Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about renting with Al Muftah Rent A Car — Qatar's first car rental company, since 1971.

Booking & Reservations

How can I rent a car in Qatar?

Book online at www.rentacardoha.com, call or WhatsApp our reservations team on +974 7063 4433, or visit any of our branches. Choose your vehicle, rental dates, pickup and return locations, and confirm your booking.

How far in advance should I book?

As early as possible — especially for weekends, public holidays, major events and peak travel periods. Early booking gives you the widest choice of vehicles and the best rates.

Can I book a car for the same day?

Online reservations can be done only pick ups after 24 hours. For urgent bookings, call or WhatsApp our reservations team and we will confirm immediately.

Can I choose a specific car model?

You can select your preferred category or model when booking. Specific models are subject to availability at pickup; if your chosen model is unavailable we will offer a vehicle of the same or higher category.

What is the minimum rental period, and how is a rental day calculated?

The minimum rental is one day. A rental day is a 24-hour period from the time of pickup. We do not offer hourly rentals.

Can I change my pickup or return date and time?

Yes. Log in to your account on our website or contact us as soon as your plans change. Changes are subject to availability, and the rate may be adjusted if the new dates fall into a different rate band.

Can I extend my rental?

Yes. Request an extension before your scheduled return time — online through your account, or by phone or WhatsApp — and we will confirm availability and the applicable charges. Extensions can be paid by payment link or at any branch. Keeping the vehicle without an approved extension is treated as a late return.

Can I cancel my reservation?

Yes. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before your scheduled pickup time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before pickup, or failure to collect the vehicle (no-show), are charged one day's rental. Prepaid amounts are refunded to the original payment method, less any applicable charge.

Can I manage my booking online?

Yes. Log in to your account on www.rentacardoha.com to view, modify, extend or cancel your bookings. Our reservations team is also available 24/7 by phone, WhatsApp or email.

Rental Requirements & Driving Licences

What documents do I need to rent a car in Qatar?

Please bring the originals of the following — photocopies, photographs and digital versions are not accepted:

  • Qatar ID (residents) or passport with valid visa / entry stamp (visitors)

  • Valid driving licence (see licence rules below)

  • Credit card or debit card for the security deposit — or choose our deposit-free option

Can tourists rent a car in Qatar?

Yes. Visitors can rent with us provided they meet the age, licence and payment requirements above. Tell us your flight number when booking and we will track your arrival.

Can I drive on my home-country licence?

This depends on your licence and your status in Qatar.

  • GCC licences (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman) are accepted without an International Driving Permit.

  • Visitors on a visit or business visa may drive on a valid home-country licence for the first 14 days after entry. With an International Driving Permit (IDP) together with your national licence, you may drive for up to six months from the date of entry.

  • Qatar residents (employment or residency visa) must hold a valid Qatari driving licence. A home-country licence or IDP is not valid for residents, and becomes invalid as soon as your residence permit is approved.

If you are unsure, contact us before booking and we will confirm exactly what you need.

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP)?

If you are not a GCC licence holder and your stay exceeds 14 days, yes — bring your IDP together with your original national licence. An IDP on its own is not valid.

I have just become a resident. How do I get a Qatari licence?

If you hold a licence from an approved country — including the GCC states, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, the UK and the USA — you can exchange it for a Qatari licence without taking a test. Submit your original licence, a completed application form and a letter of no objection from your employer at the Traffic Department. Holders of other licences must pass the Qatar driving test.

Is there a minimum age?

Drivers must be at least 21 years old. This applies to all vehicle categories, with no young-driver surcharge.

Can someone else drive the rental car?

Yes, and additional drivers are free of charge. They must meet the same age and licence requirements, present their original documents, and be registered on the rental agreement before driving. Only registered drivers are covered by insurance.

Prices, Payment & Deposit

What is included in the rental price?

Every self-drive rental includes comprehensive insurance, unlimited mileage, routine maintenance and 24-hour roadside assistance. Fuel, optional extras, delivery charges and traffic fines are not included. Rates, deposit, excess and the price of any extras are shown against each vehicle when you book.

