What is the punishment for drinking alcohol in Qatar?


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. Drinking in a public place could result in a prison sentence of up to six months – and/or a fine up to QAR3,000, which converts to £696.29.Whoever drinks any alcoholic beverages in a public place or opens a store or a house to trade in alcoholics shall be punished with imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months and/or a fine not exceeding three thousand Qatari Riyals (QR 3.000).

What happens if you get caught drinking in Qatar?

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).

Is any drinking allowed in Qatar?

Alcohol is available in the country, but sales are strictly controlled. Most visitors, even before the World Cup, were permitted to buy beer and other alcoholic beverages only in upscale hotel bars and at unusually high prices.

Can you drink alcohol at World Cup Qatar?

Alcohol would only be served in designated fan parks and other licensed venues around Doha, FIFA said in a statement. Some fans can still consume alcohol at matches – albeit at a price.

What happens if you get caught drinking in Qatar?

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).

Can you go to jail for drinking in Qatar?

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. Drinking in a public place could result in a prison sentence of up to six months – and/or a fine up to QAR3,000, which converts to £696.29.

Can you kiss in public in Qatar?

Any intimacy in public between men and women (including between teenagers) can lead to arrest. Living together whilst unmarried is prohibited in Qatar, and sex outside of marriage, regardless of whether this is same sex couples or opposite sex couples, is illegal.

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.

Is beer sold in Qatar?

As per Qatari laws, public alcohol use is not allowed. This is in line with local customs where most people live alcohol-free in the Muslim-majority country. However, alcohol products are available at designated hotel bars, mostly for foreigners.

How much is a beer in Doha?

Why did Qatar ban alcohol?

Anonymous sources told The New York Times that the abrupt directive came from the Qatari royal family, namely Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, the brother of Qatar's ruling emir, amid concerns that excessive visibility of alcohol would upset the local population and create security problems.

Why is alcohol illegal 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 eat pork in Qatar?

As a Muslim country, pork and other products that contain pork are banned in Qatar.

What can you go to jail for in Qatar?

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.

Will Qatar warn fans about sneaking alcohol at WC?

What happens if you get caught drinking in Qatar?

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).

Does Qatar have death penalty?

Qatar has the death penalty, primarily for espionage, or other threats against national security. Apostasy, same-sex intercourse, and blasphemy are considered capital offences, but there have been no recorded applications of the death penalty for this charge.

Can a foreigner marry a Qatari woman?

There is no civil marriage for non-Muslims. Some embassies and churches can perform marriages for non-Qataris. Please contact your country's embassy for more information. Premarital health screenings are required for all couples planning to get married in Qatar.

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.

Can I go to hotel with my girlfriend in Qatar?

Unmarried/Married Couples Another important point to mention, is that Qatar law forbids unmarried couples to sleep in the same room, so it is very important that you can provide documentary proof that you are married when you check in as we will be unable to let you stay here if you cannot present it.

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.

What is illegal to bring to Qatar?

Weapons, firearms and ammunition. Alcoholic beverages. Pork products. Narcotic drugs.

Can you wear shorts in Qatar World Cup?

Women are advised to cover their shoulders and wear long skirts or trousers in public, including when driving. Avoid bikinis on public beaches (limit this to the confines of a private beach or your hotel pool). Men should avoid toplessness and shorts in public places.

Can I bring my vape into Qatar?

Why is beer so expensive in Qatar?

CS: Alcohol is expensive here by design. Naturally there is nothing brewed here or in any neighbouring countries. It's all imported from afar, which adds extra costs. Then it's only hotels or sporting venues (like the golf club for example) that operate bars, restaurants and clubs.

Can football fans drink in Qatar?

Alcohol is only available inside the fan zone, FIFA Fan Festival – where €13 Budweisers are sold – other fan destinations and at licensed hotels, restaurants and bars.