Vendors will jack the price up for foreigners, so dont be afraid to haggle it down to something thats fair for both parties. Though I dont have immediate plans to visit middle east, Im mostly a solo woman traveler, so thanks for the guidance! Here are some important laws to be aware of, as well as some customs that wont necessarily get you in trouble, but could anger the locals: Unfortunately, Qatar is located in a highly unstable region, so terrorism and political upheavals cant be ruled out. 15 amazing female-friendly things to do in Qatar But is Qatar safe? Im reading all comments towards this post and Im actually interested..I have considered going to Doha and traveling alone but I will be meeting my fiance there. A perception analysis by numbeo.com made up of over 300 contributors, indicated that they perceived their safety walking alone at night as very high scoring 84.33 out of 100. Will you be all right travelling solo in Doha and surrounds? Shorts, skirts above the knee and sleeveless/short sleeves are not permitted when visiting mosques or government facilities. Many Arab countries are known precisely for their comprehensive and cheap bazaars. Most recently, the country helped facilitate US and allied actions against ISIS (the so-called Islamic State) by hosting 10,000 service men and women, many of which are still based in the state. I travelled during Ramadan in Morocco and found just as your said, everywhere closes down. Oh yeah, you can earn insane amounts of money. Home to people from over 100 countries, Qatar is a truly multicultural society. Here are six lesser-known safe destinations for solo female travelers that are bound to surprise you. No, tourists are not required to dress in the way of the Qataris. Epic that youve been there for 25 years! Thank you! Do you think I have anything to worry about in terms of safety? Qatar is one of the safest places in the world, and whether youre travelling alone or with your friends, the country has unlimited options for an unforgettable women-only trip. Ive only been to the Doha airport but the country seems quite interesting to me now . For foreigners, although there is no formal dress code, it is advised to dress modestly and conservatively. For more information on this delicious gathering, you should check the dates. Pretty sure Qatar has Uber now too if thats something youre more comfortable using. It must have changed so much in that time. Some women also cover their faces by using a niqab. Yes. Solo Female Travel | Qatar Airways For more information on Qatar, head to www.visitqatar.qa. I didnt encounter any issues, but remember to do this at your own discretion. Do you need to wear an abaya? So if youre visiting Qatar as a woman and fancy going to the beach, go to a private rather than public one. 2ndBook a transfer in advance from the Ezeiza or Aeroparque airport (or from any station) to your destination and vice versa, so you can avoid scammers and illegal drivers. All You Need To Know For 2022, Lima vs. Quito: 9 Things To Compare These Capital Cities, Is Argentina Safe? Pickpocketing and theft can happen, so if youre in a busy, crowded place, make sure to hold on tight to your things and not leave anything in your outside pockets. Also, I stopped taking responsibility for other peoples expectations years ago or letting people should all over me. Is Tahiti Safe? Solo Female Travel Tips - This Rare Earth We are slowly getting to the key part, which are concrete tips that women need to know before they arrive at this wonderful location. Its not your driving expertise; its the traffic violation fines. We wanted to do something about it, so we built these country-specific pages where you can find reviews and scores for 7 key variables affecting the safety of women traveling solo. Appreciate the cultural environment Qatar is very rich in history, and it would be a shame to skip and not explore its cultural heritage and the interesting things that this foreign culture offers. When in reality its so, so different! Female travel guide | Visit Qatar Some tips for women traveling to Qatar include respecting the dress code, knowing their daily routines, enjoying the markets and traditional cuisine, visiting cultural hotspots, and so on. I am mindful of the dress code to ensure I do not cause offence but just wanted some advice as to whether it will be safe for me to walk around the souks and the corniche alone, I am staying in a hotel within walking distance of both. All Rights Reserved. If you enjoyed reading about visiting Qatar as a woman, check also: 4 Ways to Save Money on International Flights, 4 More Insider Tips for Finding Incredibly Low-Cost Flights. Well, first of all, Qatar is a very safe place to visit (not to mention a lot of fun). Souq Waqif: Must so when in Doha - safe for solo female travellers - See 8,802 traveler reviews, 7,751 candid photos, and great deals for Doha, Qatar, at Tripadvisor. But thats not all. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Here What Journalists Dont TellYou, To Retire in Puerto Rico Might Be the Best Decision For You (2023), Population Collapse: Top 10 Countries With Declining Populations, on Medium (where I am one of the top-writers on my field of expertise). Is Tahiti safe to walk around? First, subscribe (for free) to receive my articles directly in your inbox and receive as a special gift the digital book 20 Essential Hacks for Saving Money While Travelling. We also feature the latest news, finest products and services, luxury events and talk to leading personalities and celebrities. Find out more or contact me. 14 of the best destinations for solo female travellers Sometimes the quality of meat, or other ingredients used in local dishes, doesn't agree with visitors' stomachs. Qatar is an Islamic country, where Sharia Law is recognised. Cultural etiquette and local sensitivities ought to be respected in that women - as well as men - should dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, avoiding anything too clingy. The rugged landscapes give you endless options for fun even when you are traveling alone. You cant exactly stroll down the street for a bottle of red whenever you fancy it. Yes, both women and men have the right to drive in Qatar. However, as long as you do a little reading up on what is and isnt allowed, your visit should be trouble-free! Visitors will be able to order their usuals from McDonalds, KFC, and Burger King. There is an abundance of superb centers featuring modern contemporary art, breathtaking sculptures, photography, and amazing interactive galleries. If you are looking for quality goods, head straight to the malls like Doha Festival City, Place Vendome, Mall of Qatar the list is endless. Good question! For instance, the Souq Waqif is, by far, the best place to experience a traditional Middle Eastern market. While I was living there, my wife came to see me several times, and the only thing that ever happened was that when we went to a museum, at the entrance they offered her an extra blanket to cover her shoulders. Apart from attending the World Cup this year, the country has unlimited options for things to see and do.. If youre desert-bound yourself, heres some of the stranger things you can expect to happen to you. While I never personally drove in Qatar, plenty of other female expats and travellers rented cars. Qatar also has a great public transportation system, making it easy to get around. The only food that you wont find in Qatar is pork, for obvious reasons. It is prohibited for women to sunbathe topless. Yes! Qatar is the safest country in the Middle East and one of the 25 safest countries in the world. Question food quality before you eat in Kenya Be especially careful when eating meat in Kenya. Lock doors. What does ex-pat mean? Female travellers in Qatar. Check how to get here. 2022 Safety Guide for the Land of Grace. Residents are entitled to what is effectively a licence to drink six months after living in the city. I often usedGet Transferfor that and it always worked fine. Read on to find out more about travelling or living in Qatar, particularly as a woman. Austria. This is generally how women are expected to dress whilst out and about in town, but theres a few opportunities to bend the rules here and there, which wont land you in hot water. I didnt expect it to happen in such a Muslim country, as Id always imagined Muslim people to behave more seriously and conservatively Anyhow, thanks for your detailed account of your experience in Doha. In most bars, you can order various afternoon teas served between 2 pm and 6 pm. This is, of course, considering participation and spectators. Such an interesting perspective. Explore things to do in Qatar! Para Brasileiros: Como morar em outro pas. Rated one of the safest countries for solo female travellers by the Women's Danger Index and with excellent gender equality, landlocked Austria has a fairytale . or I should stay in the hotel for 3 days , any recommendations for me ..pleaseee!!! That might include imprisonment for a term of up to three years, deportation, and even death, though there have been no cases of homosexuality convictions leading to the death penalty in Qatar to date. Wellness retreats Hello and welcome to Birdgehls, a responsible travel blog with an emphasis on backyard travel in Australia. Book your adventure tour with us and let us surprise you! Truth be told, Ive encountered more harassment in cities like New York and London. Then well look at how safe this part of the Middle East really is for solo female travelers, and even offer some tips on how to have a hassel-free trip. On top of all that, Qatar has played integral parts in the war on terror in the Middle East. Qatar may not be the most obvious choice when youre thinking of your next holiday destination. I wore shorts on journeys whenever I headed into the desert, because I was generally with groups of expats who were doing