Is there a mileage limit?

No. All our rentals come with unlimited mileage within Qatar.

When and how do I pay?

Payment is normally taken at pickup. For certain bookings our reservations team will send you a credit-card pre-authorisation form and block the equivalent of at least one day's rental to secure the reservation; you can also prepay through a secure payment link sent by our team. We accept cash, credit and debit cards, bank transfer, payment link and Fawran instant transfer.

Is there a security deposit?

Yes. The deposit amount depends on the vehicle and is shown when you select it. You can choose one of three options:

  • Credit-card deposit — a pre-authorisation (hold), not a charge. It is released after the rental closes and takes 30–45 days to reflect in your account, depending on your bank; this timing is outside our control.

  • Debit-card deposit — QAR 3,050 is debited at pickup and QAR 3,000 is refunded 30 days after return. QAR 50 is retained as a processing fee.

  • Deposit-free rental — no deposit is taken; a daily surcharge applies, shown against each vehicle.

Can I rent without a credit card?

Yes. Use your debit card for the deposit, or choose the deposit-free option with its daily surcharge.

Are there any additional charges?

Charges outside the standard rental package are shown at booking and in your rental agreement. They may include vehicle delivery and collection, child seats, Collision Damage Waiver, the deposit-free surcharge, one-way returns, late returns, excessive cleaning, damage not covered by insurance, and traffic fines plus any administration fee.

Insurance & Protection

What insurance is included?

All vehicles carry comprehensive insurance, including third-party liability cover as required by Qatar law. If the vehicle is damaged, you are responsible for the excess shown against your vehicle, unless you have taken our Collision Damage Waiver. Cover is subject to the terms of the rental agreement and the insurance policy — it does not apply if the driver was not registered on the agreement, was under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or used the vehicle off-road, outside Qatar or for a prohibited purpose.

What is the excess if the car is damaged?

The excess depends on the vehicle and is displayed against each vehicle when you book.

Can I reduce my excess?

Yes. Our Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) reduces your excess to zero for covered damage. CDW charges vary by vehicle and are shown when you book. Please note that a police report is mandatory for every accident or damage, even with CDW — without a police report we cannot accept any claim.

Are tyres, windscreen and glass covered?

Yes. Tyres, windscreen, glass and undercarriage damage are covered, provided you obtain a police report — this applies to own damage as well as accidents involving another vehicle. Interior damage is not covered and is charged to you. Smoking in the vehicle is not permitted; if the vehicle is returned with smoke odour or residue, a cleaning charge based on vehicle size applies.

Is personal accident insurance available?

We do not offer personal accident insurance. Third-party liability cover is included as required by law; we recommend travellers hold their own travel or medical insurance.

What should I do if I have an accident?

First make sure everyone is safe, then call 999. A police report is required for every accident and every damage, however minor — without it, the insurance claim cannot be processed and you will be liable for the full cost of repairs. Then contact us on +974 7063 4433 and we will guide you through the next steps. Do not arrange any repairs yourself unless we instruct you to.

What happens if the car breaks down?

Call our 24-hour roadside assistance on +974 4481 0400 or +974 6651 5980. Our own service team and garage handle mechanical issues, and if the vehicle cannot be repaired quickly we will provide a replacement so your rental continues without interruption.

Locations, Airport & Delivery

Where can I pick up my rental car?

Select your preferred location when booking:

  • D Ring Road — Main branch, Doha

  • Hamad International Airport — open 24 hours

  • The Pearl Island — Porto Arabia

  • Al Khor — Downtown

What are your opening hours?

Our Hamad International Airport branch operates 24 hours a day. Opening hours for our other branches are listed on the Contact Us page. Reservations and roadside assistance are available 24/7 by phone and WhatsApp.

Do you offer car rental at Hamad International Airport?

Yes. Our airport desk is in the arrivals hall, in the car rental section, and is staffed around the clock. Give us your flight number when booking and your vehicle will be ready when you land.

Can you deliver the car to my hotel or home?

