If you have a call or are attempting to dial a number starting with +974, you are looking to connect with the State of Qatar.
The international country calling code +974 is the mandatory dialing prefix for all telephone and mobile numbers in Qatar, a country located on the Persian Gulf coast in the Middle East. Unlike many other nations, Qatar uses a simplified, closed numbering plan with no internal geographic area codes.
This comprehensive guide details the dialing format for +974, explains the country’s unique numbering system, and provides essential information for placing international calls to the capital city, Doha.
The +974 Country Code: Location and Numbering System
The code +974 is used exclusively for Qatar. It is part of the Zone 9 code block, which is designated by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) for countries in the Middle East, South Asia, and Central Asia.
Key Facts About +974
| Detail | Information |
| Location | Qatar (Entire Country) |
| Capital City | Doha |
| Time Zone | Qatar Standard Time (QST) – UTC+3 |
| Local Number Length | 8 digits (The National Significant Number – NSN) |
| Area Codes | None (The entire country is treated as one numbering area) |
How to Correctly Dial a Qatari Number
Due to Qatar’s simplified, closed dialing plan, the sequence is straightforward: you only need the country code and the 8-digit local number.
Step-by-Step Dialing Instructions (Example from the US/Canada)
- Dial the Exit Code: Dial 011 (the standard US/Canada exit code) or use the plus sign + on a mobile phone.
- Dial the Country Code: Dial 974.
- Dial the Local Number: Dial the full 8-digit subscriber number.
Full Example: 011 + 974 + XXXX XXXX
Number Prefixes in Qatar
Instead of geographic area codes, the first digit of a Qatari phone number indicates whether it is a landline or a mobile line.
| Number Start | Service Type | Examples of Starting Digits |
| 4 | Fixed Telephony (Landlines) | 44XX XXXX (8 digits) |
| 3, 5, 6, 7 | Mobile Telephony | 3X XXX XXXX, 5X XXX XXXX, 6X XXX XXXX, 7X XXX XXXX (8 digits) |
| 800 | Toll-Free Services | 800 XXXX (7 digits after the code) |
| 900 | Value-Added Services (Premium Rate) | 900 XXXX (7 digits after the code) |
Time Zone and International Call Considerations
Time Zone
Qatar observes Qatar Standard Time (QST) at UTC+3:00.
- When calling from the US Eastern Time Zone (EST/EDT), Qatar is typically 7 to 8 hours ahead. Always check the time difference before calling to ensure you do not call at an inconvenient hour.
Scam and Safety Risk
The +974 country code is not frequently cited for the high-volume toll scams associated with some other international codes. However, as a hub for international business and communications, the country’s mobile numbers can still be spoofed or used in sophisticated phishing attempts.
Safety Tip: Be wary of texts or calls (especially via WhatsApp, which is common in Qatar) that claim you have won a prize from a Qatari telecom company (like Ooredoo or Vodafone Qatar) and ask for banking details or an account update. Legitimate companies will never request sensitive financial information via unsolicited messages.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does Qatar have area codes?
No. Qatar uses a fixed-length, 8-digit National Significant Number (NSN) for all regular landlines and mobile phones. The first digit of the 8-digit number serves as the service identifier (e.g., ‘4’ for landline, ‘3,’ ‘5,’ ‘6,’ or ‘7’ for mobile).
What is the charge for calling a +974 number?
Calls to +974 are billed as international long-distance calls. The cost depends entirely on your carrier’s international rate plan. It is highly recommended to use a global calling package or a Voice over IP (VoIP) application for more affordable calls.
Are the 8-digit phone numbers the same length across the entire country?
Yes. The maximum length of the National Significant Number (NSN) in Qatar is 8 digits for fixed and mobile services. This length is uniform across the country’s numbering plan.
Conclusion
The +974 country code is the sole telecommunications identifier for Qatar. Its straightforward 8-digit dialing system makes international calling simple once you’ve dialed your country’s exit code. For security, be highly cautious of any unexpected texts or calls from this region, and always verify a caller’s identity through official means.
