Life on the Spot! Life and Leisure in Doha, Qatar

It’s been 15 days since I got my driver’s license and I’ve started driving in the streets of Doha since then. So it’s official, I’m house keeper, driver, wife and mother! Not that I’m complaining, I actually am glad that I’m able to do these things. I usually drive when I bring Xiane to school on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, since she only goes to school 3 days a week. I drove by myself on my way to church twice already. I also brought Tian to work 2 times before the Ramadan started. But now he’s working late since Ramadan has started, he drives himself to work. So far, I can say that driving in Doha is okay. It’s still a bit scary especially when you get to the round abouts, and it is especially a little scarier at 7-8:30 in the morning and 7:30-9:30 now that it’s Ramadan. I don’t know what it is about this season but it seems that people are a little crazy on the road these days. Well, it must be hunger. I’m sure I’m not the only one who has made this observation.

These are the important things to remember though when driving especially here in Doha:

The Roundabouts: when you drive along the round about, always remember to know where to go. If you go straight it’s better to be in the middle lane, if you’re going right, stay at the right lane. If left, stay in the left lane, the same thing applies when you need to make a U-Turn. Don’t forget to make a signal because it makes the driver behind you know about your intention. Don’t forget to look at your sides using the side mirrors, because sometimes even if you keep your lane, some stupid driver might try to get in your way. And last but not the least, always make sure that you maintain the lane until you get past the roundabout. If leave the roundabout on the middle, you should always get to the middle lane after the roundabout and make the necessary lane change only when it is clear.

The U-Turn Slots: This is quite a dangerous thing to do when driving. I only tried it once and don’t want to try it again. So unless you’re an expert driver, I suggest you take the nearest roundabout to make the U-Turn. It may be a longer route but it is safer and will save lives. Although if you dare pass the U-Turn slot make sure you look into the left side mirror. It is also important to look back for your peripheral vision, sometimes you don’t see everything through the side mirror. Most importantly, you should have the guts to do it. As for me, I don’t think I have it just yet.

The Pedestrians: This is something you should watch out for. Pedestrians are either crossing on foot or on their bicycles. I am too scared for them. It’s like they don’t value their life at all. I mean, crossing along D-Ring and it doesn’t matter what time of day. One scarier thing is that they just come out from the dark. So drivers better watch out, stay alert, keep your eyes wide open and try not to step on the accelerator too much. My husband told me that a lot of pedestrians die from being run over here in Doha. It makes me wonder if it’s high time that overpasses be constructed in Doha.

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