Yes. We deliver and collect anywhere in Qatar. Delivery charges depend on distance from the nearest branch and are shown at booking; delivery is free for monthly and long-term rentals.

Can I return the car to a different location?

Yes, one-way returns between our branches are available on request; a one-way fee may apply and should be confirmed at booking.

What happens if my flight is delayed?

If you have given us your flight number we monitor your arrival automatically and hold your vehicle. If your plans change, let us know by call or WhatsApp on +974 7063 4433 — available 24/7.

What if I arrive late for pickup?

Contact us as soon as you know you will be late and we will hold your vehicle wherever possible. Bookings not collected within 24 hours of the scheduled pickup time without notice are treated as a no-show.

What should I bring when collecting the car?

Your original ID (QID or passport), original driving licence, IDP if required, the credit or debit card used for the deposit, and your booking confirmation.

During Your Rental

What is the fuel policy?

Fuel is not included. The vehicle is supplied with a recorded fuel level and should be returned at the same level. If it is returned with less, the missing fuel is charged to you. Extra fuel left in the tank is not refunded.

Are there restrictions on how I can use the car?

Rental vehicles are for normal on-road use within Qatar only. The following are not permitted and will void your insurance cover:

  • Off-road driving, dune bashing, beach driving or racing

  • Commercial use, deliveries, ride-hailing or driving instruction without our prior written approval

  • Towing, carrying dangerous goods, or exceeding the seating capacity

  • Smoking in the vehicle and carrying pets

Can I take the rental car outside Qatar?

No. Our vehicles may not be taken outside Qatar under any circumstances. Doing so voids your insurance and you will be liable for all resulting costs.

How are traffic fines handled?

Fines, speed-camera and parking violations incurred during your rental are your responsibility. We check the Ministry of Interior system at the end of every rental. You may settle fines directly with the Traffic Department at no extra cost; if Al Muftah settles on your behalf, an administration fee of up to QAR 100 per fine applies and the amount may be deducted from your security deposit. Visitors should note that all outstanding fines must be settled before leaving Qatar.

What extras can I add?

Child and infant seats, Collision Damage Waiver and the deposit-free option can be added when you book; prices are shown against each vehicle. Apple CarPlay / Android Auto is available on many models — check the vehicle details when booking.

What should I do if I lose the vehicle key?

Contact us immediately. A replacement key and any associated costs, including recovery of the vehicle if required, are charged to you.

What if I leave something in the car?

Contact us as soon as possible after returning the vehicle. We will make every reasonable effort to locate and return your property, but we cannot accept responsibility for items left in the vehicle.

Returning Your Vehicle

Is there a grace period, and what happens if I return late?

You have a grace period of up to 2 hours after the agreed return time. Beyond that, one additional full day is charged. If you know you will be late, request an extension before your return time.

Can I return the car early?

Yes. Your rental is recalculated at the rate applicable to the actual length of the rental, and any unused amount is refunded.

Can I return the car outside business hours?

After-hours returns are available at selected locations by prior arrangement. Contact us before your return to confirm the procedure and key drop-off. The vehicle remains your responsibility until it is inspected by our team.

Do I need to clean the car before returning it?

Return it in reasonable condition. Excessive dirt, sand, stains, odours or unusual cleaning requirements are charged according to the size of the vehicle.

How is the vehicle inspected on return?

Our team checks the vehicle's condition, fuel level and accessories against the check-out inspection record you signed at pickup. Any new damage or missing items is documented with you and handled according to the rental agreement.

When is my security deposit released?

Credit-card pre-authorisations are released automatically after the rental is closed and checks for traffic fines and damage are complete; depending on your bank, the hold may take 30–45 days to disappear from your statement. Debit-card deposits are refunded 30 days after return, less the QAR 50 processing fee.

Monthly, Subscription, Long-Term & Corporate Rentals

Do you offer monthly rentals?

Yes. Monthly rates apply to rentals of 25 days or more and are significantly lower per day than daily or weekly rates.

What is included in a monthly rental?

