Can visitors drink alcohol in Qatar?


Tourists and residents can consume alcohol in restaurants, bars, and certain licensed hotels without applying for a personal permit.

Can you drink in public in Qatar?

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.

Does Qatar allow alcohol in hotels?

Alcohol is not prohibited in Qatar, but access to it is limited – generally to licensed restaurants and bars in hotels. The legal drinking age is 21.

Where can I drink alcohol in Qatar?

Sales and consumption of alcohol are tightly controlled in Qatar. Only a handful of bars and restaurants linked to luxury hotels are permitted to serve, and a single state-controlled off-licence bottle shop sells to holders of liquor permits.

Can you kiss in public in Qatar?

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.

Can I wear shorts in Qatar?

Yes, you can definitely wear shorts in Doha as a woman or a man. I'd just recommend that you ensure they are just above your knees and not ‘bum shorts' and that you pair them with a t-shirt top or a vest top that doesn't show cleavage.

Is alcohol expensive in Qatar?

Even though Qatar is known for having very expensive beer, other countries are known for having expensive spirits and wine.

What is the punishment for drinking alcohol in Qatar?

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.

How much does a beer cost in Qatar?

Can you get a beer in Qatar?

Can you drink beer in Qatar? Alcoholic beer has the same restrictions as other alcoholic beverages. You can drink beer at designated places or at private places after purchasing from licensed sellers. Non-alcoholic beer is available at regular stores.

Does Qatar have nightclubs?

Most nightclubs are housed inside Doha's 4- and 5-star hotels. Besides Society Lounge, some of the most popular hotspots include Oxygen Club at La Cigale Hotel, The Pearl Lounge at the Marriot and The Club at St Regis.

Does Qatar have liquor stores?

The country's only liquor store is located in a dusty neighbourhood on the outskirts of the capital, Doha. Here, guards stand duty at a gated compound ringed with razor wire, carefully checking passports and permits before allowing anyone inside.

Why is alcohol restricted in Qatar?

According to The New York Times, this shift in policy came directly from the Qatari royal family and was described as “nonnegotiable.” Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, brother of the ruling emir, reportedly grew concerned that excessive, visible drinking could lead to security issues and cause disruption …

Why doesn t Qatar allow alcohol?

According to The New York Times, the decision to ban alcohol in the stadiums came from the Qatari royal family. Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, brother of the ruling emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, was concerned about the consequences of excessive drinking like crowd misbehaviour.

Is Qatar banning alcohol in stadium?

Can Muslims drink alcohol in Qatar?

Qatar, which like Saudi Arabia follows an ultraconservative version of Islam known as Wahhabism, has strict limits on the purchase and consumption of alcohol, though its sale has been permitted in hotel bars for years.

Can I get a girlfriend in Qatar?

As dating in Qatar is technically not allowed, it requires some discretion among expats living there. In many ways, however, dating can look similar to how it does in your home country; exploring the numerous bars and restaurants the country has to offer.

Can I take my Bible to Qatar?

Restrictions on religious freedom Individuals and religious institutions are allowed to import Bibles and other religious items for personal or congregational use.

Can girls wear pants in Qatar?

As long as you cover your shoulders and wear skirts, dresses, or pants past your knees, you'll be fine. In resorts and hotels, you can dress exactly as you would at home.

Is tattoo allowed in Qatar?

No. However, it's best to keep tattoos covered, and piercings in non-traditional locations (e.g., the eyebrow, lips) may be frowned upon.

Does Qatar allow females to dress freely?

Women and men are expected to dress in a manner that is modest, but the dress code is generally driven by social customs and is more relaxed in comparison to other nations in the region. Qatari women generally wear customary dresses that include “long black robes” and black head cover “hijab”, locally called bo'shiya.

How much is a beer in a hotel in Qatar?

Re: price of alcohol in hotel's? Beer ranges from around 30 QAR at happy hours to 47-50 QAR full price. Cocktails are usually similar, but can also go up to 100 QAR at the most pretentious bars.

Can you smoke in Qatar?

Smoking is allowed – along with flogging and stoning Cigarettes are, of course, legal in Qatar. In fact, more than 25 percent of Qatari men smoke, and cigarette use among them seems to be rising. (In contrast with the high smoking prevalence among men, just 0.6 percent of women in Qatar smoke.

Why is alcohol restricted in Qatar?

According to The New York Times, this shift in policy came directly from the Qatari royal family and was described as “nonnegotiable.” Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, brother of the ruling emir, reportedly grew concerned that excessive, visible drinking could lead to security issues and cause disruption …

Can you buy alcohol at Doha airport?

The champagne flows in the VIP lounges and on board Qatar Airways flights. They also sell booze at duty free.

Is food expensive in Qatar?

Eating out in Doha Eating at restaurants can be expensive with a realistic cost of around 400 Qatari Riyal (QAR), which is approx. £100 per person at a reasonably priced restaurant.