Is Qatar Safe For Women? Solo Female Travel Tips

Is Qatar safe for women? And is it safe for women traveling alone? If you are headed to Qatar, you have come to the right place. Whether you are curious about solo female travel in Qatar or are wondering is Doha safe for women, we will cover that here – and everything in between. Let’s get into it.

Qatar is a Middle Eastern country that is rapidly gaining popularity as a top tourist destination in the Middle East. And for good reason!

Similar to Dubai, Qatar is a modern and well designed city that is easy to navigate. There are so many things to do in Doha, the capital city, which is where most people’s visit will originate.

From historical sights and museums to desert adventures and bustling souks, Qatar deserves a spot on your bucket list, for sure. So, let’s talk about safety in Qatar for tourists, and particularly for women traveling to Qatar.

Where Is Qatar?

Qatar is situated on the Arabian Peninsula, with borders that run along the Persian Gulf and Saudi Arabia. United Arab Emirates sits across the Gulf, east of Qatar.

Where to stay in Qatar as a woman:

I based myself in Doha for the majority of my visit, and found it to be the best choice.

First, you are within easy access of just about every Doha tourist attraction you might want to see in Doha. Second, it is an easy base for many of the best tours in Qatar, as they tend to leave from Doha in most cases.

Here are my top three accommodation recommendations in Qatar, where I stayed as a solo female. Each are located in a safe area were you can feel free to come and go as you please.

1. Souq Waqif Boutique Hotel

Souq Waqif Boutique Hotel is my top pick for in Doha. It is right in the center of the souk, so you are surrounded by great restaurants, never-ending shops, and public art.

The hotel rooms are clean and comfortable, and the staff is incredibly friendly and helpful. And Souq Waqif is one of the must-visit places in Doha, so the location can’t be beat.

2. Saraya Corniche

My next recommendation is the Saraya Corniche, which offers easy access to the corniche waterfront (and is not too far from the Souq, either.) The rooms are understated, if a bit dated, but this hotel is a decent pick.

The restaurant serves Arabic and Indian food, and you’ll also have a fitness center, pool, and restaurant / bar on site. This hotel is more budget-friendly than my top choice, so it’s a good choice if you’re traveling on a budget.

3. The 21 High Street Residence

If you prefer to stay near the ocean, the 21 High Street Residence is a great choice. Located on Katara Beach, near the Katara Cultural Village, this chic hotel has a lot to offer. Visit the on site fitness center, and enjoy a daily continental breakfast every morning.

Is Qatar Safe?

Qatar is, in general, a very safe destination to visit. In fact, it earned the number one spot for “Safest Country in the World” for two consecutive years (2021 and 2022) on the Numbeo Crime Index rankings.

Qatar is an Islamic country and Sharia Law is recognized here. This means that there are certain rules and regulations based in Islam that all people must follow. That includes both citizens and visitors, alike.

Tourists can explore Qatar’s attractions and sites with a strong sense of safety.  

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Is Qatar safe for women?

For women traveling alone, safety is always a valid concern. And, I can understand this concern within the Middle East in particular, due to the way the western media portrays this region.

I am happy to report that Qatar is very safe for women, even those traveling alone. And know because I was one! I solo traveled Qatar and found it unproblematic in just about every way.

Whether you’re traveling alone, with family or with friends, female tourists can visit this country without worry.

However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t things to be aware of. There are certain behaviors you need to avoid and certain cultural norms you will need to respect. Let’s dive in to what to do and what not to do as a female tourist in Qatar.

Be sure to check out my most-loved essential travel safety items, too!

Tips For Solo Female Travel in Qatar

If you are traveling as a solo female in Qatar, here are some cultural expectations and norms to be aware of. I am confident that if you take my advice, you will find Qatar to be very safe for women.

How to dress in Qatar as a woman.

Because Qatar is a Muslim country, women will need to dress conservatively. This will save you from unwanted stares and attention. And, it also shows respect for Qatari values and traditions.

Be sure to check out my complete Doha packing list for the full details, but here are some basics on what you should pack.

In general, loose and flowy clothing is key in Qatar. This will keep you modestly dressed but cool and comfortable.

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When to Visit Qatar.

Here is what to expect in Qatar as far as climate and weather!

The fall months (September through November) and the spring months (February through April) offer milder yet pleasant weather. These are easily the best times to visit Doha. The days will be longer, and the temperature will be warm but not too hot.

The summer months are extremely hot and unforgiving, as you might expect in the desert. It is safe to assume that you will have triple digit weather from May through August.

Qatar is also a great place to be in the winter months (December to January.) The weather will be on the cooler side and night may even bring a chill. But, the daylight hours are shorter.

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Things to do in Qatar as a solo female.

I had an incredible time exploring Qatar solo. I felt completely safe as a woman, and I highly recommend that you get out there and explore, too!

Here are the best things to do in Qatar as a solo female.

1. Take a Doha City Tour.

On your first visit to Qatar, it is a great idea to take a Doha city tour and get your bearings.

I highly recommend this top Doha tour because it stops at all the most important sights. You’ll drive along the Corniche to spot some of the best places to walk later. You’ll visit Pearl Island and learn about Qatar’s pearl farming history. My personal favorite spots for photo are the Katara Cultural Village and Souq Waqif, and you will sees both on this tour.

Lastly, you’ll get a unique view of Doha as you float on a traditional dhow boat along the city skyline. This is a great introduction of Doha!

