when i went for my interview back in 2001 for f/a i was told that qatar is the safest country in the world. not sure how true that is but it felt it when i lived there. as for sunbathing, i can't recall any beaches but me and my friends would sunbathe, in bikinis at the hotels, the oasis, ramada etc. We could wear skirts and vest tops etc, nobody would throw stones at us for doing so but it's also common sense..if you're gonna wear hotpants and tight tops, then be prepared to be stared at continuously. that would really pee me off sometimes, just walking to the shop to get bread, in 100 degree heat im not gonna wear a jumper, the same cars would drive past, turn around and drive past real slow again..then in the shops i'd be followed round the freezer aisle..they'd never touch but i can't keep my mouth shut either so i'd alwyas have to soemthing to them...