Safety and security in Qatar

Terrorism

There is an underlying threat from terrorism in Qatar. Attacks, although unlikely, could be indiscriminate, including places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
Terrorists continue to issue statements threatening to carry out attacks in the Gulf region.  These include references to attacks on Western interests, including residential compounds, places of worship, military, oil, transport and aviation interests.

You should maintain a high level of security awareness, particularly in public places.  You should avoid large gatherings and demonstrations.

For more general information see Terrorism Abroad.

Crime

Nearly 11,000 British nationals live in Qatar, and approximately 40,000 visit annually.  Most visits are trouble-free.  Although incidents are not common, female visitors should take care when travelling alone at night and are advised to use one of the reputable limousine companies.

The threat from street crime is low.  Credit and Debit cards are widely accepted and the incidence of card skimming is low but sensible precautions should be observed.
  For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.
Political Situation   Qatar Country Profile
Regional developments, including in Iraq, and the Middle East Peace Process continue to have an impact on local public opinion in the region.  You should be aware of local sensitivities on these issues.  You should follow news reports and be alert to regional developments.  You should take sensible precautions for your personal safety and avoid public gatherings and demonstrations.   Local Travel

Road Travel

Driving in Qatar is of a lower standard than in the UK.  Road discipline is very poor, speeds are high and minor accidents commonplace. Qatar has the highest fatality rate among developed & developing nations (source: journal of Technology & Science June 2009). In the first 10 months of 2007 240 people died as a result of road traffic accidents (source: Qatari Government figures). This equates to a ratio of 30 road deaths per 100,000 of population and compares to the UK average of 5.5 road deaths per 100,000 of population in 2005 (source: UK Department for Transport).   If you have a motor accident, remain with your vehicle.  It is an offence to leave the scene of the accident although if no one has been injured in the accident and it is safe to do so, you should move your vehicle to a safe nearby parking position.  It is strongly in your own interests to display calm at all times. A police report is required before any repairs can be carried out to your vehicle or any claim made against your insurance.

Significant increases in penalties for traffic offences were introduced in February 2009.  This includes talking on a mobile phone whilst driving, and not wearing a seatbelt. Even minor expressions of "road rage", such as rude gestures, can attract significant penalties. The penalty for using mobile phones while driving has been increased to a minimum fine of QR 3,000 (£500) and a maximum fine of QR 10,000 (£1666).  Offenders could also be liable to one-year’s imprisonment.

The law stipulates that the driver and the front seat passenger should wear seat belts all the time.

Excursions to the desert can be hazardous unless undertaken in an adequately equipped 4 x 4 vehicle. Always travel in convoy with other cars, take a supply of water and a mobile telephone if you have one and leave travel plans with friends or relatives.   Visitors (tourist or business) may drive in Qatar for a maximum of 14 days on a foreign driving licence following their arrival in Qatar. After 14 days they must apply for a temporary Qatari licence. This licence is valid for 3 months.  Once you obtain a residency permit, you must contact the local traffic department to obtain a full Qatar driving licence, as you will no longer be permitted to drive on a UK or temporary licence.  Driving on an International driver’s licence is not permitted.   It is an offence in Qatar to drink and drive.  There is zero tolerance for drinking and driving. Offenders  will be detained and fined. Offenders are also likely to be imprisoned and /or deported. Driving under the influence of alcohol is punishable by a custodial sentence of between one month and three years, a fine of QR10,000 (£1666) to QR50,000 (£8333), or both.   You should note that any police case file being opened against you in respect of a driving or drinking related incident automatically results in a ban on leaving Qatar until your case has been resolved.  Most cases are straightforward and are dealt with by the Public Prosecutor. However, more serious cases can take up to six months to be heard.  If a local lawyer is required, the fee will be around QR30,000 (£5,000) to initially consider your case.