Qatar : Safety by City
Qatar is a small but mighty country on the Arabian Peninsula and is quickly giving the United Arab Emirates a run for its tourist dollars.
Once a humble pearl-diving and fishing nation, Qatar struck gold—well, gas, and oil—in the mid-20th century, transforming into one of the world’s wealthiest and most forward-thinking places.
Despite its rapid modernization, Qatar holds onto its traditions, from the bustling souqs to the striking desert landscapes.
The vibe here is a mix of polished luxury and laid-back tradition.
In Doha, you’ll see towering skyscrapers and high-end restaurants, but also locals in traditional dress enjoying a cup of karak tea at a roadside café.
Family and faith are central, and while it’s a progressive country in many ways, it remains conservative compared to Western norms.
One of Qatar’s biggest draws is its safety and stability—it’s consistently ranked among the world’s safest countries.
There’s an emphasis on order, cleanliness, and a high quality of life.
Whether you’re drawn by its futuristic vision, cultural depth, or simply its warm desert sun, Qatar has an unmistakable energy.
Warnings & Dangers in Qatar
OVERALL RISK: LOW
Qatar is one of the safest countries in the world, with very low crime rates and a strong police presence. Violent crime is rare, and even petty theft is uncommon. That said, laws are strict, so travelers should respect local customs and regulations to avoid any unnecessary trouble.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
Public transport in Qatar is reliable, and taxis, including ride-hailing apps like Uber and Karwa, are safe. However, some taxi drivers might refuse to use the meter, so confirm the price beforehand. Road conditions are good, but aggressive local driving can make traffic chaotic.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
Pickpocketing is almost nonexistent in Qatar, thanks to strict laws and high security. That said, it’s never a bad idea to keep an eye on your belongings in busy areas like Souq Waqif or malls. If you lose something, chances are someone will turn it in rather than steal it.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
Qatar has no earthquakes, hurricanes, or major natural disasters. The biggest weather concerns are extreme heat in the summer and occasional sandstorms, which can reduce visibility and irritate your eyes and lungs. If a sandstorm hits, it’s best to stay indoors until it clears up.
MUGGING RISK: LOW
Muggings are incredibly rare in Qatar, even at night. The country’s strong surveillance and harsh penalties for crime make violent attacks unlikely. Walking around Doha at any hour generally feels safe, though it’s always smart to be aware of your surroundings, just as you would anywhere else.
TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
While Qatar itself hasn’t experienced recent terrorist attacks, its location in the Middle East means there’s always a general risk. The government takes security very seriously, and there’s a strong military presence. Visitors should stay informed about any travel advisories but don’t need to be overly concerned.
SCAMS RISK: LOW
Scams aren’t a big issue in Qatar, but overpriced taxi fares and misleading tour prices can happen. Some sellers at markets may try to overcharge tourists, so bargaining is expected. Always double-check restaurant bills and use review websites like Trip Advisor to avoid minor tourist traps.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Qatar is generally safe for women, but cultural norms lean conservative. Modest clothing is expected in public, and solo female travelers may get unwanted attention, though harassment is rare. Women can drive, work, and move around freely, but public displays of affection should be avoided.
TAP WATER RISK: LOW
Tap water in Qatar is treated and technically safe to drink, but many locals prefer bottled water due to concerns about pipe quality. If you’re staying long-term, a water filter is a good investment. In hotels and restaurants, you’ll usually be served bottled water by default.
Safest Places to Visit in Qatar
Qatar’s official tourism site is visitqatar.com.
The page is packed with information to help plan a trip and make the most of your time in the country.
Souq Waqif is a standout in Doha, where narrow alleys lead to spice stalls, falcon shops, and open-air restaurants serving everything from local Qatari dishes to international flavors.
Nearby, the Museum of Islamic Art houses an impressive collection of centuries-old artifacts displayed inside an architectural masterpiece designed by I.M. Pei.
Just a short drive away, the National Museum of Qatar provides a deep dive into the country’s history, with interactive exhibits inside a striking desert rose-inspired building.
Along the waterfront, the Corniche is perfect for a stroll, especially at sunset when traditional dhow boats dot the harbor.
Luxury and leisure come together at The Pearl-Qatar, an island filled with high-end shopping, waterfront cafés, and yacht-lined marinas.
Not far from there, Katara Cultural Village blends arts, music, and public beaches.
For a more high-energy experience, Villaggio Mall offers a unique shopping scene with its Venice-inspired canals and gondola rides, while Aspire Park, one of Doha’s rare green spaces, provides a scenic escape for those looking to unwind.
Beyond the city, the Inland Sea (Khor Al Adaid) is one of Qatar’s most breathtaking natural wonders, where rolling dunes connect to the ocean.
