Essential Guide to Safety and Emergencies in Qatar

Qatar, renowned for its safety and efficient emergency services, offers a secure environment for visitors. However, it's always wise to be prepared for unforeseen circumstances. This guide provides essential information, emergency contacts, and helpful Arabic phrases to ensure you can confidently handle any emergency situation during your trip to Qatar.

Emergency Situations in Qatar

If you ever find yourself in an emergency while in Qatar, it’s essential to stay calm and follow these steps:

1. Stay Calm: Take a deep breath and maintain your composure.
2. Know Your Location: Stay mindful of your exact location to guide emergency services.
3. Dial 999: This number connects you to police, fire, and medical assistance.

Qatar’s Emergency Services

The emergency number in Qatar is 999, accessible 24/7. It connects you to police, fire, and ambulance services. The operators provide instructions based on your situation and offer support in multiple languages, including Arabic, English, French, Chinese, Tagalog, and Urdu.

Emergency Response Times

Emergency services in Qatar are known for their efficiency. Authorities usually arrive within 15 minutes. Ambulance services typically reach their destination in around 8 minutes, with at least one English-speaking medical professional on board. The system handles around 6,000 calls daily, always ensuring a swift response.

Situations to Call Emergency Services

Here are instances where you should definitely dial 999:

• Medical emergencies, such as difficulty breathing, severe chest pain, excessive bleeding, seizures, or unconsciousness.
• Fire outbreaks.
• Criminal activities requiring immediate intervention.

Medical Emergency Coverage in Qatar

All emergency medical services in Qatar are free of charge for anyone in need, including travellers. However, it is crucial for visitors to secure the Mandatory Health Insurance required for all travellers to Qatar. This ensures coverage for non-emergency treatments and additional medical needs during your stay.

How To Obtain Visitors’ Health Insurance?

Visitor insurance must be obtained from either a national insurance company registered with the Ministry of Public Health or an international insurance company approved by the ministry. Insurance from any other sources would not be accepted. 

The following is a list of insurance companies authorized by the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) / Health Facilities Financing Department (HFID). To explore insurance options and purchase a policy, click on the desired company name to access its official website.

• Damaan Islamic Insurance Company - Beema 
• Qatar Insurance Company Q.S.P.C
• Qatar Islamic Insurance Group 
• Alkoot Insurance & Reinsurance
• Qlm Life & Medical Insurance Company
• Doha Insurance Group 
• Alkhaleej Takaful Insurance
• Doha Takaful W.L.L
• Qatar General Insurance And Reinsurance Co. Q.P.S.C 
• General Takaful Company
• Al Arabia Insurance Company 
• Libano-Suisse Insurance Company

Insurance Companies Approved By Moph For Visitor Insurance:

• Gig Gulf (Previously Axa Insurance)
• Seib Insurance & Reinsurance Company Llc
• Sharq Insurance Company

On-Arrival Visa Holders: Upon purchasing the Policy, you can apply to extend your visit visa on the Ministry of Interior's website or through the Metrash App.

Qatar Visitor Health Insurance Premium

All visitors to Qatar are required to purchase a mandatory health insurance policy. The standard policy comes with a monthly premium of QAR 50.

Visitors may opt for additional coverage beyond the standard policy by purchasing top-ups. The cost of these top-ups varies depending on the specific coverage and the insurance provider.

Fire Safety in Qatar

The fire services in Qatar are accessible via the same emergency number, 999. If a fire emergency arises, explain the situation clearly to the operator for immediate action.

Police Assistance in Qatar

Qatar’s police force can be reached by calling 999. Depending on the situation, different divisions may respond, such as traffic police, internal security (Lekhwiya), Royal Guard (Amiri), or the rescue police (Al Fazaa). Al Fazaa officers, typically seen in black and white vehicles, handle security and emergency responses.

Healthcare and Accidents

Qatar’s public hospital system, led by the Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), offers comprehensive emergency care. While private hospitals also provide emergency services, HMC’s ambulance system is the most widely available. In cases of poisoning, call 999 for instructions.

Emergency Support for the Deaf

If you are deaf and need to contact emergency services, use 992. You can:

• Call via 4G-enabled devices for video assistance.
• Send a text message to 992 with details about the emergency and the required service.
• Email [email protected] (note that responses may take longer).

Mental Health and Crisis Support

Mental health services in Qatar are expanding, with facilities such as Hamad General Hospital, Al Wakra Hospital, and Al Khor Hospital offering psychiatric care. If someone is in crisis, these hospitals have trained professionals to assist. Additionally, Weyak, a mental health organization, offers a helpline at 080 09395.

Mental Health Clinics in Qatar

For those seeking mental health support, Qatar has a range of clinics offering psychiatric and psychological services. Some key clinics include:

• Al Ahli Psychiatric Department
• Doha Clinic Hospital

• Dr. Aju’s Clinic

• Naseem Al Rabeeh Psychiatry
• Sidra Psychiatry Department

These clinics can provide you with professional care and support for various mental health needs during your stay in Qatar.

