It has been a difficult traffic week for Qatar, due to the death of its former Emir and the arrival of several world leaders in town to extend their condolences.
The congestion will likely continue into this evening, as some schools and companies have already been told of road closures.
This afternoon, parents at the Doha English Speaking School were warned of road closures in Bani Hajir and Al-Rayyan areas from 2pm to 6pm.
Some people working in the area said they have also been sent home early because of the closures.
FYI some roads nr Bani Hajer shut 2-6pm. Police controlling traffic at Sidra + Education City. We've been sent home early @dohanews
— Kathryn Edwards (@esrblog) October 25, 2016
VIPs
The blockages come after several world leaders and their delegations arrived in Qatar to offer their sympathies to the family of the late Grandfather Emir, Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad.
Figures and dignitaries began arriving yesterday to perform funeral prayers, and to pay their respects to Emir Sheikh Tamim and Father Emir Sheikh Hamad.
Local mourners and more officials were also received by both Emirs at Al Wajbah Palace, QNA reported.
This morning, the Ministry of Interior warned motorists of traffic jams in several roundabouts.
ازدحام مروري عند دوار (العبيدلي ، المائل ، الفروسية ،الصناعية ، نفق المناعي) .. الدوريات متواجدة يرجى الانتباه #الداخلية_قطر
— وزارة الداخلية – قطر (@MOI_Qatar) October 25, 2016
Translation: Traffic jam at roundabouts (Al Obaidly, Al Ma’il, Al Furousiya, Industrial and Al Mannai Tunnel). Patrols are present, please be careful.
There were also reports of congestion in Ras Abu Aboud, Hamad International Airport, and Doha’s Sheraton Grand Hotel.
2- يوجد ازدحام مروري ( راس بوعبود بإتجاه البريد ومن مطار حمد بإتجاه راس بوعبود ومن رأس بوعبود باتجاه شيراتون الدوحه ) الدوريات موجوده.
— الإدارة العامة للمرور (@trafficqa) October 25, 2016
Translation: There is traffic jam at: Ras Abu Aboud from the direction of the Postal Office, and from Hamad International Airport from the direction of Ras Abu Aboud, and from Ras Abu Aboud from the direction of the Sheraton. Patrols are present.
Frustrations
Many residents tweeted their frustrations and confusion over the traffic jams, which began yesterday and continued into today.
At this rate I am only getting to work in the morning. #DohaTraffic pic.twitter.com/3wPPmkqFUh
— Rrrrobin Adams 🇿🇦 (@RobinAdamsZA) October 24, 2016
Today's traffic is outrageous!
— سارة (@sxalansari) October 25, 2016
Horrible traffic on #DohaCorniche and roads adjacent to it – due to police road blockage. Avoid at all costs! #Dohatraffic #Qatartraffic
— Ola Diab (@diab_ola) October 25, 2016
https://twitter.com/samiromer44/status/790834783114985472
https://twitter.com/binodc/status/790847338239623168
Were you affected by the congestion? Thoughts?