Essential Guide to Safety and Emergencies in Qatar

Qatar maintains high safety standards and dependable emergency services, offering visitors a secure setting. Still, preparation matters when the unexpected occurs. This guide outlines key emergency contacts and practical Arabic phrases to help you act quickly and communicate clearly during your stay.

Emergency Situations in Qatar

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

• Stay calm
• Know Your Location
• Dial 999

Qatar’s Emergency Services

The emergency number in Qatar is 999 and is 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. Emergency response teams aim to arrive promptly, often within 15 minutes in urban areas. Ambulance services typically reach their destination in about 8 minutes, with at least one English-speaking medical professional on board. The system handles around 6,000 calls daily, ensuring a swift response.

Situations to Call Emergency Services

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

Medical Emergency Coverage in Qatar

All emergency medical services in Qatar are free of charge for anyone in need, including travellers. Visitors are advised to obtain health insurance for Qatar that covers non-emergency treatment and additional medical needs during their 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 authorised by the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) / Health Facilities Financing Department (HFID).

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

Qatar Visitor Health Insurance Premium

All visitors to Qatar are advised to purchase health insurance. The standard policy has 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 by coverage and 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, specialised police units may respond. Al Fazaa officers, usually seen in black-and-white vehicles, handle security and emergency response duties.

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.

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 organisation, 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 the following:

• Al Ahli Psychiatric Department
• Doha Clinic Hospital
• Dr Aju’s Clinic
• Naseem Al Rabeeh, Psychiatry
• Sidra Psychiatry Department

Substance Abuse Services

Qatar has strict laws regarding alcohol and substance use. Individuals seeking support for substance-related concerns may consult healthcare providers or rehabilitation services.

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.

Road and Traffic Emergencies

In the event of a traffic accident or road emergency, call 999. For non-emergency traffic enquiries, the Traffic and Patrol Police Department can be reached at +974 489 0666. 

Animal Services in Qatar

Several veterinary clinics in Qatar offer emergency services for pets, such as the Canadian Veterinary Hospital, Qatar Vet Centre, 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 contact their respective embassies in the event of an emergency. Operators at 999 speak various languages to assist tourists. For tourism-specific enquiries, you can call the Qatar National Tourism Council at 106. If you need to contact your country’s embassy, the Embassies in Doha page lists all of them.

Handling Lost or Stolen Property

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

Useful Emergency Phrases in Arabic

Although English is widely spoken in Qatar, knowing some Key Arabic Phrases can be helpful during emergencies.

Conclusion

Knowing the correct emergency numbers and essential phrases allows you to respond quickly when it matters most. Keep this information accessible during your stay in Qatar so you can act confidently in any urgent situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Don’t worry! You can save this guide offline or take a screenshot of the emergency numbers page. Most hotels and public places display emergency numbers. Remember, the main emergency number in Qatar is 999, which connects you to all necessary services.

Is medical care in Qatar expensive, even for emergencies?

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

This information was last updated in 2026. We recommend confirming details with the relevant agencies, embassies, and airlines to ensure accuracy for your travel plans.