The Peninsula, 23 March 2026: Qatar’s Ministry of Interior issued updated evacuation and safety procedures to strengthen emergency preparedness across educational institutions.

The Ministry has assessed existing emergency‑response practices before outlining measures intended to help students, staff, and administrators respond safely during crises. The guidance requires institutions to familiarise all occupants with exits and assembly points, keep evacuation routes unobstructed, and ensure that safety equipment is properly identified and understood. Age‑appropriate awareness training forms part of these preparations.

When an alert is issued, activities must stop immediately, with individuals remaining calm and following instructions from the National Warning System and on‑site safety officers. The guidelines distinguish between internal hazards—where immediate evacuation is required—and external threats, where shelter‑in‑place procedures must be followed. During evacuation, the Ministry stressed the need to use stairs only, avoid returning for personal belongings, and proceed directly to assembly points without pushing or overcrowding.

Teaching and administrative staff are responsible for orderly evacuation, conducting headcounts, reassuring students, and reporting missing individuals. The instructions also detail tailored approaches for kindergarten pupils, school learners, and university students. At assembly points, individuals must remain until further official direction is given. The Ministry reiterated that calm adherence to official instructions remains essential for collective safety as institutions prepare for the gradual resumption of full in‑person learning.

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