How to Call Qatar
Complete guide to dialing Qatar (country code +974)
Planning to connect with friends, family, or business contacts in Qatar? Understanding how to call Qatar doesn't have to be complicated. Whether you're calling Qatar from abroad for the first time or need a quick refresher on international dialing, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know. We'll cover the essential dialing instructions step-by-step, highlight common mistakes people make when calling Qatar that can cost you time and money, and share important phone etiquette tips to help your conversations go smoothly. You'll also discover a handy list of useful numbers for emergencies, customer service, and general inquiries. By the end of this guide, you'll be confidently making calls to Qatar without any hassle.
On This Page
Quick Reference
Dialing Instructions
How to Dial Qatar: Complete International Calling Guide
Calling Qatar requires understanding the proper international dialing format. Qatar's country code is +974, and all phone numbers in Qatar are 8 digits long with no area codes.
International Dialing Format Structure
The standard format is: Exit Code + 974 + 8-digit Phone Number
Note: Qatar numbers don't use leading zeros, so you simply dial the country code followed by the complete 8-digit number.
Step-by-Step Instructions by Country
From the USA or Canada:
- Dial 011 (exit code)
- Dial 974 (Qatar country code)
- Dial the 8-digit phone number
From the UK:
- Dial 00 (exit code)
- Dial 974 (Qatar country code)
- Dial the 8-digit phone number
From other countries:
Replace the exit code with your country's international access code (commonly 00 or 011), then follow with 974 and the local number.
Practical Dialing Examples
Example 1 - Calling a Qatar mobile number from USA:
Qatar mobile: 3312 5678
Dial: 011-974-3312-5678
Example 2 - Calling a Qatar landline from UK:
Qatar landline: 4483 7291
Dial: 00-974-4483-7291
Example 3 - Calling Qatar from mobile phones internationally:
Qatar number: 5544 6789
Dial: +974-5544-6789 (the + symbol replaces exit codes)
Important Tips
- Qatar mobile numbers typically start with 3, 5, 6, or 7
- Landline numbers usually begin with 4
- No leading zeros exist in Qatar numbers—always dial all 8 digits after the country code
- When saving contacts, use the international format (+974-XXXX-XXXX) for convenience
- VoIP services and mobile apps may have different rate structures than traditional carriers
Understanding these formats ensures successful connections to Qatar from anywhere worldwide.
The Easy Way with ZippCall
Don't want to memorize exit codes, country codes, and dialing formats? With ZippCall, you don't have to.
Simply select "Qatar" from the country list, enter the local phone number exactly as you see it, and ZippCall automatically handles all the international dialing codes for you. No confusion, no mistakes—just easy calling.
Join 7,753 users who choose ZippCall for simple international calling.
Common Mistakes
When calling Qatar, avoid these common mistakes:
1. Forgetting to drop the leading zero
Qatari phone numbers often appear with a leading zero domestically (like 0-1234-5678). However, when calling internationally, you must remove this zero. Dial +974 followed by the number without the zero.
2. Using incorrect exit codes
Many callers use the wrong international exit code for their country. While most use 00, the US and Canada use 011. Check your country's specific exit code or simply use the + symbol, which works universally on mobile phones.
3. Confusing the country code with area codes
Qatar doesn't use area codes. The country code +974 is followed directly by the local number (typically 8 digits). Don't add extra digits thinking you need an area code.
4. Including spaces or dashes incorrectly
While spaces and dashes help readability, they can cause dialing errors if copied incorrectly. The proper format is: +974 XXXX XXXX. Ensure your phone system accepts formatting characters, or remove them entirely.
5. Not accounting for time differences
Qatar operates on AST (UTC+3) with no daylight saving time. Check the time before calling to avoid inconveniencing recipients.
Cultural Etiquette
When making phone calls in Qatar, understanding local customs shows respect and helps build stronger relationships. Qatari culture values politeness and formality, especially in professional settings.
Greetings Matter
Always begin calls with "As-salamu alaykum" (peace be upon you) or a polite "hello." Take time for brief pleasantries before discussing business matters, as rushing seems disrespectful.
Business vs Personal Calls
Business calls should be formal, using titles like "Mr." or "Dr." with surnames. Personal calls can be warmer but remain respectful. Never call business contacts outside working hours unless it's urgent.
Timing Is Important
Avoid calling during prayer times, which occur five times daily. The best times for business calls are mid-morning or mid-afternoon, Sunday through Thursday. Fridays are reserved for prayer and family, making calls inappropriate unless necessary.
Formality Level
Start formally and let the Qatari person set the tone. Senior individuals deserve extra respect and deference. Maintain professional language throughout business conversations.