Substance Abuse Services

Qatar has strict laws regarding alcohol consumption. While alcohol is available with a permit, public intoxication is illegal. There are no local crisis hotlines for drug or alcohol abuse, and individuals seeking help often attend rehabilitation programs abroad.

Qatar Rehabilitation Institute

The Qatar Rehabilitation Institute (QRI) is the largest tertiary rehabilitation hospital in the region, offering advanced patient-centred care tailored to individual needs.

Family and Child Protection

For women and children facing domestic violence or abuse, Aman offers a 24-hour support hotline at 919. Their services include protection and reintegration support.

Reporting Crimes in Qatar

Though crime rates are low in Qatar, if you experience or witness a crime, you can report it via the 999 emergency line or by visiting a local police station. The Metrash2 app also allows users to report crimes and contact the police.

Utility and Telecommunications Contacts

For issues related to utilities or telecommunications, here are some useful numbers:

• Kahramaa (Water & Electricity): 991
• Internet Service: 111
• Qatar Telecom (Q-Tel): +974 489 4444

Road and Traffic Emergencies

In the event of a traffic accident or road emergency, call 999. For non-emergency traffic inquiries, the Traffic and Patrol Police Department can be reached at +974 489 0666. Additionally, ensure you have contact information for your roadside assistance provider.

Animal Services in Qatar

Several veterinary clinics in Qatar offer emergency services for pets, such as the Canadian Veterinary Hospital, Qatar Vet Center, and The Veterinary Surgery. Shelters like Paws Rescue Qatar and the Qatar Animal Welfare Society provide care for stray animals.

Embassies and Support for Foreign Nationals

Travellers in Qatar can reach out to their respective embassies in case of emergencies. Operators at 999 speak various languages to assist tourists. For tourism-specific inquiries, you can call the Qatar National Tourism Council at 106. If you need to contact your country’s embassy, Embassies in Doha Page has a complete list.

Here are a few of the key embassies that are important for both foreign residents and visitors in Qatar:

• Bangladesh Embassy: +974 4467 1927
• India Embassy: +974 4425 5777
• Nepal Embassy: +974 4467 5681
• British Embassy: +974 4496 2000
• U.S. Embassy: +974 4496 6000

Handling Lost or Stolen Property

If you lose or have an item stolen in Qatar, first check the local Lost and Found. If not found, report the incident to the police. Be sure to cancel any lost credit or debit cards, and contact your embassy if you lose your passport.

Other Useful Contacts

Here are additional numbers that may be useful during your stay in Qatar:

• Doha Time: 141/140
• General Post Office: 446 4000
• Qatar Weather: 444 80444
• Consumer Protection Hotline: 800 5000
• Environmental Violations: 998

Useful Emergency Phrases in Arabic

Although English is widely spoken in Qatar, knowing some essential Arabic phrases can be helpful during emergencies. Below are some phrases you might want to remember:

Conclusion

Being well-prepared for emergencies can significantly improve your experience while travelling in Qatar. Whether it's a medical issue, a fire, or simply seeking advice, knowing how to access Qatar's efficient emergency services will ensure your safety and peace of mind. With the information provided here, you'll be equipped to handle unexpected situations with confidence, making your stay in this safe and welcoming country even more enjoyable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to know Arabic to get help in Qatar?

While English is extensively spoken in Qatar, especially in tourist areas, knowing a few basic Arabic phrases can be helpful in emergencies. It demonstrates respect for the local culture and can be reassuring during stressful situations. Here are some essential Arabic phrases to learn.

What if I lose my phone with the emergency numbers saved?

Don't worry! This guide can be saved offline, or you can take a screenshot of the emergency numbers page. Additionally, most hotels and public places will have emergency numbers displayed. Remember, the main emergency number in Qatar is 999, which can connect you to all necessary services.

Is it expensive to get medical care in Qatar, even for emergencies?

Government emergency medical services are free for everyone in Qatar, including tourists. However, visitor health insurance is mandatory and recommended for any additional medical needs during your stay. The Qatar Health Insurance for Travelers page explains how to obtain visitor health insurance.

What should I do if I witness a crime but don't feel safe calling 999?

You can report the crime anonymously through the official app, which allows users to contact the police. Additionally, some embassies offer support and advice in such situations.

I'm traveling with the children. Are there any specific safety tips to keep in mind?

Always supervise children closely, especially in crowded areas. Keep a copy of your child's passport and emergency contact information readily available. Remember, the emergency number for reporting child abuse or domestic violence is 919.

Disclaimer: Although this information was last updated in November 2024, we recommend verifying with the appropriate agencies, embassies, and airlines to ensure complete accuracy regarding your travel plans.