Comprehensive insurance, unlimited mileage, registration, routine servicing at our own garage, 24-hour roadside assistance, free delivery and collection, and a replacement vehicle whenever yours is with us for maintenance or repair. You pay only for fuel.

Do you offer subscriptions?

Yes. Choose a 1, 6 or 12-month subscription, with the rate reducing the longer you commit. Subscription rates are displayed on our Subscriptions page. If you return the vehicle before the end of your term, the rental is simply recalculated at the rate for the period you actually used — for example, a 6-month subscription returned after 5 months is charged at the monthly rate, and a 12-month subscription returned after 7 months is charged at the 6-month rate.

Who looks after servicing during a long-term rental?

We do — servicing is included and carried out at our own garage and quick-service centres. Please keep an eye on the service-due sticker in the vehicle and call us when it is approaching; we will schedule the service and provide a replacement vehicle while yours is with us.

Do you offer long-term leasing?

Yes. We provide brand-new vehicles on lease terms from 1 to 5 years for individuals, companies and institutions. Leases include full maintenance, insurance, registration renewal and a replacement vehicle during servicing or after an accident — a fixed monthly cost with none of the burden of ownership. Call +974 7063 4433 and we will arrange a package tailored to your needs.

Do you offer corporate accounts?

Yes. We serve embassies, multinational companies, contractors, consultants and the hospitality and logistics sectors with dedicated account management, consolidated monthly invoicing, tailored fleet solutions and preferential rates. Contact +974 5585 1679 to set up an account.

Is there an employee discount programme?

Yes. Employees of our partner organisations enjoy exclusive rates on short-term and monthly rentals — see the Employee Loyalty Program & Corporate Partnerships page for the list of partners. Simply present your staff ID when booking. If you would like your organisation to join the programme, contact our corporate team on +974 5585 1679.

Chauffeur, Transfers & Transport Services

Do you offer chauffeur-driven cars?

Yes. Our chauffeur service provides premium sedans and SUVs with professional, well-trained drivers for executives, VIPs, events and airport transfers — available by the hour, day or on longer contracts.

Do you offer airport and point-to-point transfers?

Yes. Fixed-price one-way transfers within Doha are available in sedans, SUVs, luggage vans and 13, 23 and 65-seater vehicles. Rates are shown on our website when you select the transfer option.

Do you provide staff transportation and buses?

Yes. We provide dedicated, end-to-end transport for corporate employees, schools, camps and events with our fleet of 13-seater vans, 23-seater buses and 65-seater coaches, with or without drivers, on short-term or long-term contracts.

Do you rent pick-ups and commercial vehicles?

Yes. Our commercial fleet includes 4x2 and 4x4 pick-ups, luggage vans, passenger vans and heavy-duty vehicles for projects, logistics and site work.

Do you offer city tours?

Yes. Guided tours of Doha and beyond are available with a chauffeur — ask our team for current itineraries.

Driving in Qatar — Quick Guide for Visitors

Which side of the road do you drive on?

Qatar drives on the right, and vehicles are left-hand drive.

Are rental cars automatic?

Yes — all our cars are automatic. A small number of commercial pick-ups are manual; check the vehicle details when booking.

What are the speed limits?

Typically 50–80 km/h in urban areas and 100–120 km/h on highways. Limits are clearly signposted and enforced by speed cameras; fines are issued electronically and passed on to the renter.

What are the key traffic rules?

The key rules include:

  • Zero tolerance for alcohol or drugs when driving.

  • Seat belts are mandatory for all occupants. Children under 10 must sit in the back, and young children need an appropriate child seat.

  • Using a hand-held phone while driving is prohibited.

  • Carry your driving licence and the vehicle registration (in the glove box) at all times.

Are there toll roads?

No. Qatar has no toll roads.

Where can I refuel?

Fuel stations are widespread across Qatar and fuel is inexpensive. Most stations accept cards and offer attendant service.

What number do I call in an emergency?

Dial 999 for police, ambulance or fire. Then call us on +974 7063 4433.

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