Doha, Qatar: Social media users in Qatar have raised concerns over the use of the national warning alert tone as a mobile phone ringtone by some, as it causes confusion and alarm in public places.
The issue gained attention after a post on X by Sheikh Salman bin Jabor Al Thani, who raised concerns stating that some individuals are using the national alert tone for calls and messages in places such as restaurants and malls, creating fear and panic among people. He tagged the Ministry of Interior and urged it to take action or issue a warning to prevent its misuse.
الاخوان في وزارة الداخلية، في البعض من الناس صارو يستخدمون رنت الإنذار الوطني في إشعارات الرسائل ورنات التليفونات، وصارو يسببون خوف وذعر من بين الناس في المطاعم والمولات ويتعمدون في هالحركة.
— ????????سلمان بن جبر آل ثاني (@NahooBahoo) March 31, 2026
وهذا انا شفته بعيني يتكرر.
لابد من اجراء او التحذير والتنويه على منع استخدامها.
وجزاكم…
The post garnered 98,000 views with over 85 comments and 120 reposts at the time of filing the report at 12pm on April 2.
An X user interacted with the post, describing the behaviour as irresponsible and stressing that "The alert tone is meant to protect the public, not to be used for attention or entertainment".
Similar views were raised by some of the students whom The Peninsula spoke with. A student from the University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) said, "Misuse of the alert tone is harmful, as it can increase stress and spread misinformation". The student added that "While some may use it for humorous or “relatable” content, it is not appropriate and cannot be seen as something funny".
Another resident stressed that he has heard the ringtone being used multiple times, noting that it has caused panic at his workplace.
