Qatar is often considered one of the safest places to live in the world. In fact, judging from the most recent global statistics (see article below), Qatar might just be the best place for you and your family to feel safe. But aside from the statistics, how safe is it to live in Qatar?
In this quick article, you will find out exactly how safe it is to live in Doha. Whether you are moving from a neighbouring country in the Middle East, or relocating from somewhere further like Europe or Australia, Qatar is seen as a safe haven for international expats from around the world.
Find out below just how safe it is to live in Qatar. Spoiler alert: You will want to move to Qatar after reading this!
Crime and safety in numbers
Let’s start with the actual statistics. Over the past years, Qatar has always been ranked as one of the safest countries, and Doha as one of the safest cities, in the world.
Anno 2020, Qatar now even tops some of the lists of the safest countries in the world!
For example, the Numbeo Crime Index, by country 2020 mid-year, ranked a total of 133 countries based on their actual reported crimes as well as how residents perceive crime in their countries. Out of all countries in the world, Qatar came in last (or well, first), making Qatar the safest country in the world based on Numbeo’s crime index!
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime reports that Qatar has an annual homicide rate of only 0.38 per 100,000 inhabitants, ranking it in the 15th place out of all countries in the world.
Another reputable source is the Global Peace Index (2019), reported by the Institute for Economics and Peace. Here, Qatar ranked on place 31, surpassing all other countries in the Middle East, as well as many other Western countries such as Spain or Italy.
So how safe is it to live in Qatar? Well, based on the statistics, it might just be the safest place on earth!
Living safely in Qatar
It does not matter if you are an expat or a local, Qatar is definitely a safe place to live. It is something the country and its residents take extreme pride in, and everyone tries to contribute in their own way.
That said, no country in the world is free of danger, and Qatar is no exception. Even though the Qatari Police Force is known to be incredibly efficient, friendly, and great at keeping everyone secure, crime is still present.
In recent years there have been reports of small gangs resorting to minor/petty crime, such as pickpocketing or breaking into homes to steal valuable items. However, these crimes have been without violence or the use of weapons, and solely aimed at material goods. As such, it is best to still lock your house and your car when you leave, just like you would in any other country.
Aside from such minor instances of petty crime, you really do not have to worry about your safety in Qatar. Reportedly the most unsafe thing in Qatar is the traffic, as drivers can sometimes drive recklessly and at night streets outside of Doha may be poorly lit.
But it is nowhere near as bad that it should influence your decision to move to Qatar. So to answer your question: How safe is it to live in Qatar?
As safe as any place on earth can possibly be!