Terrorism in Qatar?

As a fellow Australian, not having an embassy here can be a problem both my father and husband recieved fines for not voting in last election (best to deregister before coming over) and the other is the infrequancy in which the embassy in dubai does cme to check for passport renewal. The other thing is should you find yourself in trouble here there is no one to tell and while the embassy will not get involed in another countries judicial system if you notify them straight away at least they can check on you and make sure you are being treated in a fair way. ( havnt been in trouble here but know someone who has been in Dubai and first thing they did was contact the embassy considering this person suffers from a heart condition the first thing the embassy made sure of was that this person recieved proper medical support) these things may seem trivial to most people out there but I have heard stories of people being sent to prison here and having no one to contact just being left there for quite considerable amounts of time. (under International law no government can refuse you the right to contact your embassy to notify them of your situation). but Don't let what I have said put you of make sure you register with the embassy in dubai and let them know you will be living here every now and then they will contact you to update their records so they know were you are. Apart from everything Qatar is what you make it there are more and more Aussies coming here Just make sure if your children are of school age start looking at schools now!!!!

Cheers 

Don't let the incident in 2005 worry you that much.  When you look at terrorism globally, there are more frequent incidences of greater severity in the USA and Europe.  Terrorism can happen anywhere which in my opinion is kind of the point.  Strike terror in the hearts of people by not making them feel truly safe anywhere.  You can't succumb to that thinking because if you do - they win.

But like Scarlett said - you should always practice common sense by keeping your eyes and ears open not just for a terrorist act but for petty crime as well, which is more likely to occur in Qatar.

I feel very safe here in Qatar...and when I go to just about anywhere else in the world, my guard goes back up...

Now, that being said...always use common sense anywhere...

Even if something were to happen here, I don't think it would be difficult to get out of the country if you felt the need.

Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be. --Abraham Lincoln (1809 - 1865)

As a Qatari I think we are all responsible, It's the responsibility of everyone living here. But it still always feels much safer than any city in Europe for example.

It's just one isolated instance of terrorism ( It happened very close to my in-laws' and they were terrified ), and I don't think it will happen again soon.

I think the UK is more dangerous to live than Qatar! I love it here and it was my job too that bought me and my family here. I had no worries whatsoever. Its great and its a perfect place to bring up a young family as the culture is very family orientated unlike dare I say that bloody tip of a country I come from (England that is!)!Go for it!!Good luck! :)

The media all around the world have blown the Islam-terrorism link out of proportion. The Muslim terrorists around the world may not equate to a fraction of a percent in real life. The Israel-Palestinian conflicts and "Palestinian terrorism" you see on TV are people fighting for their properties and human rights. The Palestinians witness killings amongst their people by the Israeli army and they do not have many ways of fighting back. Hence, there are many issues that are misinterpreted and are fed to those who follow the media. I have lived all my with Arabs and Muslims, in and out of the United States, and not once have I met a terrorist. I have witnessed people who condemned the 9/11 attacks and have been a great contribution to the poor and needy and devoted their lives to human rights be accused of being terrorists. The media have accused so many people and groups as being terrorists that I do not know how to define a terrorist anymore. If your definition of a terrorist is someone who terrorizes or frightens others, than I assure you that you have nothing to worry about. I will admit there are those small special cases where Muslims have went crazy from occupation and/or have been tortured that begin thinking like terrorists. But in reality, there are terrorists in every region and religion. There are extreme Christians and Jews. There are terrorists from every country. But in Qatar, I guarantee you that you have nothing to worry about.

So coming to the Sauna / Mudpool?

Thanks to all of those who answered my questions, much appreciated, you have put my mind at ease.

If asking questions about safety offends some of you my apologies. If it is any concession I would ask the exact same questions should I be moving to a country of "westernised society" eg London so take no offence in regards to your culture!!

Thanks again, Ollie Girl.

There is no need for an Exit Visa to get out of DIA but you require an Exit Permit from your Sponcer. If your sponcer is generous you can have a mulple Exit Permit which allows you to come and go as you please.

think that terrorism is a problem in Qatar.

Unless you count the landlords that whack up the rent.

Butterfly, we have our passport. But those working require exit visa to exit Doha airport. No such requirement for the family.

edited

I dont think Ollie is being paranoid, but just asking all the questions so as to make the best/safest decision in order to keep her precious family safe :)

and Srecko - In Australian culture, men and women are of equal value and both have a contribution to most decisions made.

edited

Just out of curiosity:

DO your employers ask to keep your original passport while in Qatar?

I found that this is a common practice here, and find it scary, since something happens and you need to approach your embassy in a hurry you do not have your passport with you. That would be of course, a very unlikely event, but it could happen...

So that's my question, are you in possesion of you passports?

NO TERRORISM

ONLY MAJOR BOREDOM - DONT COME TO QATAR - U GONNA DIE OF BOREDOM

PLUS THE WEATHERS A MENACE - ITS EITHER TOO COLD OR TOO HOT

AND AS EVERYONE MENTIONED BEFORE - IF U DO DECIDE TO COME TO WATAR, DO NOT DRIVE OR WALK ON THE ROADS BEFORE MAKING A WILL!

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There is no significant history of terrorism in Qatar

The threat against multinational companies and western expatriates is low

The U.S. Military Central Command Headquarters is located outside of Doha. There is a large U.S. military presence in the country.

