You drive on the right hand side of the road and seatbelts are compulsory for the driver and front seat passenger. Qatar driving can be intimidating, frustrating and even dangerous. Experienced drivers find knowing what to expect can be half the battle. You won't be able to change the system or the drivers so accept and adapt to the local driving conditions.
A contradiction in terms, but "Defensive / Aggressive Driving" is the safest way to arrive at your destination. Be aware of your surroundings at all times and be prepared for the unexpected.

Choose a vehicle you are most comfortable driving and keep a close eye on all of your mirrors. If the vehicle behind you is approaching quickly with flashing headlights - the driver is in a hurry and wishes you out of his path. If it is safe to do so - appease him. Do not touch your brake pedal flashing your brake lights.

Lane Protocol
People tend to drive in the left lane, as vehicles approaching from the right tend not to stop when joining the main road, so usually On a three lane road most people will drive in the middle or left lane, leaving the right lane to heavy vehicles.

Roundabout Protocol
Usually when approaching a roundabout from a two lane carriageway the right lane is meant for turning right and the left lane for continuing straight ahead, turning left or turning back. On a three lane carriageway the right lane is for turning right, the middle lane is for going straight ahead and the left lane is for turning left or turning back unless otherwise stated. Don't forget to signal because it lets the driver behind you know your intention. In saying that, you may find that a lot of people do not follow roundabout protocol and if you're in the middle lane on entering the roundabout you get squeezed from both left and right lanes. Many roundabouts are now being fitted with separate slip roads for turning right.

Avoid driving behind
Taxi's: they are likely to stop anywhere without any indication.
Water Trucks: often very slow and unpredictable.
Buses: they stop frequently

Caution
Be mindful of trucks carrying any load and in particular when they are going around a roundabout or overtaking you.

Pedestrians either crossing on foot or on their bicycles, watch out, stay alert, keep your eyes wide open and try not to step on the accelerator too much.

The Traffic Police from time to time will carry out random checks on driving licenses, vehicle registration documents and the wearing of seat belts.

There are speed limits on all roads, and the police have mobile radar cameras and unmarked cars fitted with video cameras. Many traffic signals have a static camera, which will flash anyone jumping a red light. You can be subjected to a traffic penalty without your knowledge. Frequently the first you will learn of it will be upon annual vehicle re-registration or when involved in a car accident. You can now check online if you have any driving tickets at www.moi.gov.qa or www.e.gov.qa (although it is not always up-to-date).

Remember: don't be put off by what you have read here or by what other people might say, because after you've been here for a short time you will see that there is an order to the way people drive, be patient observe the system and you will come to understand it.

(Courtesy Tony Porter - Oasis Cars)