In fact, when you grab a spot at one of Tokyos hundreds of ramen or sushi counters, you will likely be joining a line of fellow solo diners. East, west. Despite the fact that women can legally obtain a passport and travel alone without the approval of their male guardian, the reality is that few women actually travel alone. These women usually live in the house and families must sponsor them through an agency. Personally, I live a very social and materialistic lifestyle, so Doha was serving its purpose for me. Yes, a woman can travel alone to Qatar. Autocomplete selection. Qatar may have a bad reputation just due to the fact that its in the Middle East, but truth be told its not anywhere near as bad as the news in the Western World tries to make it seem. For those who dont, new mothers have 50 days of paid maternity leave; this is provided they worked at the company for at least a year. The Katara Traditional Dhow Festival is a celebration where traditions are revived and renewed. Guide to 24 hours (or 48h ;p) in Doha | In February I travelled to Doha, Qatar's capital all by myself. Most people are very nice however women are most certainly considered lower than men. To continue browsing, The truly spectacular ruins of Angkor put Cambodia on the map. In practice, women, single and married, must navigate the cultural limitations that determine what is considered appropriate. Not only will you encounter some inevitable dirty looks, and possibly even some comments from the more brazen locals, but you could even get into trouble with the law if you dress too provocatively. In principle it is not permissible for a woman to travel alone in any circumstances. Young women especially are building start-ups and investing in their ideas at an unprecedented rate. Luckily, Qatar is one of the safest places. You can find more information about this in our guide to starting a business in Qatar. The impressive Qatar National Library, an architectural marvel in itself, offers a wide range of activities. During my interview I was told not to believe the CNN effect, that the Middle East does not mean violence around every corner and you will not be kidnapped or killed the second you land. Traffic jams are daily and it can take 1 hour to travel 10km across Doha in the morning. National Museum of Qatar. The website also states that they may apply on behalf of unmarried daughters and sisters, as well as for unmarried nieces. Thats pretty much it. Thanks for this information.. Ive been applying for a job as a lady driver.. Im hoping to be there soon.. She is an international teacher on her first post abroad, enjoying a completely different culture and the school vacations to travel the world. However, when it comes to health and security, in some places women travelers may face additional risk. Saudi Arabia announced on Friday breakthrough changes to the Kingdoms guardianship laws, allowing all citizens over the age of 21 male and female to travel freely without a guardians approval. When she is not busy with life, she writes stories of her globetrots as well as tips & tricks on how to make the best out of travelling. There are real imbalances in how women are treated in divorce, marriage, custody of children, and inheritance matters, as well as how they move through their professional careers. Take advantage of our exciting offers and purchase up to {tierThreshold} Qpoints now. On the GPS, most streets still dont have names. But the souq remains a hub of activity, where commerce and gossip meet. Qatar was the first Gulf country to allow women the right to vote alongside men, in 1999. Women can drive in Qatar however the standard of driving is atrocious, Qatar has the highest accident rate in the middle east. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Keep in mind, especially if youre the type that likes to go out and enjoy a few drinks and the nightlife, Qatar isnt too big on that. Am chris, can any body help me,am from nigeria,i need visa to travel to qatar,how can i get it and how much it is. Copyright 2023. Housesitters often have extra duties, like caring for pets and gardens. But shoulders and knees should always be covered up. You have {avios} Avios expiring on {aviosExpiryDate} date. So if you are used to organized driving and slow speeds, well good luck and maybe close your eyes when youre in a taxi. A woman should preferably not walk around alone, not even in shopping centres. Since Ive been here for nearly 10 months, I have quite a few favourite experiences, but one of the things I love doing is going to Souq Waqif (in English: The Standing Market) and eating at this restaurant that has tables out in the street and has amazing food. By agreeing, you consent to our use of such cookies. While in Souq Waqif, head over to the Gold Souq to admire the intricate designs of gold jewellery, dazzling gems and luxury watches, have your items repaired or get a custom necklace with your name in Arabic calligraphy. Your email address will not be published. As long I was dressed modestly, respected the culture & religion, and was hyper-aware of the laws, travelling Qatar was a breeze and