News 25 Aug 2026 1 min read

Back to school: 30 km/h zones and new safety works at 674 schools as 419,000 students return

Ashghal finished traffic-calming works around 674 schools before the 30 August start of term; the Ministry of Transport asks parents to plan routes and departure times.

The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) completed traffic safety measures around 674 schools across Qatar ahead of the new academic year, which began on Sunday 30 August with around 419,373 students returning to 649 schools and kindergartens. The measures follow the School Zone Traffic Safety Programme that Ashghal has run since 2013, and which now covers 675 schools. Around each school the speed limit is set at a maximum of 30 km/h, enforced with speed humps. Road markings and pedestrian crossings have been renewed, red surfacing marks cyclist warning zones, sidewalks have been widened with protective barriers, and ramps have been added for students with disabilities. "Safe infrastructure is only half the equation; the other half depends on road users' responsibility towards safe driving practices," said Eng Abdulla Al Maraghi, Road Safety Engineer at Ashghal. Drivers are asked to keep to the limit and slow further at arrival and dismissal times; cyclists to use the designated parking, give way at crossings and keep their distance from students and staff. The Ministry of Transport said the country's transport network was ready for the return, and asked parents to plan the school journey in advance, pick a suitable departure time to avoid the peaks, and teach children how to behave on school buses and public transport. For everyone else, the first weeks of term are the busiest on Qatar's roads: expect the 6.30-7.30 am and 1-2.30 pm peaks around schools to add time to any journey. Sources: Qatar Tribune, 25 August 2026; The Peninsula, 29 August 2026.