Doha

Is Doha safe to visit?

On the street, extremely. Qatar recorded 0.07 homicides per 100,000Homicide rateThe number of people killed on purpose each year for every 100,000 residents. It is the most comparable crime figure between countries.More in the glossary people in 2022, a rate as low as Tokyo or lower, and the UK Foreign Office calls crime levels low. Families stroll the Corniche and Souq Waqif until midnight, and theft is rare.

What lowers Doha's score is outside the crime statistics. Since 28 February 2026, Iran has fired missiles and drones at Qatar, which hosts the largest US air base in the region, and the US State Department advises Americans to reconsider travel. Air quality is poor, and summer heat is dangerous. We score Doha 81, just below Dubai, with medium confidence because the conflict keeps changing.

The Iran strikes and what they mean for Doha

The attacks began within days of the US-Iran war. On 2 March, Qatar's Defence Ministry said its air force had shot down two Iranian Su-24 bombers and intercepted seven ballistic missiles and five drones; Qatari officials said the targets included Hamad International Airport. The heaviest blow came on 18 March at Ras Laffan, the LNG plant 80 km north-east of the city, which was badly damaged without injuries.

A US-Iran memorandum of understanding followed on 17 June, and the UK stopped advising against non-essential travel to Qatar the next day. The FCDOFCDO travel adviceThe UK government's travel advice for each country, which can advise against all travel or all but essential travel to specific areas.More in the glossary says Iran again carried out strikes across the region from 8 July, including in Qatar, against US military and civilian infrastructure. In early October the attacks shifted to shipping: on 7 October drones hit a tanker about 51 nautical miles off the Qatari coast. No strike on Qatari territory has been reported in this latest wave. The US advisoryUS travel advisoryThe US State Department's rating of each country from Level 1 (exercise normal precautions) to Level 4 (do not travel).More in the glossary, updated on 28 August, stays at Level 3.

Doha has also been hit from another side. On 9 September 2025, Israel struck a residential compound in the city in an attempt to kill Hamas leaders.

For a visitor, the realistic risks are disruption and falling debris rather than a direct hit:

• Airspace can close at short notice, and flights through Hamad International have been cancelled in waves.
• Keep emergency alerts on your phone. If told to shelter, move to an interior room or stairwell and wait for the all-clear.
• Stay away from military and security sites, and do not film interceptions.
• Buy insurance that covers conflict-related cancellation; many policies exclude war.

Crime, laws and scams

Theft is rare and violent crime against visitors very rare. As in the rest of the Gulf, the trouble foreigners get into is usually legal. Alcohol is served only in licensed hotel bars and restaurants, to over-21s with original photo ID, and being drunk in public can mean prison. Swearing or rude gestures, including at other drivers and online, can lead to arrest or deportation. Some prescription medicines need a health ministry permit; check before you pack.

The scams are mostly online: fake holiday flats, cheap desert tour deals and event tickets that do not exist. Use Karwa taxis, Uber or a pre-booked car rather than unlicensed drivers who approach you at the airport or the souq.

Is Doha safe at night?

Yes. Souq Waqif, the Corniche, Katara, Msheireb and the Pearl are busiest after sunset, when the heat eases. Gallup's 2025 survey did not include Qatar, but 90% or more of people in the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Oman said they feel safe walking alone at night, among the highest shares in the world. The FCDOFCDO travel adviceThe UK government's travel advice for each country, which can advise against all travel or all but essential travel to specific areas.More in the glossary's one caution is for women alone at night: use pre-booked taxis or apps, check the registration and tell someone your route. Sexual assault is rare, but the law puts a high burden of proof on victims, so contact your embassy first if it happens.

Heat, dust and the roads

The everyday health risk is the climate. From June to September, temperatures often pass 45°C with high humidity along the coast, and people collapse from heat exhaustion on long walks or desert trips. Plan outdoor sightseeing for November to March, or early mornings and evenings.

Air quality is Doha's weakest point. IQAir measured an annual PM2.5PM2.5Tiny airborne particles 2.5 micrometres across or smaller. They reach deep into the lungs and are the air pollutant most linked to early death.More in the glossary average of 31.3 µg/m³ in 2024, about six times the WHO guideline, and dust storms push it much higher. If you have asthma or heart disease, check daily readings and bring your medication. Healthcare is good, but visitors pay, so carry insurance.

Roads have improved a lot. The National Planning Council counted 52 road deaths across Qatar in January to April 2024, down from 77 in the same months of 2022. The FCDOFCDO travel adviceThe UK government's travel advice for each country, which can advise against all travel or all but essential travel to specific areas.More in the glossary still calls road discipline very poor, with high speeds and drivers flashing lights to demand the lane. The metro, opened ahead of the 2022 World Cup, is the easiest way to reach the souq, West Bay and Msheireb.

How to stay safe in Doha

• Check the US and UK advisories and your airline the week you fly, and allow long connections at Hamad International.
• Keep phone alerts on and know your hotel's shelter plan.
• Use the metro, Karwa taxis or ride apps rather than unlicensed lifts.
• Visit between November and March, and in summer stay indoors at midday.

How we scored it

Theft and scams (90) and walking at night (88) are among the strongest on our list. Health and environment (60) is the weakest because of dusty air and extreme heat. Violent crime (87) includes a deduction for the Iranian strikes on Qatar; without them it would be in the mid-90s, and it would rise if the attacks stop.