very much enjoyable. There, it is easy to hop onto a brightly painted jeepney (a Jeep/bus combo) or order a Grab taxi from your phone to get from point to point. The following interview on solo female travel in Qatar is from one of our readers, Tina. I agree to the terms and conditions of the Privilege Club and Student Club programme and accept the Qatar Airways Privacy Policy. For breakfast, Qataris normally have a light meal that includes yoghurt, cheese, olives, and, of course, coffee. Exquisite design, luxurious facilities, skilled therapists; the spa at Al Messila offers an incredible opportunity to experience tranquillity with carefully curated treatments such as massages, facials or special treatments at the Ladies Wellness Retreat and the state-of-the-art Health Center that will offer you an unforgettable experience of relaxation and beauty. Having lived and worked in Doha twice I think I know a bit about the place. Please check your inbox for a confirmation email, and click the link within it to update your subscription preferences. Qatar is one of the safest places in the world, and whether you're travelling alone or with your friends, the country has unlimited options for an unforgettable women-only trip. For expats looking to move to this peninsula, its important to do your homework. As with any woman's solo trip you need to always do your research so you know what to expect and make sure to follow any and all cultural customs. Traffic jams are daily and it can take 1 hour to travel 10km across Doha in the morning. Combine this with natural scenery and flourishing wildlife that are nothing short of profound: mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, elephants, lions, zebras, and other extraordinary creatures dwell in the countrys misty mountains, forests, and plains. Travelling alone in Qatar as a female did not intimidate me one bit. This helpful guide to womens rights in Qatar includes the following sections: Within the Gulf, Qatar is among the best nations for womens rights. Where is the best place to rent a villa in Qatar? using meetup.com to meet locals when you travel, Ultralight Packing List: I Traveled for 3 Weeks with a 12L Handbag, 7 Days in Virginia: Road Trip Itinerary with Packing Suggestions, Tips for Traveling with Friends and Still Remaining Friends, 10 Gifts to Pack for Your Host or Hostess (plus how to avoid packing them at all), Creative Ways to Minimize Your Toiletry & Beauty Kit. Please try again later. If youre wondering if a woman can travel alone to Qatar, and more pertinent information on traveling solo to Qatar, read on to find out! so let's get started with this free gift! Visit Qatar App We are looking for contributors to help make this the ultimate guide for expats. You can enjoy a short ride readily available at the Corniche or book one in advance for the whole evening with fresh Arabic BBQ dinner served onboard. Get in touch if you can provide useful info on your city or answer forum questions from new expats. Explore the desert on a 4X4 tour, shop for traditional crafts and local art, and see golden dunes meet the sea at lunar-like Sandwich Harbor, home to seals, jackals, springbucks, ostriches, oryxes, pelicans, and thousands of pink flamingoes. No mode of transport is error-proof and no woman is . Solo travel planning takes some attention to details. Expatica helps make your expat journey the experience you've always wanted. Be mindful of local conditions and culture, especially if you are traveling alone, and contact the American Citizens Services unit at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate with concerns . You might be wondering about swimming in Qatar. If you have alcohol with you on arrival, you can check it into one of the lockers and get a receipt for pickup on departure. On Google, my road is called Unnamed Road so when I get a taxi I have to say go to IKEA and Ill direct you from there. Uh? There is no national policy for paternity leave, however, most companies do offer a few days to new fathers. She is a lover of the ocean, flowers, movies, journalism, and has a penchant for medium-sized tattoos. She is a lover of the ocean, flowers, movies, journalism, and has a penchant for medium-sized tattoos. Manage Settings Will have any problem being woman flying on my own and do I need to get a visa. Learn more about Qpoints sale. Oh dearthat sounds dangerousWorld Cup? Adventures, Asia, Destinations, Solo Travel, Tips For, Traveling Solo Qatar is much more than an up-and-coming Middle Eastern peninsula. None of those thoughts crossed my mind when I decided to move to Qatar. Ive lived in far busier and larger places in addition to being born and raised in Saudi Arabia visiting Qatar alone, multiple times in fact, was a no-brainer. Expat women residing in Qatar will discover the government policies from the Arabian Peninsula alllow for a distinctive existence that always demands certain initial adjustments. (File photo: Shutterstock). I had another job offer in China and looked through both offers and realized the school in Doha offered the best deal, so I took it! That said, the country is