Are you looking forward to your first trip to Qatar? Like every other country you visit when in Qatar, there are some do's and don'ts that you must keep in mind when you're here.
In Qatar, an Islamic country, there are certain local customs, laws and traditions that visitors must respect or follow. The ILoveQatar.net (ILQ) team has compiled a list of things visitors must remember during their stay here. Welcome to Qatar; we hope you enjoy your time!
In Qatar, it is illegal to drink special beverages or to be seen drunk in public.
As per Law No. 11 of 2004 Issuing the Penal Code, Article 270,
whoever drinks any enhanced beverages in a public place 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). The same penalty will apply to any person who is found drunk on the main road or, is intoxicated and disturbs others.
Visitors must note that special beverages will only be available in licensed restaurants attached to hotels and bars. They might ask you for an original photo ID. For expats living in Qatar, there is a special permit system they must follow to purchase it. One must also note that they cannot carry the special beverages in public.
It it banned to bring pork or any products that contain pork into the country. It is also not served in any of the restaurants or cafes here. Expats living in Qatar must obtain a license to purchase the products for private consumption.
There are harsh penalties in Qatar for the possession, use, and trafficking of illegal drugs.
As per the Law No. 9 of 1987 on Control and Regulation of Control and Regulation of Narcotic Drugs and Dangerous Psychotropic Substances (NDDPS), Article 41,
Whoever possesses, acquires, purchases, delivers, transports, produces, extracts, separates or manufactures NDDPS or one of the plants listed in Schedule 4, for purposes other than trafficking, illicit consumption or personal use, outsidethe circumstances permitted by law, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term of up to seven years and not less than three years with an accompanying fine of up to two-hundred thousand (200,000) Riyals and not less than one-hundred thousand (100,000) Riyals.
Here's the full list of laws related to drugs in Qatar.
There are a handful of countries in the world that can be proud of their clean streets, with little to no trash, and Qatar is definitely one of them.
The Ministry of Municipality in Qatar imposes strict laws about littering and has hefty fines under Law No. 18 of 2017 on Public Hygiene. If you are found throwing trash abruptly and not in the designated areas, you may face a penalty of QR 10,000 for different violations.
As per Law No. 20 of 2002 on the Control of Tobacco and its Derivatives, Article 10,
Smoking shall be prohibited in the following enclosed public places:
1. Means of public transport;
2. Schools, education and training centers, universities, hospitals, health centers, and other educational institutions and health facilities;
3. Ministries, other government agencies, public organizations and institutions, sports clubs, premises of associations and public stores, elevators, cinemas and theaters;
4. Industrial facilities and shopping malls;
5. Restaurants and other establishments that sell food or drinks to the public.
It is illegal to gamble in Qatar. The Law No. 11 of 2004 Issuing the Penal Code, as per Article 275,
Whoever gambles shall be punished with imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months and a fine not exceeding three thousand Qatari Riyals (QR 3,000), or one of these two penalties. if gambling occurs in a public place, and performed openly or in any place or house made for this purpose the imprisonment can be extended to six months and/or a fine not exceeding six thousand Qatari Riyals (QR 6,000).
Article 276 of the same law states that:
Whoever opens or runs a place for gambling, and any person who organizes any gambling games in a public place, openly or in any place or house made for this purpose Imprisonment for a term not exceeding a year in prison and/or a fine not exceeding five thousand Qatari Riyals (QR 5,000).
Article 277 states that:
For gambling and drinking offences stipulated in this Chapter, the court shall confiscate the materials, money and equipment used in the offence and shall order closure of the place where the offence has occurred, and which may only be re-opened for a legal purpose after the approval of the Office of Public Prosecution.
In Qatar, PDAs are not encouraged in the open. One is advised to respect the culture and laws while visiting.
Friday is a Holy Day in Qatar and a weekend (Fridays and Saturdays are considered weekends here). Important services like banks, etc might be closed or will operate from the evening hours. Shops might be closed for Friday prayers, so double-check the timings before you head out.
There is a generic modest dress code policy in Qatar, and men & women are advised not to wear clothes that are too short or revealing. Men should avoid wearing short shorts, and women should cover their shoulders and knees when entering certain places like government buildings, museums etc. Women visiting mosques must cover their heads. Ramadan is also an important time in the country to follow the dress code.
Do we tip in Qatar? Although there are no rules to this, some people still tip while dining at restaurants etc. It is entirely up to you as to how much you want to tip.
Taking touristy photos is acceptable in Qatar, but it should not be done to offend or defame anyone. One should also refrain from taking photos of other people without consent.
As per Law No. 11 of 2004 Issuing the Penal Code, Article 333,
Whoever illegally intrudes into another person's private life and without their consent through one of the following means, shall be punished by imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year in prison and/or a fine not exceeding five thousand Riyals (QR 5,000):
1. Opens a letter or telegram against the will of the addressee or eavesdrop on a telephone conversation.
2. Records or transmits conversations that take place in a private place or through any type of device.
3. Takes or transmits somebody's photographs or photographs of other persons in a private place using any type of device.
There are some gestures like pointing fingers that are considered rude in Qatar. It is also offensive to sit cross-legged in a way that your foot is facing the other person's face. Be mindful of these when you're in Qatar.
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Reference: Al Meezan, Ministry of Municipality
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