as with any country throughout the whole world be careful if you are a woman out alone. Qatar may be one of the safest countries around but please also keep your wits about you. Always wear decent clothing and respect Qatari custom. I saw a woman out yesterday with a low cut vest top bouncing around for all the world to see and she also sported a very fetching shoulder tattoo, she looked completely nasty and I am afraid to say it looked like she hailed from my neck of the woods, I was ashamed for her. RESPECT their religion, you are in THEIR country and cover up. People here are very friendly and open but there are lots of single males here and they will stare at you and it can make you feel uncomfortable sometimes. I have been sexually harrassed in Carrefour in the bedding aisle by some pervert and my friend also had her purse stolen from out of her bag in the trolley in the store. It it not an everyday occurance, but it can happen. If you are new here you are also prey to beng ripped off by taxi drivers, shops etc. Pretend you have been here for ever and they will not rip you off and drive you the long way round. Enjoy Qatar, I love it here but dont be lulled into a false sense of security, there are thieves and perverts wherever you go, but still