One of the topics that deserves special attention is driving in Doha. It could be a pleasant experience since Doha has good roads and highways, clear signs and of course comfortable cars, if not some factors that cloud this ideal picture.
I have to start by mentioning that American driver licenses are not valid here. It means that you have to take a driving test to get Qatary license. This test according to some people is a nightmare, especially when it comes to its bureaucratic side of dealing with officials. Al'hamdulilljah, my husband did not have to go through it because the Qatar University has an agreement with a traffic department. It allows Qatar University employees to exchange American license without taking a test. Unfortunately this agreement does not affect spouses. So, I still have to take a driving test here.
Personally, taking a test is not that intimidating as driving on Doha's roads. I still cannot get used to the fact that drivers abuse rules. Such concepts as showing signals when you change your lines, staying in your line and not driving in the middle of two lines as well as driver's solidarity are not existent here:). I am not even talking about such things as cutting you from all possible directions and speeding. The only way to survive in a such environment is to start driving aggressively. That is exactly what people do here.
Another thing that may complicate driving here is roundabouts or circular junctions where traffic moves in one direction. They were probably effective when Doha did not have so many cars, but now these roundabouts are efficient not and not safe, since people speeding and changing lines without following rules. Al'hamdulilljah, some roundabouts have traffic signals that make it easier and safer to drive.
Last but not least there are not enough exits or places to make U-turn. If you missed your turn or exit you have to drive 10 - 15 minutes until you find a place to turn and go back.
Hopefully driving situation will improve. The government is trying hard to impose severe penalties for breaking driving rules. But it take two parties to fix the problem. If drivers don't realize that reckless driving is dangerous (not only for you but also for others on roads) all attempts to improve driving conditions will be futile.
May Allah keeps all of us safe. Amin!
P.S. While writing this post I was thinking about one question. Is this behaviour a reflection of our relationship with Allah? If the answer is "yes' then it leads to another question. Is it a price we pay for economic modernization that inevitably leads to or based on individualism and not caring for others?
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