Visiting Qatar for the World Cup? Know these five conservative laws and customs

Fans visiting Qatar for the World Cup should know these Qatar’s conservative laws including policies for alcohol, drugs, sexuality and dress code.

NewsBharati 18-Nov-2022 10:59:31 AM

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With fans gearing up for the gigantic FIFA World Cup 2022 being held in Qatar, it is been reported that more than 1 million fans will be visiting the conservative Islamic country. Usually, football fans enjoy watching matches in a different way, like a nonstop party! But, in Qatar, it might be different. Qatar’s judicial system, based on an interpretation of Islamic law, or Shariah, will not overlook "the partygoers".

five conservative laws and customs of Qatar FIFA World Cup

Fans have been asked to "respect" Qatar's laws and cultural practices, including alcohol, drug, sexuality, and dress code rules. Therefore, fans visiting Qatar for the World Cup should be know these Qatar’s laws and cultural customs, including policies for alcohol, drugs, sexuality and dress code. Here's a look at the some of them.

1. ALCOHOL: Alcohol is served only in hotel restaurants and bars that have licenses in Qatar. It is illegal to consume it elsewhere. Non-Muslim residents of Doha who have a liquor license, however, may drink at home. Carrying alcohol — even if it’s unopened — is also prohibited.

At the World Cup, fans will be allowed to buy beer within stadium compounds but not at concourse concession stands — before and after games. Fans can also drink in the evenings at a designated ‘fan zone’ in downtown Doha.

Also Read: Qatar World Cup ambassador says "homosexuality is haram, damage in the mind"

2. DRESS CODE: According to Qatar’s government tourism website, the Muslim country urges men and women to “show respect for local culture by avoiding excessively revealing clothing in public.”

They recommend both men and women to cover their shoulders and knees. Those in shorts and sleeveless tops may be turned away from government buildings and malls.

3. SEXUALITY: One of the core controveries against Qatar hosting a World Cup is its ban on homosexuality, punishable by up to three years in prison and a fine. Physical initimacy between unmarried couples is not permitted in Qatar, however, the government said unmarried couples will be allowed to share hotel rooms during the World Cup without issue, regardless of sexuality.

Also Read: Ahead of FIFA World Cup, is Qatar hiring 'fake fans' for parade?

On the streets, public displays of affection are “frowned upon,” the government tourism website says. Holding hands won’t land you in jail, but visitors should avoid showing intimacy in public. Qatari law calls for a prison sentence of one to three years for adults convicted of consensual gay or lesbian sex. Crossdressing is also criminalized.

Though World Cup organizers have that anyone, regardless of their sexual orientation, can come “without fear of any sort of repercussions", one of the organizers warned rainbow flags could be confiscated to protect fans from being attacked for promoting gay rights in a region where discrimination runs rampant.

4. DRUGS: There is zero tolerance for drugs in Qatar — whether that is supply, use or possession. Embassies cannot when a citizen of their country is detained there on drugs-related charges. Hefty fines and penalties need to be paid. For e.g. 20 years of jail.

Also Read: Awarding World Cup 2022 to Qatar, a mistake: Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter

5. Other OFFENCES: Flashing the middle finger or swearing, particularly when dealing with police or other authorities, can lead to arrest. Most criminal cases in Qatar that entrap unwary foreigners involve such offenses. Many Qatari women and men will not shake hands with the opposite sex; wait for a hand to be offered. Filming and photographing people without their consent, as well as taking pictures of sensitive military or religious sites, may result in prosecution.

It’s also important to tread carefully when discussing religion and politics with locals. Insulting the royal family can land you in prison. Few Qataris are likely to welcome criticism of their governance system from a tourist. Spreading fake news and harming the country’s interests is a serious and vaguely defined crime, so it’s best to steer clear of social media commentary on Qatar.