Qatar : Safety by City
Qatar is a peninsular Arab country extending into the Persian Gulf, located to the east of Saudi Arabia, East of Bahrain, and West of the Emirates.
It is an extremely rich country due to its strong economical status related to its oil reserves.
Many tourists come to visit Qatar solely for the experience of seeing such a developed, rich country, in which shopping itself may turn into a completely new experience, as well as simple sightseeing of futuristic and breathtakingly designed skyscrapers and other contemporary architectural wonders.
But it’s not the only thing that attracts tourists.
Its vast deserts and dunes with their spectacular views are an unforgettable attraction for recreational safaris that all visitors enjoy.
Qatar’s largest area of the sand desert lies to the southwest of the capital, offering, to those not interesting in safaris, a wonderful view of this country’s landscapes mostly consisting of the desert scenery that continually changes depending on the time of day and light conditions.
Warnings & Dangers in Qatar
OVERALL RISK: LOW
Qatar is, generally, very safe to travel to. Apart from some natural threats to watch out for, you should have no worries about your safety. Crime rates are low and a few precaution rules should go a long way.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
There is a heightened risk when it comes to transport in Qatar. Drivers may maneuver their vehicles erratically sometimes, and there are even some aggressive drivers driving at high speed. Also, keep in mind that outside of the capital, roads vary from good to very bad and some of them are poorly illuminated at night.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
As a tourist destination, it is expected that there is some pickpocketing in public places. You should still remain vigilant in crowded places and public places near tourist landmarks.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
Keep in mind that temperatures can be extreme in Qatar, reaching as high as 50C. Haze, dust storms and sandstorms are common and even severe thunderstorms may occur.
MUGGING RISK: LOW
Mugging and kidnapping is also a very rare occurrence in Qatar, so it shouldn't be on your list of worries.
TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
There have been terrorist attacks in the Gulf region, and the possibility of another attack is heightened. Attacks could occur anyplace, even at locations frequented by foreigners.
SCAMS RISK: LOW
Even though Qatar is not known for scams, in tourist destinations you should always be cautious when receiving change, negotiating rides or any kinds of services, and also never pay for anything upfront.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
Unaccompanied western women in Qatar may experience harassment. Generally, Qatar is safe for women, but you may encounter some whispers, catcalls, or receive unwanted attention in any other way which is usually annoying than it is dangerous.
So... How Safe Is Qatar Really?
Qatar is a very safe country to travel to.
Its crime rates are low, including violent crimes that are extremely rare, especially towards foreigners.
Petty theft exists, but is not common although there have been some reports concerning credit card scams, so avoid using ATMs outside.
Western women might experience some harassment, but the harassment will probably just be annoying and won’t represent a danger for anyone.
Examples of this are men circling around your block while you walk down the street, catcalling on the street or whispering at you to get your number.
Bear in mind that, since Qatar is an Islamic country, prostitution is strictly illegal, so it’s best to avoid it while staying here.
Another issue for tourists in Qatar is that homosexuality is also illegal, and can be punishable by 5 years in prison.
Public displays of affection are also frowned upon.
Areas to avoid in Qatar are continually growing slums at the outskirts of cities.
Poorly paid workforce can’t afford decent housing so they started building slums with tin roofs and mattresses on floors.
It’s best to avoid these areas since they have higher crime rates.
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
There are 33 nations that can obtain a one-month visit visa upon arriving at Qatar, and many countries have downgraded their friendships with the country, including some that have even placed a diplomatic embargo between them and Qatar, so if you are not sure about your visa status, it is best to visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need visa for Qatar.
Currency
Qatari Riyal is the official currency in Qatar. ATMs are widespread throughout the country and credit cards are widely accepted. Tipping is appreciated but not expected.
Weather
Qatar is exposed to extremely high temperatures, especially during summer that lasts from June to September. Generally, it is warm in Qatar year-round.
Airports
Hamad International is the busiest international airport of Doha, the capital city of Qatar. In 2014, it replaced the former Doha International Airport as Qatar's principal airport.
Travel Insurance
Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Qatar, since it covers not only the costs of medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.
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 | 27 | 33 | 39 | 42 | 42 | 41 | 39 | 35 | 30 | 25 |
| Low °C | 14 | 15 | 18 | 22 | 27 | 29 | 31 | 31 | 29 | 25 | 21 | 16 |
| High °F | 72 | 75 | 81 | 91 | 102 | 108 | 108 | 106 | 102 | 95 | 86 | 77 |
| Low °F | 57 | 59 | 64 | 72 | 81 | 84 | 88 | 88 | 84 | 77 | 70 | 61 |
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