The first phase will see the letter ‘Q’ added to vehicles whose owners have purchased through the newly-launched Sooum application.

Qatar is rolling out new license plates as part of efforts to keep pace with the latest traffic system technologies, the Ministry of Interior (MOI) announced in a press conference in Doha on Saturday.

The announcement was made by Jabr Al-Nuaimi, Assistant Director of the Public Relations Department and official Ministry of Interior spokesperson, who said the initiative reflects ongoing efforts to keep pace with traffic system developments.

Under the initiative, current vehicle number plates will be replaced with a modernised design aimed at strengthening visual identity and supporting modern technologies. The new plates, featuring the letters Q, T and R, will be introduced gradually.

The first phase will see the letter ‘Q’ added to vehicles whose owners have purchased through the newly-launched Sooum application between December 13 and 16.

The announcement has already attracted local car enthusiasts who are eager to purchase the plate numbers, which are offered at QAR 200,000 (around $55,000).

The second phase will apply to new vehicles registered from April 1, 2026, with number plates featuring letters assigned under the updated numbering system, the ministry said.

The third phase will cover existing licensed private vehicles, with plates updated by adding the letter “Q”. The ministry said the timeline for this phase will be announced at a later date.

The existing vehicles will remain unchanged until the ministry’s announcement of the specific dates for the project’s implementation.

The ministry will later implement other phases, including those for non-private cars, which will involve adding two letters to their plate numbers.