7 Reasons why driving in Doha can be crazy at times.

Left hand driving - opposite Singapore's right hand driving.

Roundabouts - There are more roundabouts here than signals. Traffic has grown with Doha's growth, but the road infrastucture seems to lack behind. Roundabouts are good if traffic is not heavy. However, traffic has turned heavy since a few years back. With people inpatient as well, you can see lots of cutting lanes, flashing of headlights and hornings before, during and after the roundabouts. Cars can go at high speed during the roundabout. A bit stressful at times, but quite used to it now. The idea is to go fast when the chance to cut in is available and watch for all sides when in and exiting the roundabout. hope i can take a video to show you all.

No road sign or that they are too small - basically, you will know that you need to make a turn when you reach the junction. So, the solution is to remember landmarks (eg. buildings, momument in roundabouts etc). When talking about places with people, references are mainly made to landmarks instead of road names. Think I need a GPS already. so far, a map is sufficient for doha, but not in the outskirts and sand dunes.

Unannouced road closures - this can be frustrating and make you lost.

High Wind speed - this tends to sway the car esp when your car is moving at 100km/hr (still within speed limit for roads on doha outskirts hor).

Sandstorms and Fog - with high wind speed and many sand, you get sandstorms. At times, you can see the sand "dancing" in the air in front of you and with more of these, visibility can drop to 100m. Also, fog can come and go esp in the mornings.

Heavy trucks and vehicles on the road - as doha is in a construction boom, roads and building are constructed and reconstructed constantly. Many heavy vehicles can be seen on doha outskirts.


Well, in short, if you can survive doha driving, you can do it anywhere else probably.