Just off the coast, Banana Island offers a private resort experience with pristine beaches and overwater villas, reachable by boat from Doha.
For history lovers, Al Zubarah Fort, located northwest of Doha, is a well-preserved UNESCO World Heritage site that provides a glimpse into Qatar’s past as a pearling and trading hub.
Meanwhile, in Lusail, Qatar’s newest city, Lusail Stadium continues to host major events following the 2022 FIFA World Cup, making it a key attraction for sports fans.
Places to Avoid in Qatar
Qatar doesn’t have cities or regions to avoid due to safety or terrorism concerns, but vigilance is always important.
If you’re planning a desert excursion, do your research.
Don’t go alone into the desert.
Find a legitimate company and ask about safety practices.
Before planning a boating trip, visit the ICC Commercial Crime Services website to see the latest piracy report.
This details what, if any, piracy crimes have been committed in the Persian Gulf.
I would also recommend reviewing the 10 safety tips below to see some of the strict laws that will impact how you dress, act, and engage with others during your trip.
Safety Tips for Traveling to Qatar
- For emergencies in Qatar, dial 999 for police, fire, or medical assistance. For non-urgent matters, contact the Ministry of Interior at +974 236 6666 or visit www.moi.gov.qa. The Metrash2 app also allows reporting and access to government services. Police are responsive, and English-speaking officers are available.
- In Qatar, emergency alerts are sent via SMS, local news, and the Metrash2 app. The Qatar Meteorology Department provides weather warnings on www.qweather.gov.qa and social media. For official updates, follow the Ministry of Interior and Government Communications Office.
- In Qatar, sex outside of marriage is illegal and can lead to serious consequences, including arrest, fines, jail time, and even deportation. While enforcement varies, it’s a legal risk worth knowing about, especially for unmarried couples traveling together.
- Sexual assault is rare, but it can happen, and you need to know a little bit about this sensitive topic. The burden of proof is on the victim, and police might arrest victims who can’t prove the assault wasn’t consensual. It’s recommended that victims of sexual assault go through their embassies before going to the local police.
- If you’re prone to road rage, cursing, or using offensive gestures, don’t do it here. The strict laws of Qatar ban offensive gestures, language, or written words online. Always be on your best behavior.
- Don’t drink to the point of public intoxication, as that’s another serious crime in Qatar. There is also no leeway for drunk driving. If you plan on enjoying spirits, don’t overindulge, and always have a ride home ready.
- Dress codes aren’t just suggestions in Qatar. Men and women must cover everything from the neck to the knees. No leggings, shorts, or two-piece bathing suits are allowed.
- Do not talk about religion in Qatar, even if you believe you are just sharing your views. Speaking about another religion can be seen as proselytizing, which is illegal. While you are allowed to practice your faith, you cannot share your views or try to persuade others to follow.
- Pregnant women must have proof of marriage in order to get medical care. If you are unmarried and pregnant, please contact your embassy before planning a trip to Qatar.
- Air quality can be poor in the larger cities of Qatar. Use a website or app like Air Now to get the particular density, and be prepared with an N-95 mask just in case.
So... How Safe Is Qatar Really?
If you’re worried about violent crime or abundant theft, breathe a sigh of relief.
Qatar is safe to visit with incredibly low crime rates.
We also check government advisories when we compile these travel safety guides.
The U.S., Canada, the U.K., and Australia agree that enhanced advisories are unnecessary.
The basic guidance is to use the standard precautions you would in any place.
While you’re working on avoiding criminals, be careful that you don’t become one.
You might have noticed the strict laws in the list above.
While it doesn’t directly impact your safety, you should know that violations of any kind can lead to an exit ban being put in place.
That means you wouldn’t be able to leave the country until the case is handled.
For many, following the laws and respecting cultural boundaries can be quite challenging.
You should know that ignorance of the law is not an excuse and won’t matter when it comes to being arrested or punished.
It’s also helpful to know that the police can hold you if you witness a crime or are related to a criminal suspect.
All the strict enforcement seems to explain why crime is so low across Qatar!
How Does Qatar Compare?
| Country | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Qatar | 84 |
| Morocco | 54 |
| Norway | 85 |
| Romania | 80 |
| Namibia | 71 |
| Germany | 85 |
| Chile | 79 |
| Mongolia | 71 |
| Netherlands | 75 |
Useful Information
Visas
As of October 1, 2024, US citizens can visit Qatar for up to 90 days without a visa. More than 100 countries are on the visa-free list, but visit your country's government website to see if any changes have happened. Passports must be valid for at least 90 days, and you should have proof of hotel accommodation.
