Car Rental in Qatar

What You Need to Know Before Hire a Car in Qatar

About 97% of land in Qatar consists of deserts, and exploring by car is the best way to experience its vast desert landscapes, vibrant cities, and stunning coastlines. Before you hit the road, here are some essential things to know when renting a car in Qatar:

Age Requirements:  You must be at least 21 years old to rent a car in Qatar. However, if you're looking to rent luxury vehicles, some agencies may require you to be 28 or older. Be aware that underage driver fees may apply if you're younger.

Driver's License & International Driving Permit (IDP):  If you're a visitor, you'll need your home country driver's license and an International Driving Permit (IDP) or an official license translation. The IDP allows you to drive legally for up to six months after entering Qatar. Make sure you've held your license for at least one year, depending on the car category you're renting.

Credit Card Requirement:  A credit card with at least three months of validity is essential for renting a car. The rental agency will place a security deposit on the card, usually between QR 1,000 and QR 2,000 for a sedan. The deposit will be refunded about 14 days after returning the vehicle.

Car Insurance:  While car rental insurance isn't mandatory in Qatar, it's highly recommended. Consider purchasing additional coverage like a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), as your home country’s auto insurance likely won’t cover you abroad. CDW protects you in case of an accident and is often not included in the base rental price.

Safety Rules:

• Seat belts are required for all passengers.

• Children under 12 must sit in the back seat.

• Qatar follows right-hand driving, and you must overtake on the left. At roundabouts, vehicles are always given way to those already on them.

Rental Inspections:  Before leaving the rental office, inspect the car for damage. Ensure that any existing damage is recorded in the rental agreement to avoid disputes when returning the car.

One-Way Rentals:  If you're planning a road trip, you can pick up a rental car in Qatar in one city and drop it off in another, usually in Doha. However, a one-way fee might apply for this service. Consider long-term car rental in Qatar to get extra perks.

Additional Drivers:  You can conveniently add drivers to your Qatar car rental booking. Just make sure the added driver meets the same age and license requirements as you. The additional driver fee is 100 QAR per driver per agreement. You can add upto 3 drivers; the rental conditions apply to all additional drivers.

Pick-Up Locations:  Airport car rental locations in Qatar are often cheaper and more convenient than renting from off-airport locations.

Driving Limits & Fuel Policies:  Understand the rental company's fuel policy. Car rental agencies in Qatar expect you to return the rental car with a full gas tank, or they will charge you a higher rate for refueling.

Finalrentals Qatar: To rent a car in Qatar with Finalrentals, you'll need a valid driver’s license with no penalties or endorsements, and it must be held for at least one year. If you're visiting from countries like the UK, USA, France, Germany, or Australia, your home license will work just fine. For visitors from Korea, Japan, Turkey, and Greece, you’ll need a translated version of your license approved by the council or embassy. If you’re from any other country, don’t forget your International Driving Permit (IDP).