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Stay Safe & Healthy in Qatar
Stay Safe In Qatar
The emergency number for police, ambulance or fire brigade is 999.
Qatar stands out clearly from the surrounding region, there is no war, no conflicts and hardly any crime.
Western women travelling alone are sometimes stared at by local men, along with other unwanted curiosity seekers. However, this is more of a nuisance than a threat, and Qatar officials deal harshly with any complaints of harassment. If you want to blend in better with the locals and attract fewer stares, you can buy a long black coat and headscarf worn by local women, called an abaya, at various places in Doha.
Driving on the roads is probably the biggest danger to your well-being. Although safer than most other Asian and Middle Eastern drivers, Qataris often ignore traffic rules and are intolerant of pedestrians trying to cross the road. Be safe when walking near or across major roads.
Dust storms and sandstorms are another major problem that often occur during the dry summer. These natural events can envelop the country in darkness and cause severe breathing problems. If a sandstorm approaches, seek shelter immediately or wear a face mask.
Stay safe around water
- Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
- Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
- Do not dive into shallow water.
- Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
- Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
- To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.
Crime in Qatar
The majority of the population is made up of affluent citizens and foreigners with lucrative employment agreements. There is also a sizable number of blue-collar foreign workers who are employed on short-term contracts on numerous building projects all around the nation.
Despite the country’s and its society’s cultural diversity, both are quite stable. Petty crimes like stealing and pickpocketing do occur in Doha, the city’s capital, but as long as you keep your possessions secure, you should be alright.
ATM and credit card theft does occur, therefore always make sure the ATM you are using does not have a card scanner, and keep your cash and valuables hidden if you want to prevent losing your card.
Traffic Safety
In Qatar, fatal traffic accidents are a major cause of death. Due to roadwork and high speeds, driving is difficult and risky.
Driving on remote roads requires caution. They may be hazardous as a result of:
- unsafe driving
- drifting sands
There are sandstorms and dust storms. This can seriously impair visibility and increase the likelihood of car accidents.
Rain can result in flash flooding and hazardous driving conditions.
It’s illegal:
- to drive with any alcohol in your system
- to leave the scene of an accident as a driver until the police tell you to do so
You can only take your vehicle off the road if no one was injured in the collision.
Additionally, it is forbidden to use profane language and gestures in transportation. This includes responding to the unsafe driving of other motorists or to traffic incidents.
If you plan to drive:
- check you have enough insurance cover before driving
- check local traffic laws and practices before driving
- drive carefully and legally
- avoid arguments over traffic incidents
If you have an accident, contact police and stay with your vehicle if it’s safe to do so.
Motorcycles
Verify whether your travel insurance coverage includes your use of a motorcycle, quad bike, or similar vehicle.
Constantly wear a helmet.
Taxis
Use only authorized cabs and limousines, and stay away from touts. Make these arrangements with your hotel. Skip the shared taxis.
The population, especially in Doha, makes heavy use of ride-sharing services like Uber.
Public transport
Despite having a well-developed bus transportation network, Western visitors and foreign residents rarely use it.
In Doha, taxis and ride-sharing cars are commonly accessible.
Drugs
Long prison terms are part of the punishments for drug offenses. If police find illegal substances in your body, they may arrest you with possession.
In your country, drugs that are available over-the-counter or with a prescription can be prohibited in Qatar.
If you have medication to treat HIV and hepatitis, authorities may detain and deport you. If you test positive for either disease, this is another possibility.
Local customs
In Qatar, modest attire and behavior are expected. When entering places of public accommodation, such as museums and other governmental structures, visitors are asked to cover their shoulders and knees. It is important for World Cup attendees to be aware that it is not authorized to remove clothing inside stadiums.
Check the relevant dress standards before entering tourist destinations, retail centers, or other public spaces. Check out the information on exhibit at the locations or on their websites. Be mindful not to offend. If unsure, get local counsel.
While visiting Qatar, refrain from posting online criticism of Qatari commercial firms, government policies, or services. This includes writing online reviews of your hotel or dining experience. In Qatar, these actions might be regarded as cybercrimes.
Swearing and making crude gestures are obscene behaviors that can result in fines, jail time, and/or deportation. When interacting with the police and other authorities, exercise extra caution.
Qatar observes the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. During this period, abide by all laws and practices related to religion and culture.
Throughout Ramadan, it’s possible that it’s forbidden to eat, drink, or smoke in public during the day. Avoid doing these things around people who are fasting if you are not one of them. Ask for local guidance to prevent offense.
Stay Healthy In Qatar
Drink lots of bottled water! No matter how much you drink, you should drink more. Also take proper precautions for the sun, including clothing that covers your skin and sunscreen.
If you have outdoor activities planned while visiting Qatar, follow these instructions to keep yourself safe and healthy.
- Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
- Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
- Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
- Heat-related illness, such as heat stroke, can be deadly. Eat and drink regularly, wear loose and lightweight clothing, and limit physical activity during high temperatures.
- If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
- Protect yourself from UV radiation: use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
- Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
- Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.
Tips for staying safe in Qatar
Dress Code
There is a dress code in Qatar, though you will notice many exceptions, mostly from visitors. This policy was put in place as a sign of respect and to prevent any offense from being taken. In conclusion, you should avoid wearing clothes that is too tight or sheer and cover your shoulders, cleavage, and legs above the knees. G-string bottomed bikinis are not appropriate for wearing anywhere other than beaches and pool areas. Of course, topless bathing is prohibited! In a pub, the clothing code is less important, but you should consider covering up with a convenient pashmina for the trip. The dress code has been implemented in every mall in Qatar, and violators may be ordered to leave the building or buy more “acceptable” apparel before being let back in.