Currency
The Qatari riyal (QAR) is the official currency. A fixed rate is in place for the U.S. dollar (USD) (1 USD = 3.64 QAR). You'll find plenty of currency exchange businesses in Qatar, and ATMs are widely available.
Weather
Qatar has a desert climate with extremely hot summers (May–September), where temperatures can exceed 45°C (113°F). Winters (December–February) are mild and pleasant, averaging 15–25°C (59–77°F). Sandstorms occur occasionally, and humidity peaks in summer, making it feel even hotter.
Airports
Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Doha is Qatar’s main airport, about 15 minutes from downtown Doha.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend international travel insurance. At a bare minimum, get a policy that covers medical evacuation in the event of a serious accident or injury.
Qatar Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 22 | 24 | 28 | 33 | 39 | 42 | 43 | 42 | 40 | 36 | 30 | 25 |
| Low °C | 13 | 14 | 18 | 22 | 27 | 30 | 32 | 32 | 29 | 25 | 20 | 15 |
| High °F | 72 | 75 | 82 | 91 | 102 | 108 | 109 | 108 | 104 | 97 | 86 | 77 |
| Low °F | 55 | 57 | 64 | 72 | 81 | 86 | 90 | 90 | 84 | 77 | 68 | 59 |
Qatar - Safety by City
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Doha | 87 |
Qatar is friendly to women!!!!!!
The Westerner women being harassed in Qatar????????????? They are the one who are harassing the locals for their money!!!!!! Lol! I am an European women, and I am appaled by some of the westerners behaviours …So cheap! I have lived and still live in Qatar for several years, and I have never being disrespected by a men here. That just NEVER EVER happened to me or any of my friend/ colleague. Qatar is super safe for women!!! Men who would dare bother women would take the risk of being arrested by the police. If you behave in a « normal » way, dress decently ( of course you are in a place where both women and men look down at people exposing themselves too much) you should not have ANY problem. Men ( even a policeman) cannot touch you!
Qatar is both family and woman friendly. I feel safe here unlike when I have to travel back to France ( my home country) or to the USA ( where I have lived for years, and have been both harassed, and felt unsafed quite often… at some point, let’s keep it real!)
Also to break a stereotype: the local men ( Qatari ) consider it as being below their level to eve tease women…
If you are unlucky to experience a bad encounter, chances are that it will be because of an expat ( from ANY place around the world), but again if you call the police, the person will be in serious troubles…
Concerning the pickpockets… I have never heard of such a story. There are cameras and security almost everywhere there is a crowd. The only things to be careful of are:
– the taxi drivers that tend to screw people but there again, if you call the police, they will come.
-the Westerners themselves or some Philippinos who feel too much at ease in the country that welcome them, and who do not adapt to the country where they live, drink like crazy during the weekends, have promiscious behaviours and make me feel unconfortable when I have to share an elevator, or a closed space with them. They also represent a real danger when they decide to drive under the influence of alcohol.
About jobs is there goo job there such as working in a hotel without experience l o medical field
I am from Qatar thank you for your nice speech ♥️♥️♥️♥️
I need work over der please
Question about solo female in Doha
Hello- I’m 60 , female , non Muslim and doing a stopover in Doha on my way Sydney to France. Can you share any ideas on decent hotels and ideas on what to do ? Travelling over first week June and returning mid July . Thank you
Massive airport
The airport is huge so big i never left it and found it safe like most places people keep to themselves. I found the food unusual to what I eat but I didn’t mind trying the many flavours in one dish.
Wrong facts
I don’t know where you have gotten your fact from. There is misleading informations. Terroist attack medium ? Woman harassment ? Lol what a joke.
As an Iranian was born here, I never heard of anything like that. We have thought from young age that it makes you low class and cheap to stare at people doesn’t matter women or men. Always give way to women first.
Like any other country if you expose your body to grab attention then yeah there might be some looking at you but they still can’t touch Or disrespect you. The country rule is so strict about these things. I have traveled other places and got rubbed in Malaysia but never experienced such thing here and heard from my friends. In fact when We go to supermarket we leave the car engine on and go inside no one would touch others belongings
Pls i really want to know more about qatar i want to meet friend who can tell more about the country dis is my whatsap number ******
Am from Nigeria can I meet friend here i really want to know more about qatar here is my whatsap number ******
I am from Nigeria ,i want to relocate my family to Qatar,can i get good job in Qatar and also good school there ?
