Qatar has been among the top 10 wealthiest nations globally – with a
population of just over 1.6 million – since 2010. The Arab nation will host
the 2022 FIFA World Cup Finals. It will also be home to teeming football
fans from all parts of the world, coming together to support their countries
for at least 30 days.
However, you must bear in mind that Qatar is a conservative – but
hospitable – country. There are several things visitors should avoid so that
they don’t have run-ins with the local authorities.
This article highlights the things you should avoid in Qatar so that you can
enjoy the World Cup finals to the end without any hassles.
Things You Should Avoid in Qatar
Alcohol
Have fun reviewing movies and drinks
Drinking alcoholic beverages in Qatar is strongly regulated. You will need
to secure a liquor permit for drinking and a rigorous interview to ascertain
whether or not you are a Muslim.
Qatar is a Muslim country and regulates alcohol flow into the nation. You
won’t be permitted to bring in alcoholic drinks as they will be confiscated
right at the airport.
You’d want to avoid all the hassles this may cause you when visiting the
Qatari nation.
- Getting Drunk in Public
Although there is no official decision on this particular matter, it is expected
that fans will need alcohol. However, only a few luxury hotels in Qatar are
permitted to sell alcoholic drinks. These alcoholic drinks can also be pretty
expensive, at £10-£15 for wine or beer.
However, it is a punishable offense to be drunk in public under Qatari law.
Therefore, avoid getting drunk as much as possible. This does not prevent
you from having a good time if you respect the culture.
Bringing Pork to Qatar
Bringing port to Qatar or products related to pork is highly prohibited. If you
bring them in, they will be confiscated immediately. The authorities may let
you go, but with a stern warning that may not go down too well with you.
Narcotics
Do not have anything to do with narcotics in Qatar. This highly conservative
nation has a zero-tolerance policy for those who deal in selling, buying,
manufacturing, consuming, or transporting narcotic drugs.
Repeat offenders can get the death penalty, while first-time offenders may
get fines up to QR500,000 (more than $137,000)!
Pornography
Article 294 of Qatar’s Penal Code states that ‘Whoever instigates adultery,
debauchery or dissipation in public through gestures, words, or any other
means shall be liable to a prison term of no less than 6 months and not
exceeding 3 years.’ Wow! That’s some severe penal terms there.
Therefore, do not engage in or instigate anything related to adultery or
debauchery in public. Avoid it at all costs.
Displays of Affection in Public Places
Qatar has strict laws against displays of affection in public. Qatari culture
frowns against such actions in public. If you contravene this law, you may
be arrested.
Therefore, respect this part of the culture and avoid public displays of any
form of affection.
Taking Pictures in Public
Every country expects its visitors to take photographs of beautiful places of
interest, and Qatar is not an exception.
However, Qatar has a few restrictions on taking pictures. Most traditional
Qatari attire is eye-catching, and most visitors love taking photographs of
Qatar natives.
But if you need to, you must obtain permission, or else you may land in
trouble. You need to also get permission to photograph military sites,
construction sites, and even religious sites.
Conclusion
Qatar is undoubtedly gearing up for a month-long carnival scene as people
troop in from all parts of the world for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. This nation
doesn’t joke with its culture and expects foreigners to follow all rules with
humility.
Avoiding the things mentioned in this article ensures your smooth or
trouble-free stay in the Arab country.