much the same. So, bottom line: a couple can hold hands in Doha. New ones are added every year, and some may be removed from the list for various reasons. I however, loved it. The Definitive Female Solo Travellers Guide To Qatar In 2022 Id encourage anyone to make time to visit this part of the Middle East. We are happy to report that generally, Qatar IS safe for female solo travelers. You can find someamazing and reliable guides and tours at Viator. I worked a lot but my days off were filled with desert adventures and many social outings. According to research by Condor Ferries, 84% of solo travellers are women Top 5 safest cities in the world for female solo travellers are: Madinah, Saudi Arabia, 10/10 Chiang Mai, Thailand, 9.06/10 Dubai, UAE, 9.04/10 Kyoto, Japan, 9.02/10 Macao, China, 8.76/10 The only city in the Middle East to be included in the Top 50, Doha ranked the 15th safest city for solo women travellers as per Holidu. You should be able to do this through the government body that supplies you with your current drivers licence. As a rule of thumb, so long as your shoulders arent exposed and knees are covered, youd probably be right to step outside. Is Kenya Safe for Travelers? 11 Things I Wish I Knew - World Nomads I never felt unsafe walking through the city, even at night time, although its not something Id make a habit of doing anywhere in the world. I share tips and tricks on how to tread lightly on our beautiful planet. I am a primary teacher and there are lots of international school jobs with amazing pay over there so I am tempted but not sure what it is like to live! There is one place where you can get a hold of an alcoholic drink, and thats only if you book your stay at a 5-star hotel. Add this Instagrammable Art Installation to your Qatar bucket list! Two entrepreneurs taking Qatars sand and sea to another level. Here are some of the most photogenic and Instagrammable locations in this small, but truly enchanting country. So far, we have managed to convey the glow of a vacation in Qatar. 1 United States Dollar equals 3.64 Qatari Rial. I didnt see any mention of this in the article I am SO interested, as Im visiting a friend next week who lives there!! By using this link, you will directly support me with a piece of your fee; there will be no additional cost to you. Those looking to meet other female travellers, or meet up with a group of friends, can enjoy Dohas unforgettable ladies nights, which are hosted across numerous hotels in the city. Most people didnt give me a second glance. Check out the links below to learn more: Solo Female Travel Stats: Results from the the largest, most comprehensive and only global research study on solo female travel trends, preferences and behaviors published. Heres what to wear: As for the local women of Qatar, youll see them wearing hijabs. That being said, you should still be cautious and be sensible (as you would anywhere else in the world). No, tourists are not required to dress in the way of the Qataris. There are plenty of places that sell them in the souq. COPYRIGHT, INTERNATIONAL TREATIES AND OTHER APPLICABLE COPYRIGHT LAWS AND MAY NOT BE COPIED WITHOUT THE EXPRESS PERMISSION OF LUXURIOUS MAGAZINE, WHICH RESERVES ALL RIGHTS. There are strict laws against the harassment of women in Qatar and the majority of residents abide by said law. Unexpected finds in traditional markets, premium luxury shopping in architectural masterpieces and a diverse range of entertainment facilities; Qatar has it all. While youre not required to cover your hair, a scarf or shawl is really good to have on hand. My plane touches down at midnight and I have to catch a taxi on my own at that time to a hotel. The same can be said for beaches outside of the city, because odds are there wont be anyone else there. Is Doha safe for girls? Is Nepal Safe for Female Travellers? 9 Women Tell All - Full Time Explorer 840, Al Safliyah street UNIT 143/08, 14/F, AL EZZ TOWER 4 ZONE 18 STREET, Doha, Qatar, Foodies Guide to Qatar Everything You Need to Know about Fine Dining in the Middle East, When Is The Best Time To Visit Qatar? Solo Female Travel Tips: Advice from Women Who Know Walkable neighbourhoods Prepare your cameras and get inspired! When visiting mosques, you will also need to cover your hair. For this guide, the countrys official tourism office has shared with us some of the experiences that await female travellers who are planning a visit in 2022. Snapped at the Richard Serras sculpture in the Qatari desert. A lot of the taxi drivers were engineers, doctors, but had zero chance of getting a similar job there hence the taxi driving. During other months (eg: Ramadan), the rules in Qatar are much stricter. Yes, you can still eat and drink water, but you cant do it in public. Yes, Doha is safe for female tourists. Is Qatar safe for LGBTQ+ people? Want to travel visa free? Although Ive got some friends from UAE and Qatar whove already told me its not like living in