QATAR 2022: MANAGING HEALTH AND SECURITY CONCERNS
With Qatar preparing to welcome the global community to the Middle East for its largest sporting event in history, we’ve put together some key considerations for organisations and crew members attending the event.
As the smallest country in the world to ever host the world cup, more than 1.5 million visitors (over 52% of Qatar’s population) are expected to enter the country over the one-month period. As such, this could pose potential logistical challenges in Doha, like accommodation availability, busy travel periods around games, road closures and difficulties sourcing taxis.
Such an unprecedented event for the country could also have other safety implications, for example security forces in Qatar lacking direct experience in dealing with large amounts of fans.
For organisations the key thing to stress is the importance of contingency plans: what Is the backup if accommodation is cancelled, what is the plan B if flights are missed? As the security and medical experts, make sure to download our enhanced safety briefing here, outlining in-depth these considerations for crew and staff attending the event [Aviation Report | Maritime Report].
A HIGH STANDARD OF MEDICAL CARE
In general, the medical facilities within Qatar are very well equipped, with a highly trained workforce. As Qatar is a small country in size, this also means that patient movement logistics may be much easier than in other countries.
Some potential health risks might include:
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Heatstroke: Caused by the dry hot weather
- Travelling with prescription drugs: There are strict rules regarding bringing in medications, even some which may not require a prescription in your home country. Ensure your crew contact MedLink if they have any concerns about this.
- Vaccinations: Planning any required vaccinations in advance [download our guide for more information: Aviation Report | Maritime Report].
A LOW-THREAT SECURITY ENVIRONMENT
As with medical, Qatar presents a low-risk security environment in terms of terrorism, personal safety, food and water risks and natural disasters.
Despite this, for visitors, cultural sensitivities should certainly be exercised, especially around:
- Dress code: For men this might be avoiding tank tops and for women covering the shoulders and knees
- Public displays of affection: Like holding hands or kissing Homosexuality: Maintaining a low profile and considering privacy settings on any social media accounts as a necessary precaution to take.
- Alcohol: Whilst alcohol consumption is permitted in licensed areas, public intoxication remains illegal – highlighting the importance of discretion
DOWNLOAD OUR FREE COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE
Our complete guide features a more comprehensive insight into the event, covering everything from visas to vaccinations, personal safety, airport overviews, COVID considerations and more. [Aviation Report | Maritime Report].
Yachting professionals planning to make the journey to Qatar will also be able to download a free red sea threat report written by our specialist maritime partner Risk Intelligence.
If you have any other questions, feel free to reach out to us here.