physically very safe and harassment is infrequent (and illegal), so you are unlikely to experience catcalling or the like in Qatar. Qcredits can be redeemed for a host of services. You will now logged out of your Privilege Club account. There are certain clothes that a woman, single or not, should wear when visiting Qatar. What is this place? While women can walk alone in Qatar and have some rights, certain cultural norms and laws apply, and it is essential for women to be respectful of these customs while traveling or living in Qatar. But before I tell you about it lets go back to my first ever solo travel. Sirelo has a network of more than 500 international removal companies that can move your furniture and possessions to your new home. In God's Will. What are the local customs? Choose between STK Doha, the American steakhouse concept, Sel & Miel with French-inspired tastes, B-Lounge for Asian fusion cuisine or the Lagoon with its impressive buffets and the majestic view of the Arabian Gulf and enjoy a unique dining experience with friends. On the flip side, head to delightful Hanoi in the north and dazzling Ho Chi Minh City in the south, where urban energy is balanced by poignant reminders of an ancient, colonial, and war-torn past. I lived in Qatar with my family during high school and then moved to Dubai with the family, its been 5 years and now I m moving alone in Doha again, and you just need to know that Qatar is no where near as developed as the UAE, it's actually very different in a lot of ways, ppl r nice, but just make sure ur accommodation is an nice area like westbay, or a compound cuz it does make a big difference. 1. Save. Women in Qatar have equal rights to access and pursue an education. Theres also the rugby club where you can train and learn how to play rugby (first couple of lessons are free) or you can even try out for the team and travel around the Middle East to different tournaments. Despite its size and sprawl, the Japanese capital is easy to navigate, thanks to its state-of-the-art train and subway network, with abundant English signage. After signing the contract I began my research about what to expect from Qatar. A woman should preferably not walk around alone, not even in shopping centres. The decree also stipulates that a father or mother can be legal guardians of children. You will see signs everywhere for direction and it is a delightful place to be. The souq is built on the site of Dohas century old trading market. Join our inclusive community Women in Qatar are free to open and run their own businesses, although few do so. What is the cost of living for a family of four in Doha? Few women have senior positions. There are ample malls to visit and endless shops to explore. Recently, four women were appointed to the Shura, Qatars parliament, which is responsible for reviewing the states budget, drafting laws, and examining government policy. Women traveling alone might be more comfortable staying in a lively areas, such as Chiang Mai's historic Old Town or near the main drags of Ao Nang or Koh Phi Phi, versus a remote beach or jungle property. Explore Singapores pristine streets and meticulously groomed parks and gardens (Gardens by the Bay, Singapore Botanic Gardens, and Cloud Forest are all not to be missed) with virtually no worry. It's safe and although it does have a bit of a sleazy party scene, there are plenty of sites to see here. As a woman traveling to unknown regions, the first thing that comes to mind is, obviously, safety. It is easy to communicate and get around the Southeast Asian country, where a well-trodden backpacking trail means that meeting like-spirited travelers requires little to no effort. Qatar is one of the biggest exporters of natural gas in the world, making the country very wealthy. Check out my Doha, Qatar Travel Guide: https://www.yo. please click OK, I Accept. Hi, I'm moving to Qatar around summer this year. I was told to bring with me several things that were difficult to find in Qatar (tampons especially). People who know me understand how important it is to me that I immerse myself in the local culture whenever I travel. Is Qatar safe to travel to, particularly if you're visiting as a woman? Get the her adventures You can change your preferences, click. Many people may not consider Qatar the optimal place for a single lady to be vacationing on her own. Perhaps the most visited mall is the Villaggio Mall in Doha. No, tourists are not required to dress in the way of the Qataris. Regardless, absolutely everything I hear about Doha is that it's very safe and perhaps a tiny bit boring. Public conversations about female empowerment and specific issues facing women are popular in various spheres Qatar, from the arts to the business world. Harressment of females if alone is common, not so much by Qatari males as they are very respectfull, the harrassment comes from third world nations who are working on contract. Hey Ali! Strictly necessary cookies are required for the website to function properly, while performance cookies enable us to record and optimise our website performance without storing your personal data.