Warden Message – Security Concerns in Qatar

U.S. Embassy Muscat is disseminating a warden message regarding security concerns in Qatar issued by the U.S. Department of State on September 2, 2009. 

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 the Middle East region. 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 (Diplomatic and Military) 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. 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.

For American Citizens in Oman

Americans living or traveling in Oman are strongly encouraged to register with the U.S.
Embassy in Muscat. Registration with Embassies/Consulates is available at
www.travel.state.gov under “International Travel for U.S. Citizens.” Americans without Internet access may register directly with the U.S. Embassy in Muscat. The Embassy’s phone number is (968) 2464-3400. This new phone number is also for after-hours emergencies.

American citizens wishing to contact the Consular Section may do so via email at
ConsularMuscat@state.gov or fax at (968) 2464-3535. If you wish to speak directly to a
consular staff member, please call the embassy phone number between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00
p.m. on Saturday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, and follow the prompts. On a walk-in basis, American Citizen Services are available from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

The U.S. Embassy is located on Jameat A'Duwal Al Arabiya Street in the diplomatic area of
Shatti al Qurum in the capital city of Muscat. American Citizen Service hours are: Saturday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm. The Embassy is closed on Omani and American holidays.

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs’ web site at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts, as well as the Worldwide Caution, can be found.

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 United States and Canada, or
outside the United States and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

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 suspicious persons, vehicles, or surveillance activity and report the information to the
  security authority of your sponsor or to local police.
• Remain alert to what is going on around you (situational awareness)
• Brief your colleagues and family of your daily plans and provide instructions on how to reach you
• Encourage your staff to vary their hours of reporting (i.e., avoid scheduling meetings at the same time such as 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 (locations that are time and place predictable) 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 and avoid rigid patterns and routines.
• 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 Oman’s emergency number 9999, home number, and any other relevant contact numbers.
• Unaccompanied minor age children should not use taxis. Rather, they should only use
  reliable, known limousine/car services vetted by your employer. Likewise, accompanied females and minor age children should never ride in the front seat of taxis.