Warden Message

SECURITY CONCERNS IN QATAR

The Department of State remains concerned about the continued threat of terrorist attacks, demonstrations and other violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests overseas.  Current information suggests that al-Qaida and affiliated organizations continue to plan terrorist attacks against U.S. interests in multiple regions, including Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East.  These attacks may employ a wide variety of tactics including suicide operations, assassinations, kidnappings, hijackings and bombings.

Extremists may elect to use conventional or non-conventional weapons, and target both official and private interests.  Examples of such targets include high-profile sporting events, residential areas, business offices, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, such as the new Christian Church complex in Doha, schools, public areas and locales where Americans gather.

The U.S. Embassy in Doha encourages all U.S. citizens to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to maintain their security awareness.  U.S. citizens should review “A Safe Trip Abroad,” found at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1747.html, which includes valuable security information for those both living and traveling abroad.  In addition, the U.S. Embassy recommends U.S. citizens review the Personal Security Checklist below.

Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the U.S. Embassy in Doha's website, http://qatar.usembassy.gov, and the U.S. Department of State's travel website at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution and other Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts can be found.  The U.S. Embassy also encourages U.S. citizens to review to "A Safe Trip Abroad," found at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1747.html , which includes valuable security information for those both living and traveling abroad.  In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada, or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.

U.S. citizens living and residing in Qatar are advised to register their presence in the country through the U.S. Department of State's automated online registration system, https://travelregistration.state.gov.  U.S. citizens may also contact the Consular Section at the U.S. Embassy via email at ACSconsularDoha@state.gov or by calling 488-4101, extension 6117 for routine services or extension 6500 for after hours emergencies.  Further updates will be forthcoming when new information is available.  This complete message is available on the Embassy's website at http://qatar.usembassy.gov.

Recommended Personal Security Checklist:

• Vary your times and routes to and from work.
  
  
• Keep your doors locked and windows closed (residence and vehicle).
  
  
• Check the interior and exterior of your vehicle prior to getting into your vehicle.  Look for anomalies or other things that do not belong in your car.
  
  
• Maintain a low personal profile by not doing anything that draws attention to yourself.
  
  
• Identify and report to your corporate (sponsor) designated security-charge person and the police, vehicles or persons possibly involved in surveillance of your activities.
  
  
• Are you alert to what is going on around you?
  
  
• Are your colleagues and family aware of your daily plans and do they know how to reach you?
  
  
• Do you allow your staff to vary their hours of reporting (i.e., you do not schedule meetings the same time early each morning which would preclude the staff from varying their reporting times)?
  
  
• In traffic, always attempt to leave space in which to maneuver.  Always leave yourself an exit.  Be prepared to take evasive action at any time.
  
  
• To the extent possible avoid choke points in travel. Be wary of diversions.
  
  
• If you are being followed or harassed by another driver, try to find the nearest police station, hotel, or other public facility to call the Police and your corporate designated security-charge person.  Never lead the person back to your home or stop and get out.
  
  
• Whenever possible, do not have a set day for shopping, errands and personal needs.  Be unpredictable.
  
  
• Never give out your personal information such as family member and household staff names, addresses and telephone numbers in an open setting.
  
  
• Ensure all of your family members are briefed on security measures.
  
  
• For Parents with children: Make sure they are aware of 999, home number, and any other relevant contact numbers.
  
  
• Minor age children should not use taxis unaccompanied and should only use reliable, known limousine/car services vetted by your employer.  Likewise, females and minor age children should never ride in the front seat of taxis.