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Key Findings
The prevalence of FGM/C among women aged 15-49 in Qatar remains unknown as no publicly available data or national reports focusing on the practice have been released. According to Humanium, “Qatar is one of the 6 countries in the Middle East where [female] circumcision is still carried out”, however no supporting data is presented to substantiate this claim. In contrast, a 2018 United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) publication reports that “there are no confirmed cases of FGM/C occurring within Qatar”
Geography
Data is unavailable.
Age
Data is unavailable.
Type
Data is unavailable.
Agent
Data is unavailable.
Trends in FGM/C Prevalence in Qatar
The UNDP report “Gender Justice & The Law” in Qatar states that FGM/C is “socially rejected by Qatari citizens and it is not a part of local customs and traditions”. Therefore, implying that if there are reports of FGM/C in Qatar, the practice is likely limited to the migrant populations residing in the country. Given that 88% of the Qatari population are expatriates, it is also worth investigating how aspects such as migration could be influencing the presence and prevalence of FGM/C in the country. Understanding these dynamics is crucial to developing an accurate picture of FGM/C within the country.
FGM/C Legislation in Qatar
Although there is no specific legislation criminalising FGM/C, the government of Qatar has responded to questions raised by CEDAW that prosecution for FGM/C is covered under Articles 307-309 of Qatar’s Penal Code (Law No 11 of 2004) that deals with crimes of assault ranging in severity that include the “amputation of an organ” and permanent disablement of the functionality or sense of any organ. Article 47 of the Penal Code can be applied to health professionals performing FGM/C as it has no justification in medical terms.
Development Indicators
Population Growth
3,714,329 (as of September 19, 2025), with a 0.71% growth rate (2024)
Infant Mortality
6.4 deaths per 1,000 live births (2024)
Maternal Mortality
4 deaths per 100,000 live births (2023)
SDG Gender Index
Data is unavailable.
