Talk to your mechanic about the age of your car and its ability to handle high temperatures and the extremely dry desert climate. Ask about the tires as well, if they can hold up to the heat. If your car is older than five years it cannot be imported to the country from outside the Gulf Cooperation Council, the member countries of Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, United Arab Emirates and Oman.
Look for a shipping agent with some experience in Qatar. Checking for "movers" in the yellow pages is not enough, but if you check under "shipping companies" there may be some helpful listings. Qatar Logistics is a company based in Doha that manages general family relocation and documents, but other shipping companies specialize in private vehicles such as United Auto Transport. Aramex is an international logistics company with offices in the U.S. and in Doha.
Shop around for the right information and the right price. The company you choose to go with should be knowledgeable about the paperwork, the procedure of shipping and offer you a fair price. Choosing the cheapest shipping option may put you at risk for other fees later.
Try to connect with other expatriates living in Qatar, and get advice about the make and model of your car. Find out if the brand has a strong presence in Qatar, such as dealerships, parts stores, and service mechanics. Qatar Living and Qatar Visitor are websites for expatriates and travelers, but use your company's network, and ask the shipping companies if they have any experience in Qatar with your car's brand.
Get all the necessary travel documents ready. The original bill of sale, registration and service record are important documents to have ready. They may not all be required, but the more documentation you have the easier it will be later on, in case of any further questions. You will also need an export license plate for the car and endorsement from the Embassy of Qatar.