Voice Messages
Keep voice messages concise and clear. State your name, purpose, and contact information slowly. Many Qataris prefer direct conversation over voicemail when possible.
Cultural Considerations
Men should be cautious when calling women directly in conservative settings—contact through secretaries or family members may be more appropriate. Patience is valued, so allow conversations to unfold naturally without rushing. Speaking calmly and clearly demonstrates professionalism and respect for Qatari communication style.
Ready to call Qatar?
ZippCall lets you make cheap international calls to Qatar from any device. No contracts, no hidden fees—just simple pay-as-you-go rates.
Join 7,753 users making affordable international calls with ZippCall.
Emergency Numbers
Police Emergency: 999
Ambulance: 999
Fire Department: 999
Traffic Accidents: 999
Hamad Medical Corporation Emergency: 4439 9999
Coast Guard: 4448 8888
Qatar Red Crescent: 999 or 4444 2666
All emergency services in Qatar use the unified number 999 for immediate assistance. These calls are free from both landlines and mobile phones, available 24/7. English-speaking operators are readily available to assist expatriates and tourists. The emergency response system is modern and efficient, with well-trained personnel.
For non-emergency police matters, you can call 4428 8888. It's advisable to save these numbers in your phone upon arrival. When calling, clearly state your location, the nature of the emergency, and whether anyone requires immediate medical attention. Emergency services in Qatar maintain high international standards and respond promptly to all calls.
Useful Numbers
Directory Assistance & Information Services
- Dial 180 for local directory assistance and general information queries within Qatar
International Operator
- Call 150 to reach the international operator for assistance with overseas calls and inquiries
Tourist Helpline
- Contact 442 2444 for Qatar Tourism's visitor information service, available for travel guidance and attractions
Embassy Contacts
- US Embassy: +974 4496 6000
- UK Embassy: +974 4496 2000
- Indian Embassy: +974 4442 5888
- Contact your home country's embassy for specific numbers
Other Useful Services
- Ooredoo Customer Service: 111
- Vodafone Customer Service: 500
- Qatar Airways: +974 4023 0000
- Hamad International Airport: +974 4010 6666
- Municipality Customer Service: 184
Keep these numbers saved for convenient access during your stay.
Tips for Calling Qatar
When calling Qatar, timing is crucial for successful communication. Qatar operates on Arabia Standard Time (UTC+3) year-round with no daylight saving changes, making time calculations straightforward.
For business calls, aim for Qatar's standard working hours: Sunday to Thursday, 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM, with many offices reopening from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Friday and Saturday constitute the weekend. Always schedule important business calls in advance, respecting the mid-afternoon break many observe.
Avoid calling during Ramadan's fasting hours (dawn to sunset), when productivity shifts to evening hours. Major holidays like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha also see reduced business activity.
For cost savings, check with your provider about off-peak rates, typically evenings and weekends in your location. Consider that calling Qatar during their morning hours (8-11 AM Qatar time) often yields the best connection quality and attention.
To ensure clear communication, speak slowly and confirm important details in writing afterward. WhatsApp and video calls are widely used in Qatar, often providing better quality than traditional phone lines at lower costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
The country code for Qatar is +974. You need to dial this code before the local phone number when making international calls to Qatar from anywhere in the world. It's a unique identifier that routes your call to Qatar's telephone network.
To dial Qatar from your cell phone, start with the plus sign (+) or your country's international access code, then dial 974 (Qatar's country code), followed by the 8-digit local phone number. For example: +974 XXXX XXXX.
Qatar phone numbers don't use a leading zero, so there's nothing to drop. Simply dial +974 followed by the 8-digit local number. All Qatari phone numbers are 8 digits long without any trunk prefix or leading zero.
The cheapest way to call Qatar is using ZippCall, which offers affordable pay-as-you-go international calling rates. With ZippCall, you can call from your web browser, iPhone, or Android device with no contracts, no subscriptions, and no hidden fees—just transparent, low-cost rates for calling Qatar.
In Qatar, the main emergency number is 999 for police, ambulance, and fire services. You can also dial 100 for the fire service directly and 103 for traffic emergencies. These numbers are toll-free and can be dialed from any phone.
Yes, you can call Qatar directly from your web browser using ZippCall. Simply visit the ZippCall website, enter the Qatari phone number you wish to call, and connect instantly without needing to download any software or apps.
Start Calling Qatar Today
Now that you know how to dial, make cheap calls to Qatar with ZippCall's crystal-clear connections and unbeatable rates.
Join7,753users who have made14,035minutes of calls in the last 7 days.
View rates for calling Qatar