2. Visit Katara Cultural Village.

If you take the tour mentioned above, you will have already seen the Katara Cultural Village. But if not, you need to make a stop here!

You’ll see the impressive Pigeon Towers, an two gorgeous but vastly different mosques. Explore the large amphitheater and enjoy karak tea at one of the cafes.

Katara Cultural Village is a must see.

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3. Book a Desert Safari.

You can’t visit Qatar without seeing the incredible Arabian Desert. Book this desert safari tour for the best of the best!

Enjoy wild dune bashing across the sandy plains. Go camel riding and sandboarding for a thrill. The tour includes hotel transfers in an air-conditioned 4WD vehicle so your trip is completely stress free!

4. See Qatar’s Mangroves.

Interested in getting off the beaten track and see some sights you would not expect to see in Qatar? Then this private tour of North Qatar is for you!

Explore Qatar’s rich cultural history on this unique tour. Learn about traditional pearl farming and visit an old shipyard – a relic from the past. Explore the Al-Thakira mangroves and the 20th century Al Zubara Fort – a UNESCO World Heritage site.

If you want to dig deeper into the region’s history, this is the absolute best way.

5. Walk Souq Waqif.

Souq Waqif is a popular bustling area full of incredible eateries, textile shops, public art, and souvenir stalls. But, it is so much more than that, too.

Tourists and locals gather here and the area is alive well into the evening. The famous Falcon Souq can be explored here, as can the Al Koot Fort and Grand Mosque.

I felt completely safe walking around this area as a solo female, both in the daytime and late at night. It is a must see!

Pro Tip: If you want to learn about more things to see and do in Doha, check out my full article here.

Things not to do in Qatar.

Now that we’ve covered some of the best things to do, we need to also cover what not to do. Since Qatar is a Muslim country, let’s break down some of the cultural norms and expectations for your visit.

1. Don’t dress promiscuously.

Traveling to Qatar as a woman means you’ll need to be mindful of how you dress. We’ve talked about what to wear in Qatar above, but let’s talk a bit more about what not to wear.

To keep from standing out or offending the locals, here is the best rule of thumb. Always wear clothes that cover your knees, midriff and shoulders. Qatar is hot with a capital H-O-T, so light and loose clothing is ideal.

Always carry a scarf or a shawl to cover your head when entering mosques. It is also great to have on hand for any situation where you’d like to cover your shoulders or wrap around your neck for extra modesty.

Pro Tip: Note that outside of gyms and public beaches, shorts and tank tops are really not acceptable attire (unless the tank top is under a kimono, like I outlined above.) If you do visit bars or clubs, things tend to be a bit more relaxed.

2. Don’t get drunk in public.

Alcohol is definitely taboo in Qatar. It is available for tourists in places like clubs, bars, and duty free shops, but it is not a part of local life as it is in the west.

In Qatar, public drunkenness is not tolerated. If you do choose to imbibe, do it in the safety of your hotel room to be safe. Otherwise, you can be arrested and put in jail if you are caught.

3. Public displays of affection are not allowed.

If you are traveling to Qatar with a significant other, be sure to respect this cultural norm. You will not see couples, even married ones, walking around in affectionate embraces.

Physical touch, at least in a romantic sense, is generally reserved for in the home.

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How to get around.

Is public transportation in Qatar safe for women traveling alone? You bet!

Traveling around Qatar as a solo female is surprisingly simple and safe.

In Doha, I recommend using the clean and reliable Metro system. It stops at the airport, Souq Waqif, Katara Cultural Village, and more. General timings are as follows:

• Saturday – Wednesday: 6am – 11pm
• Thursday: 6am – 12am
• Friday: 2pm – 12am

Expect one way fares to cost just 2 QAR, which is roughly .55 cents in USD. Learn more about timings and prices here.

Doha is a great place to base yourself for just about any Qatar tour as well. Most of them depart from and return to Doha, as they understand that this is where most tourists will fly in and out of.

When not using the metro or tours, my next go-to in Doha is Uber. And, you can also get around by taxi. But again, I prefer and recommend Uber myself. Get more tips in my solo female taxi safety guide!

FAQ’s

Is Doha safe?

The country’s capital, Doha, was ranked the second safest global city in 2022. I spent plenty of time in Doha alone, and felt completely safe walking around alone as a woman, even at night.

Stick to popular areas like Katara Cultural Village and Souq Waqif, and you will blend right in.

Is Doha friendly to Americans?

Since I did in fact visit Doha and I am an American, I am happy to report that they are very friendly to Americans. In fact, locals in Qatar are known for friendly hospitality. They are very welcoming to foreigners.

What food is Qatar known for?

The national dish of Qatar is Machbūs, which consists of rice, meat, and vegetables that are slow-cooked to give it a rich flavor. Other common staples are dates, karak tea, and seafood.

Can you kiss in public in Qatar?

Don’t do it! Public displays of affection with the opposite sex are extremely taboo in Qatar, and can get you into trouble. Save any type of affection for your private hotel.

Conclusion: Is Qatar Safe for Women?

I feel extremely confident in saying that Qatar is safe for women. In fact, it is consistently named one of the safest countries in the world. And, anecdotally, it was one of the most laid back places I’ve traveled.

I felt no fear or concern about walking alone in Doha, both in daytime and in the night. Locals and visitors alike seem to be kind, respectful, and welcoming.

I did, however, follow all of the tips and recommendations listed above, so I advise that you do the same!

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