Fans travelling to the 2022 World Cup will not be able to take alcohol for personal consumption into Qatar, with the head of the country's safety and security committee saying that "specific measures" are in place to take action against anyone attempting to smuggle liquor in their luggage.
It was confirmed on Friday November 18 that a decision had been taken to ban the sale of beer at stadiums completely. Resultantly, only non-alcoholic drinks are available inside any of the eight stadiums at the World Cup.
In general, the public consumption of alcohol is illegal in Qatar — an offense that can bring up to six months in prison and a fine of more than $800, according to the Library of Congress. Anyone smuggling alcohol into the country can face up to three years in prison, the agency said.
Additionally, it's forbidden to bring alcohol into Qatar from abroad. Fans breaching these rules could be subject to deportation or fines of up to 3,000 riyal ($823), though how much authorities enforce such laws during the tournament remains a question-mark.
Qatar Laws Regarding Alcohol
Drinking alcohol in public or being found drunk is illegal and can attract heavy fines and even jail terms. Public drinking, for example, may result in a prison sentence and/or a fine of up to QAR 3,000 (USD 825).
Alcohol isn't illegal in Qatar, but there is zero tolerance for drinking in public and being drunk in public is a crime. Local law and customs reflect the fact that Qatar is an Islamic country - therefore you should respect the rules at all times and ensure your actions do not offend.
Qatar is somewhat multicultural and most Qataris and Muslim people are usually very tolerant of their Christian brothers and sisters celebrating Christmas.
Blasphemy is punishable by up to seven years in prison and proselytizing any religion other than Islam can be punished by up to 10 years in prison. Homosexuality is a crime punishable in sharia by the death penalty for Muslims, though in Qatar the penalty for consenting males is up to 5 years in prison.
Food, Drink and Entertainment
There are a few customs and traditions to be aware of when socialising in Qatar: Dancing is allowed in the privacy of your home or at licensed clubs. But dancing in public is classed as indecent and provocative.
Nightlife in Doha revolves mostly around the swanky 5-star hotels that often offer rooftop views, fine cuisine, and live musicians or DJs playing late into the night. Alcohol is forbidden for locals, but foreigners can drink in hotels.
FAQs about alcohol on Qatar Airways:
However, if you are transiting through Doha Airport and your final destination allows the import of alcohol, you are allowed to travel with duty-free alcohol on Qatar Airways.
Qatar bans beer sales at World Cup stadiums two days before opening game. DOHA, Qatar (AP) — Qatar banned the sale of beer at World Cup stadiums on Friday, a sudden U-turn on the deal it made to secure the soccer tournament — only two days before the opening game.
FIFA and Qatar have both been criticized for corruption, human rights abuses and for holding an outdoor sporting event in a nation with a notoriously hot and humid climate. Here are answers to some common questions about this year's World Cup.
The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ was enjoyed inside the stadiums by 3.4 million spectators - up from 3 million in 2018 - who were treated to a historic tournament.
Alcohol will not be sold in Qatari stadiums at the World Cup. Initially, beer was to be sold and available for fans three hours before and one hour after kick-off, but not available during the games. However, on November 18, FIFA confirmed that a decision was made to have no alcohol on sale in the stadium perimeters.
No problem for most fans at World Cup in Qatar. DOHA, Nov 29 (Reuters) - Soccer fans at the almost alcohol-free World Cup are ready to pay high prices for a beer, a few have tried to smuggle booze into stadiums but most simply accept that drinking is off limits at the first tournament in a Muslim country.
Fans can face up to seven years in jail if they are caught having one-night stands in Qatar during the FIFA World Cup 2022. The host nation has a strict law in place which bans having sex outside marriage in the country.
Public displays of affection with the opposite sex in Qatar can get you in to trouble- so no kissing, canoodling, fondling in public whatsoever- whether it's with your husband or not- it can still cause offence.
Is there nightlife in Qatar? Doha's nightlife offers generous helpings of live music venues and clubs, mostly concentrated around the international hotels.
Taboo topics
As a conservative country, it is advisable not to talk about sex, religion, or politics in Qatar. Even if your opinions about these topics seem reasonable to you, you should take into consideration that they come from a different perspective (perhaps western).
No public displays of affection
You might get away with linking arms, but that's about it. The exception is when greeting: In Qatar, men and women greet friends of the same sex with three kisses on the cheek. It's not uncommon for people to call the moral police and dob on anyone seen breaking this rule.
While you may feel very comfortable with your host, do not cross your leg and show your heels to the person — it is considered aggressive and rude. As are hand gestures, including thumbs up. Women should ensure their knees are covered when standing or seated, wherever possible.
Restrictions on religious freedom
Individuals and religious institutions are allowed to import Bibles and other religious items for personal or congregational use. Christian religious literature, with the exception of Bibles, is readily available in English in local bookstores.
Tensions often run high at international football matches, and it's not uncommon for scuffles to erupt between fans, both in and outside of stadiums, from rival countries – but swearing and making rude gestures are considered obscene acts in Qatar.
Tourists and residents can consume alcohol in restaurants, bars, and certain licensed hotels without applying for a personal permit.