Public displays of affection
Public displays of affection with the opposite sex in Qatar can get you in to trouble- so no kissing, canoodling, fondling in public whatsoever- whether it’s with your husband or not- it can still cause offence. A peck on the cheek or holding hands with your husband is fine!
Hand Gestures
Depending on whoever you flick the bird at in Qatar, you might be fined, thrown in jail, or expelled! So resist the urge to make an offensive hand gesture, no matter how insane the driving. Giving the Vs or the finger are two hand signals that are offensive.
Swearing
Swearing at someone is also forbidden in Qatar; whatever happens, keep your calm and avoid using your potty mouth- it might get you in big trouble!
Being Drunk
In fact, being intoxicated in public is banned in Qatar and can result in a fine, jail, or deportation. Everything will be OK 99.9% of the time, but you must keep your wits about you. Always, always, always get into a taxi right outside whatever place you’re at- don’t be tempted to meander! And never, ever, ever drink and drive—not even once. There is a zero tolerance policy here, and it is not worth putting your or others’ life in danger—take a cab, surrender your vehicle, and use the Safe Driver service! Make sure you also have a liquor license!
Photography
Normal tourist photography is permissible, however photographing Muslim ladies is considered offensive. It is also proper to obtain permission before photographing guys. Photographs of government buildings, mosques, or military installations should be avoided in general.
Taboo topics
Because Qatar is a conservative country, it is best not to discuss sex, religion, or politics. Even if your beliefs on these matters are fair to you, keep in mind that they are based on a different point of view (perhaps western). It’s also worth noting that criticizing the emir is a crime (according to the constitution), and anything negative about the Prophet Mohammed is considered offensive.
Avoid asking locals personal questions, especially regarding female family members, and avoid exhibiting enthusiasm for their worldly things. For most Arabs, familiar privacy is a fundamental virtue.
Drugs
In Qatar, there is no tolerance for drug-related offenses. The consequences for drug usage, trafficking, smuggling, and possession (even of trace amounts) are severe. Long-term incarceration, hefty fines, and deportation are all possible punishments.
Many travellers use Hamad International Airport as a stopover on their journey to other places. The airport has cutting-edge security technology, all baggage are examined, and transiting passengers carrying even trace amounts of drugs may be detained.
Some prescription and over-the-counter medications may be classified as prohibited substances in Qatar. If you need to bring controlled/prescription medication into Qatar, make sure you have an official doctor’s prescription, hospital record, or letter from your general practitioner outlining the drug, the quantity prescribed, and the dosage. This note or letter should also be signed and stamped by the doctor/consultant and the hospital or operation.
Alcohol
It is illegal to consume alcohol or be drunk in public. British nationals have been detained under this statute, usually after being brought to the police’s attention for a connected offense, such as unruly or provocative behavior. Drinking in public, for example, might result in a prison sentence of up to 6 months and/or a fine of up to QAR3,000. Only approved hotel restaurants and bars sell alcohol, and expats living in Qatar can access it through a permit system. Don’t bring booze with you (except to take it on the day of collection from the warehouse to your home). In Qatar, the legal drinking age is 21, and venues serving alcohol will require original photo ID upon admittance.
Importation of Goods
It is forbidden to import drugs, alcohol, pornography, pork products, and religious literature and materials into Qatar. At Hamad International Airport’s Arrivals Hall, all luggage is scanned. DVDs and films are subject to examination, censorship, and confiscation.
The importation, sale, and purchase of electronic cigarettes, liquids, and other related goods is also prohibited under Qatari legislation (eg electronic shisha pipes). The law is applicable regardless of the quantity or intended usage. Customs officials have the authority to seize and confiscate any such things found entering the nation through any methods, including in passengers’ luggage or through the mail.
Relationships outside of marriage
Any public closeness between men and women (including between teenagers) can result in arrest.
Living together while unmarried is banned in Qatar, as is sex outside of marriage, whether between same sex couples or opposite sex couples. This can result in arrest and a possible court action, with the verdict including a fine, a jail sentence, and deportation once the sentence is completed. This is particularly true when the behavior has caused offense. See the page on local laws and customs.
If you become pregnant outside of marriage, you and your partner may risk jail and/or deportation under the laws against sex outside marriage. During prenatal visits, doctors will need proof of marriage. An unmarried woman who gives birth in Qatar may face difficulties in certifying the birth of her child and may be arrested, imprisoned, or deported. To obtain a birth certificate from Qatari authorities, you must first present a marriage certificate, and the authorities may match the date of marriage to the estimated date of conception.
LGBT
The LGBT community is facing legal hurdles that could result in up to three years in prison and a fine. Under Sharia law, the prospect of capital punishment is mentioned only for Muslims, however there is no evidence that it has been implemented in the country. The government does not recognize same-sex marriage, and residents are not permitted to advocate for LGBT rights. In 1998, an American tourist was sentenced to six months in prison. Things have altered since then, with English singer George Michael being the first openly gay musician to perform in Qatar in 2008.
Women travelers in Qatar
Women going alone may receive the odd glare, but there is nothing to be concerned about in Doha. Women should dress modestly and avoid wearing clothes that is too tight.
In Qatar, it is unlawful to harass women, which includes everything from starting up a discussion to staring. Many female expats and vacationers report feeling comfortable in Qatar, but the most important rule is to respect local norms and dress modestly to prevent unwanted attention.
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