Qatar Country Report

Qatar is a small country located on a peninsula in the west of the Persian Gulf. It is a stable absolute monarchy that enjoys one of the highest per capita incomes in the world due to its sizeable oil and natural gas reserves. The country borders Saudi Arabia to the south, and is otherwise bordered by coastline. Expatriates form the majority of Qatar's residents, with most being from South Asia and non-oil-rich Arab states. A growing economy and the government's encouragement of diversification and foreign investment make the country a popular destination for foreign business people. Most trips to Qatar are safe as the risk of both crime and civil unrest remains low. However, there is an underlying threat from transnational terrorist groups, who continue to threaten to carry out attacks against Western interests in the region.

Tensions with Qatar's regional neighbors were significant following the Qatar Crisis, which saw Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt, and the UAE sever diplomatic ties in June 2017. A subsequent land, air, and sea blockade was implemented. In January 2021, at the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit in Al Ula, the quartet of blockading states resumed normal diplomatic relations and lifted the blockade.

The Israel-Hamas conflict has resulted in heightened geopolitical tensions in the region. The conflict is unlikely to impact Qatar directly. The country and its Emir are playing a diplomatic role, in particular, in the negotiation between Hamas and Israel over the release of hostages and the passage of humanitarian aid. Several limited and contained protests in support of Hamas or Palestinians in Gaza have been reported in Qatar, but they are mostly peaceful and not disruptive.

Qatar's highway and road networks are in good condition, and the country can be traversed by road in a few hours. Sand and dust storms occur regularly, especially in the winter and spring, and can disrupt air and overland travel. Extreme temperatures in the summer can pose discomfort to travelers and a risk of heat stroke.

Relations between Qatar and its regional neighbors have improved since January 2021 after Saudi Arabia and its allies agreed to lift the 2017 blockade. Civil unrest is extremely rare and rates of criminal activity are low, although foreign nationals may be targeted for petty theft including pickpocketing. There is an underlying threat of terrorism, particularly directed at Western interests in the country, and a number of regional and transnational groups such as the Islamic State (IS) have threatened Qatar in the past. However, Qatar's capable security forces and strict immigration policies help mitigate the threat.

The Israel-Hamas conflict has resulted in heightened geopolitical tensions in the region. The conflict is unlikely to impact Qatar directly. The country and its Emir are playing a diplomatic role, in particular, in the negotiation between Hamas and Israel over the release of hostages and the passage of humanitarian aid. Several limited and contained protests in support of Hamas or Palestinians in Gaza have been reported in Qatar, but they are mostly peaceful and not disruptive.

There are no particular concerns regarding aviation safety in Qatar.

Road infrastructure is generally good in urban areas, although traffic congestion is a problem.

Hamad Port is highly efficient and abides by international standards.

Utilities are of a good standard.

Qatar has been the victim of several high-profile cyber-attacks on government and media websites, financial institutions, and energy networks in the past.

Qatar has a subtropical desert climate that is characterized by extremely hot temperatures in the summer which can cause discomfort. Industrial accidents are common as public health and safety standards may not be up to Western standards. Qatar has some of the highest levels of pollution in the world. Earthquakes occur occasionally but are typically minor. Sand and dust storms occur regularly, especially in the winter and spring. Flooding can occur during the rainy season from October to March.

Extremely high temperatures in the summer months can cause serious discomfort and even heat stroke, with those working outside or in non-climate-controlled environments being at particular risk. Medical care in Qatar is generally of excellent quality and pharmacies can be easily found in Doha. The quality of tap water is uncertain and most travelers only drink bottled water.

Qatar's government and political situation is stable. Corruption is present, although foreign nationals are unlikely to encounter bribery or facilitation payments. The legal system is based on Sharia (Islamic law). A large police presence is visible throughout Qatar, and officers are generally considered professional and efficient.