to bear all the liabilities regarding any repairs or loss of life/lives.

GCC Nationals can drive in Qatar with GCC Licences without any restrictions or limitations, whereas, Expatriates from various nationalities who hold GCC Licences can drive for only 7 days from the date of their arrival in Doha.

If the vehicle is rented by a company, it is the company's responsibility to see that its employees who drive the vehicle abide by the Qatari laws and regulations. The insurance companies will not entertain any claims unless a proper valid driving licence in accordance with the laws and regulations of Qatar, is presented by the person concerned.

EDIT: For more on obtaining a driver's licence in Qatar, why not check out our guide here