Africa-Press – Angola. From clothing to drinking alcohol, including expressions of affection in public, we’ve gathered in this article what you need to know about the laws and rules to be followed in Qatar. And beware: tourists and football fans are no exception.
More than a million tourists are expected in Qatar for the 2022 World Cup. And the well-known fervor of football fans can lead to risky situations in the eyes of the law. To avoid heavy fines or even imprisonment, know what is and is not allowed in this Arab country.
Upon arrival in Qatar, all passengers’ luggage is checked. Some prescription and over-the-counter drugs in other countries may contain substances that are not authorized or require additional control at the airport.
So, if you need to take medication to Qatar, don’t forget to have the prescription or a note from the doctor with you, which will have to state the substance, amount and dosage. If in doubt, you can always contact the Portuguese consular services in Qatar.
In addition to medication restrictions, it is not allowed to bring religious material, pornography or electronic cigarettes into Qatar. This type of objects will be confiscated by the authorities.
In Qatar, it is strictly forbidden to drink alcohol in public and whoever does so can face a fine equivalent to 800 euros or even a sentence of up to six months in prison. The consumption of alcohol is only allowed to people over 21 years of age in hotels and certain restaurants. However, some exceptions were made for the World Cup.
The organizers of the 2022 World Cup announced that the sale and consumption of alcohol will be allowed, within certain hours, in areas created specifically for fans. Any consumption of alcohol outside these places and times will be penalized.
And inside the stadiums, is it possible to drink alcohol? Initially the plan did not allow it. But in the meantime, FIFA has announced that it will also be possible to buy and consume alcohol in stadiums before and after matches, but not during.
Pointing the finger at someone is considered an extremely offensive gesture and therefore should be avoided. The same applies to, for example, waving to a waiter. And if everything is going well on your trip and you think you can do a “thumbs up” (our aka “cool”), you’re wrong. In Qatar, this gesture is considered obscene.
And if nothing is going as planned, watch out for the blunders. Swearing or making rude or obscene gestures can end up in prison.
Forbidden to throw garbage on the ground
In Qatar, throwing garbage on the ground entitles you to a fine equivalent to 2,800 euros.According to Reuters, the Qatari authorities are preparing to show “tolerance” and “flexibility” with supporters of the 2022 World Cup in relation to petty crimes such as drunkenness and disorder.
According to a source from the news agency, a plan is being prepared by the World Cup organization so that this type of petty crimes is not criminalized. Despite this, no official announcement regarding this plan has yet been made.
Even if this happens, it is important to respect the rules and customs of the country you are visiting. Pay attention, inform yourself and don’t forget that Qatar is an Islamic country where Sharia law is applied.
More than one million tourists are expected in Qatar for the 2022 World Cup, but criticism about the social context and human rights issues has risen in tone and many voices admit not to visit the country, criticizing the choice.
What clothes should we wear or avoid?
Tourists are expected to dress “modestly”, which in practice means covering knees and shoulders and avoiding tight, translucent clothing. Shorts, short dresses and spaghetti straps or strapless tops are not recommended. women do not need to cover their hair. On beaches and hotel pools it is allowed to wear a bikini, but this is not recommended on public beaches.
In stadiums, fans are prohibited from taking off their jerseys. And if you’re wondering how it’s going to be possible to control thousands of fans, know that the World Cup’s sports venues are equipped with thousands of high-quality cameras with facial recognition.
Public expressions of affection – such as kissing, hugging or holding hands – are prohibited in Qatar and the World Cup organizing committee has already urged couples to take this into account. Breaking this rule can even lead to imprisonment.
Also, as a rule, men and women who are not married cannot live together. However, the authorities have already made it known that during the 2022 World Cup, lovers or friends will be allowed to share the same hotel room.
Despite this exception, Qatar has already warned that the law prohibiting sexual relations outside of marriage will apply even during the competition. And any act considered “excessively intimate” could lead to arrests. Regarding homosexuality, it is totally illegal and the country provides for the possibility of the death penalty for these cases.
If you are used to taking pictures on your travels, in Qatar you need to pay extra attention. It is prohibited to photograph or film government, military or industrial buildings. When in doubt, ask permission or question. The courtesy also applies if you want to photograph or film other people.
And pay attention to what you post on social media. Any content that appears to insult or defame the country and culture can be considered a crime.
For More News And Analysis About Angola Follow Africa-Press