fun-free zone 24/7 it was super interesting to read an expats perspective. It had a profound impact on me and the way I see the world. Share your stories, get inspired, and plan your next adventure with us. The best destinations for solo female travelers will be where locals are particularly friendly and welcoming, or it's social due to a shared interest like surfing or diving, and even though it might be off the beaten path a bit, it's not so remote that you'll be the only one there. Don't wear flashy jewelry. Our final answer is: Yes! Remain vigilant when drawing out money and be aware of anyone standing too close or trying to distract you! Discover Qatar is a popular local tour operator which offers everything from neighbourhood tours and water sports excursions to airport transfers and theme park entry. This post will help you figure out what to wear in Doha, Qatar and countries with similar laws and ethics. The safety scores range from 1 to 4 with 1 being the safest and 4 being the most dangerous for solo female travelers. I never felt like I was in danger walking around the city centre. On the flip side, women arent able to wear western swimwear at the public beach of Katara, where youre expected to cover up. However, I lived in Qatar for many years, and during that time, my wife, as well as other female family members and friends, visited me numerous times. Holidu's 'Post-Pandemic Women Solo Travel Index' analyses street safety and crime levels, as well as the attitudes, culture and cost of being a solo traveller in each destination. How to Travel Alone as a Woman in Qatar - Girls Who Travel Considering that religion plays a big role in Qatar, heres some info on respecting the dress code. Im quite concerned when reading the street harassment part. We can make the world a safer place for women traveling solo together. Doha among safest cities in the world for post-pandemic solo female travel These types of places are also good for people-watching and smoking some shisha if thats what youd like. To save you looking it up o the internet, a luxurious shopping destination, Villaggio Mall, on the outskirts of Doha and is one of the capitals most Instagram-friendly malls, with an indoor canal complete with gondolas, as well as high-end boutiques, world-class retail and an incredible selection of dining options. Lots of people seem to pass on through! Renting out and driving yourself around Qatar is not at all advisable. I'm Levi Borba, and after living on multiple continents during my career as an airline specialist, I started a company to help expatriates, producing 3 books about moving abroad. The Solo Female Travel Safety Score is used by the Overseas Security Advisory Council for including safety concerns for women travelers in their country security reports; OSAC is a partnership between the U.S. Department of State and private-sector security community. @thisrareearth Guided tours & excursions Yeah, its weird being somewhere during Ramadan. Is Vietnam Safe for Solo Female Travellers? - The Vacation Gateway She is an enthusiastic (but super uncoordinated) surfer who also loves scuba diving. Private Desert Safari Doha: Experience the thrill of dune bashing in the Qatari desert on this private safari. Doha Express City Tour: Discover the highlights of Doha on this express city tour. Dhow Cruise with Dinner: Enjoy a traditional dhow cruise with dinner included.Souq-Waqif, The Pearl-Qatar & Katara Cultural Village Visit: Visit two of Dohas cultural highlights on this tour. Looking for things to do in Doha ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup? If you dont have a card, you can buy drinks at the many hotel bars. Ruled by the Al Thani family since the mid-1800s, Qatar within the last 60 years transformed itself from a poor British protectorate noted mainly for pearling into an independent state with significant oil and natural gas revenues. As long as you use your common sense. Learn how to save up to 74% on your next international trip! Etymology: The origin of the name is uncertain, but it dates back at least 2,000 years since a term "Catharrei" was used to describe the inhabitants of the peninsula by Pliny the Elder (1st century A.D.), and a "Catara" peninsula is depicted on a map by Ptolemy (2nd century A.D.). Safety tips for women travelers in Qatar. True, but not everywhere and not for everyone. Women traveling alone may receive the occasional stare, but, on the whole, this is nothing to worry about. The resort has an emphasis on improving diet and nutrition, promoting physical activity and stress resistance and enhancing sleep quality. The 'rules' are: Alcohol is only sold in one shop (Qatar Distribution Company, QDC for short) and in every hotel in Doha. So what have we discovered? I havent travelled to Doha but I would go there. But do sign up or login to share your solo travel experiences, country safety rating and comments. Is Qatar safe for Solo female travellers? - newsconner.com