Terrorists
Terrorist funding country
no its not….that was just a scam from another country to frame qatar
idk
im a Qatari and nothing really happens here but some nannys run away because they don’t like how much we pay them (we usally pay them 9,000 to 10,00 it depends on the owner ) once I had a filipino nanny she stole my toys, clothes, even my parents money and she dropped my baby brother in front of my eyes about 3 times! when she finally hit me I went crying to my parents and they fired her (no afends to phillipinos).
Wrong facts
Wrong facts. There are no terrorist attacks and there are no risks for women
How about getting taken off your plane and getting your vagina checked without your permission and with no explanation or apology?
Who said no apology or explanation do you watch news ?!
I thought the same- woments are safe
I need a job at Qatar.
Hi…am African will I get something doing over there in Qatar? I love the country.
Misleading article
As an english man who has lived and worked in Qatar for the past 10 Years and has no plans on leaving any time soon, I have to say the information given in this article is very misleading. Qatar is one of the safest country’s I have ever visited or lived in. I feel far safer here than I ever have in the UK, Europe or the USA. 10 years and I have never seen anyone fighting (Fights every night in Grimsby, my home town). 10 years and never had anything stolen despite leaving my wallet containing cards and cash on a table of a street cafe in the centre of Doha during rush hour. One of the waiters rang me and told me where I had left it. As for women being molested, HIGHLY UNLIKELY. Again, in ten years I saw it happen once, The lady was from the Philippines and the Gentleman (very loosely termed) was an expat. He kept brushing her breast with his elbow whilst queuing. the lady stepped back a couple of times thinking it may be accidental but he kept moving in close and doing it again. Once she realized that this was no accident she caught the attention of a passer by who happened to be a Qatari, told him what was happening and he called the police immediately and made sure the guy didn’t leave the scene. When the police arrived they were very efficient, and after asking various questions discovered that the guy had done the very same thing to other women in the queue. He was arrested on the spot and taken away, I presume he was deported as things like that are not taken lightly over here. I know all of this is true as the lady concerned is my wife. In a nutshell Qatar is probably one of the safest populated places on the planet for both men and women.
Dont go to Qatar especially if you are a woman. According to reports female passengers bound for Australia were removed from a Qatar plane ,strip searched and sexually assaulted because they were trying to find someone who supposedly gave birth in a toilet in Doha Airport. In my opinion nothing should condone this shameful behaviour.
Emotionless
U r right, after finding a blonde baby born trashed in one of the toilets, they should’ve taken all of the suspects for 3 days in a police station under investigation instead of doing a 20 min off the plane check up. It seems people are considered about being checked in an “in proper way” than caring for an actual newborn who was thrown in the toilet’s trash can like a piece of a dirty tampon!!!! How humane of you people!
it was the crew not the passengers
stay away
After todays news of Qatari officials molesting travelers it is obviously unsafe to travel using Qatar Airways or travel via this country at all.
Qatar is very safe
Qatar is very safe
Lies from locals
Wrong
DO NOT TRAVE
Qatar is NOT SAFE for western women. The latest incident is proof of that. Do not travel here. The police force are corrupt. Their actions violate human rights. The authorities and government are corrupt and do not value the rights of women. DO NOT TRAVEL HERE.
are getting paid to comment here >lol< people are sharing their opinions and you keep replying to all < it was an incident and if it was your country they would do the same 100% and put the women in jail an treat her as a criminal , QATAR IS THE SAFIEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD, discussion closed .
Lol don’t say that. This is false. If you do that don’t do this. This is making me angry. Dislike 🙁
In Qatar women mean nothing
The fact is in Qatar if the intimate checks on foreign international female customers meant nothing then women mean nothing what more proof is needed
I wan to visit here.
I just need a good friend who can put me through because I really need to visit Qatar to see things by my self.
Pretty safe. BUT...
It is a pretty safe country.
Unless you go there to work on a stadium.
Then you will probably die.
A little more info on this would be useful, as I am heading there in January to build a water park 😳
This is all a lie, ignore all others, qatar is super safe and even if someone was sexually assulted, that happens in all countries and qatar has one of the safest crime rates
How good is Qatar
How good is Qatar
Am lost.
Hmmmmm, don’t even know what my left and right. Some comments are very encouraging but ithers are very sport killing and I can’t really tell who is speaking the truth.
As a woman living in qatar
I’ve been living here for the past 14 years and Qatar is really safe I’ve never seen or experienced anything unsafe.
Please how do I apply for a Visa and what’s the process and how long is the Visa given?
NICE COUNTRY
I apply for a jos in Qatar and had Qatar is very nice country and there rate of criminal, bandit,corruption e.t.c
I am planing to visit qatar how much a house rent in the city center
Safe
Is it safe in Qatar or not
Why are others saying it is safe in Qatar others say it is not safe who is telling the truth
It’s not safe at all