Reside in Qatar long enough and chances are, at some point, you’ll run into an official police vehicle that will make you look twice, thinking...’Didn’t I just see a red one yesterday?’ Or, ‘I thought the rescue police drove a blue car?’

Well the answer is yes, and yes to both. You did see that red car. You also saw the blue one too…and black and white, and gold and green. The list goes on! We get it. It’s a lot to keep track of, yet important info to know when it comes to learning about which law enforcement and first responders’ vehicles you should look for on the scene in the event of an emergency.

So, here’s our breakdown of the different kinds of police force vehicles you’ll find in Qatar:

Al Fazaa: The Rescue Police

Colour: Black and white

One of the three most common police vehicles you’ll find on Qatar’s streets, the Al Fazaa Rescue Police are unmistakable with their bold black-and-white cars. You’ll find them at the scenes of emergencies where assistance or security is needed. Established in 2009 by Qatar’s Ministry of Interior, Al Fazaa has roots in an old Arabic word that means ‘chivalry’, or ‘providing help to those in need.’ Here are a few of their functions:

• Highway and community security patrols.
• To respond to reports of crimes and providing patrols to prevent crime.
• Responding to calls from the public in need of help.
• Assisting with the control of traffic violations and providing security
• Offering assistance to children and the elderly in the streets
• Providing support and service to all relevant government ministries and departments.

Qatar Traffic Police

Colour: Blue, white, & yellow

If there’s an accident on the road, a detour, or a dignitary passing by – wherever there’s a road closure you can be assured that Qatar’s Traffic Police will be there to direct the flow of commuter traffic and ensure safety. Marked by their blue, white, and yellow vehicles, they’re the work-horses of Qatar’s police force – and are literally everywhere! Here are some of their key roles:

• Conducting investigations into traffic accidents.
• Overseeing the flow of smooth traffic, patrolling roads and official processions, and coordinating with other departments such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ceremonies Department, and the Internal Security Forces to direct traffic during official functions.
• Enforcing traffic laws, apprehending violators and collecting fines.

Lekhwiya: Internal Security Forces

Colour: Red & yellow

Not just one of the Qatar Stars League’s most formidable football teams, Qatar’s fleet of Internal Security Forces – the Lekhwiya are impossible to miss against the sable backdrop of the desert. You’ve probably seen their bright red and yellow cars out and about across the country, or parked at strategic locations throughout the city. Established in 2004, the fleet is entrusted to oversee the smooth running of security in Qatar. Some of their primary functions include:

• Mobilizing in response to security threats against the state, including but not limited to terrorist acts, or any others that threaten Qatar’s internal security.
• Making sure that all visiting dignitaries, heads of states, and VIP guests to Qatar are safe during their time here.
• Assisting and supporting various state agencies in maintaining overall security and stability within the country.
• Dealing with riots.
• Work and coordinate to combat crimes of smuggling.
• Providing security to large-scale conferences and events.

Amiri Guard & Royal Guard Brigade

Colour: Gold & Black, or Green & White

One of the most elite divisions of the Qatar Armed Forces, the Amiri Guard and the Royal Guard Brigade play an important function in the protection and security of HH The Emir and members of Qatar’s royal family, as well as high-ranking government officials, visiting heads of state, and other dignitaries. They’re primarily responsible for:

• Intelligence gathering, security, and VIP protection
• They also play a big role in the Qatar National Day parade festivities
• You can often see the Emiri Guard Equestrian Unit on horseback patrol in Souq Waqif and also riding camels on the grounds of the Amiri Diwan along the Corniche!

We hope you found this article helpful, so that the next time you spot one of Qatar’s many police service vehicles out on the roads you’ll be able to match their colour with their meaning.

Do you know of any other police vehicle designations that we should add to this list? Drop us a line in the comments below and let us know! Also, don’t forget to like and share this article.

(Written by Ashlee Starratt)
(Cover image credit: Flickr/KombizzKashani)

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ILQ Staff

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