Doha is a safe city with a very low crime rate

Burglaries and robberies are not commonplace

Violent crimes against foreigners are very rare

Crime rates are much lower than in U.S. cities

Streets are well policed and generally safe

Most expatriates live on western style compounds. Security in these compounds is generally good

We have a Doha Emergency Response Team identified and trained to communicate and react in the unlikely event of reliable rumors or of an incident

Qatar is considered to be a very safe country, however when traveling abroad you should continue to be alert and aware of your surroundings. During your stay should you have any questions or concerns related to security, you may want to speak directly to a member of the Doha Emergency Response Team

My Confession Booth is a nice safe house, when ever you need to use it is available 24x7.

The Red Pope of Qatar Living

America or it's allies are not planning to attack. And if you feel that paranoid why don't you just stay there

Terrorism is a threat everywhere in this world- it's not specific to the Middle East, It's everywhere.

Should we feel safe in Qatar, yes we should. There are no immediate threats to Expats in this Country. The Threat is Higher in Europe.

The Aussie government issue some great travel warnings:

http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/ , but based on my experience from travelling the world is that they are too conservative.

The Other comments in this thread, is saying it all -it's safe.

Travelling on the roads pose the far greatest risk to us

I believe the Aussie embassy is in Dubai, which isn't that far away, and they do make regular visits to do passport renewal, etc. Also, like Canadians, Aussies are supposed to use the British embassy in case of emergency and if in a pinch you can use the US embassy as well.

However unless you need your passport renewed while you're here you shouldn't really have anything to do with your embassy since it's perfectly safe here.

"How come I can pick my ears but not my nose? Who made up that rule anyway? How come you say that's the way it is, that's just the way it goes, maybe you should decide for yourself what you can do and what you can say." Ani Difranco

Ollie I understand the Aussie is felt threaten by terrorism in few years now, especially where I come from. You should feel threat but not here,

I must here is quiet safe and Qatar don’t have anything against Australia. So relax and don’t get paranoid (uupppssss if say this offended you). I mean don’t be afraid.

Everybody is right and Everybody is wrong, its depend where you stand

When I visit your Pinoy country last september, I was terrorizing all the good seafood restaurants, every chance I could. I remember eating some soup made out fish with vegetables, That was real good stuff. Don't ask me the name of it. I was still hangover from drinking that night in the hotel.

There is one restaurant in the road to Los Banos. I can't remenber the name, but they where in every town, that I visit, tagatay, cavite, laguna, etc etc.

I made it a habit to stop over for lunch!

Talking about spending pennies for a full gourmet meal and a good environment.

The Red Pope of Qatar Living

You will be safe with terrorist here but you won't be safe with Motorist here:)

No Joke... driving is by far the most hazadous thing here.

Do NOT cross the road when the traffic light is on red and the green man is blinking cross the road when ALL the cars have stopped.

Big difference that can save your life.

RP...have you tried "TUYO" with fried rice and fresh tomatoes? that's good in this weather..along with a hot cocoa...hhhhhhhmmmmm...

[img_assist|nid=12867|link=none|align=left|width=|height=0]Nothing in life is to be feared. It is only to be understood.

Have you terrorize my appetite with your cooking lately? Chicken caldereta! Umm I'm hungry..

The Red Pope of Qatar Living

do i feel safe here?...well i've been here for nearly 10 months, and so far i haven't felt any threat related to your topic, police are everywhere as QS mentioned, there are also from what i know of private covers to monitor the city...a lot of families here are enjoying the country...well compared to my country Qatar is more safe..:)

[img_assist|nid=12867|link=none|align=left|width=|height=0]Nothing in life is to be feared. It is only to be understood.

security and police everywhere, all over the city. There is absolutely nothing to be afraid of. Come here with your family, explore and enjoy Qatar!

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Whatever Makes You Happy...

Ollie I'm from the UK and this is a perfectly safe place. The levels of crime compared to any major city in the world are very very low. Probably by far the most dangerous thing your family will experience here is the driving. It is terrible (number 1 accident rate in the world according to economist magazine) so a big car and some defensive driving is a must.

Other than that I would say it must be one of the safest places in teh world for a family

I'm missing something on this thread?

Are we all safe?

The answer is YES!

We should be Including everyone that is an ex-patriot working on Doha. Is not one particular group or nationality is everyone safety and responsibility.

There is always a margin of threat related to terrorism, but chances for that to happen in a large scale is 5 in a scale of 10.

One isolated incident in the past is just nothing compare to other nations at war or having civil strife.

You have to learn to live with it, not ignoring the facts and true existence of the extremist militant movement.

and Welcome to Doha If you decided to live here.

The Red Pope of Qatar Living

google first or check on BBC news for details - it was an expat theatre staging Shakespeare's 12th night

If you are that aprehensive maybe you would feel more comftable at home.

Nothing like the fear of the IRA bombing campaign in London

i just want to know what really made you post this topic what or which fear??

There really is no threat. Qatar is a small country and the security here is quite good.

Not only Aussie Embassy is missing in this state but few others also like Swiss and Canada.

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Maybe in Australia head of family is woman...ccc... it is new for me

1. If you so afraid, it easy, go home

2. You will decide, you mean your husband!?

It is safe of course, just keep your, you know:)))