Travellers are unlikely to experience violent crime of any sort in Qatar.

While petty theft such as pickpocketing and bag snatching are a reality and home invasions, car theft and credit card fraud have risen alongside the rising cost of living and population of Doha, they all remain at low levels in comparison to most other countries.

Exercise general safety precautions and heightened security awareness at transport hubs, tourist hotspots, all crowded areas and on all forms of public transport.

Police forces maintain a strong presence across the country and are generally reliable, cooperative and courteous. 

Owing to this high level of professionalism, visitors are unlikely to come across corrupt gestures, such as the solicitation of bribes from police.

In order to ensure adequate security for the tournament, thousands of personnel from foreign countries will be sent to Qatar to assist in day-to-day security. 

Although English language skills of first responders may be lacking in the Qatari security forces, Qatari and foreign personnel are learning English to improve communication with visitors during the competition.

Identity theft and ATM and credit card fraud are on the rise in Doha. 

Travellers should only use credit cards when an electronic transaction is possible and when the transaction can be completed directly in front of them. Never let a clerk, sales assistant or waiter take a card to another location for the transaction to be processed.

If this cannot be avoided, visitors should insist on going with the individual to the point of sale to witness the transaction; immediately void incorrect receipts. 

When exchanging currency or drawing cash at ATMs, opt for banks with indoor space rather than those on the street. 

Regularly check bank statements and ensure all important documents are secured or otherwise rendered illegible when disposed.

Unlike many of its Gulf neighbours, Qatar lacks an ongoing imminent threat of international terrorism. 

However, exceptionally close relations with the US at a regional strategic level and Qatar’s dependence on foreign labour makes it vulnerable to attacks and infiltration by militants.

Authorities are expected to improve its security network through the use of CCTV cameras and facial recognition technology to monitor and disrupt potential attacks in the country during the tournament.

The most recent terrorist attack in Qatar occurred in March 2005, when a suicide bombing at a Doha theatre killed one United Kingdom (UK) national and injured several other people. The attack immediately followed calls by Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) of local citizens to target Western interests in Qatar. 

Visitors are advised to monitor local and international media for communiqués issued by the AQAP and/or other militant groups that explicitly call for attacks in Qatar.

While incidents of hooliganism are rare in Qatar, World Cup venues will be heavily policed to avoid related incidents of violence, owing to the fact that football fans from all over the world will be attending them. 

Authorities also plan to ban liquor inside stadiums as part of measures to prevent alcohol-fuelled crimes like hooliganism.

Where alcohol is served outside the venues before and after the matches, visitors are advised to refrain from getting too intoxicated and avoid garnering unwanted attention. 

Exercise caution especially around large groups of fans and around major transport hubs. 

Avoid unruly crowds as police will use heavy-handed measures and resort to arrests to break up any suspected incidents of hooliganism. Seek shelter at signs of unrest.