Rules of conduct while in Qatar for World Cup!

With the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 just starting, planning a visit to this Islamic country is on the list of many football enthusiasts from all over the world. And this also turns Qatar into the go-to place for the most exclusive escorts in the industry!

But traveling to Qatar is not as easy as it may seem, with Qatar being an Islamic country and having very different local laws and customs that you need to respect if you want to travel safely and stay away from the vigilant eyes of the authorities.

Reading this “Traveling to Qatar Guide” is a must because many of the things you are considering normal freedoms in your country, or things that might not come as illegal in the country you are living in, in Qatar may come with serious penalties.

Zero tolerance for drugs!

If you are using prescription drugs and you are traveling with them in Qatar, make sure to also have with you your doctor’s prescription of that medication, or the hospital’s note, signed and stamped, that proves your needs of taking that drug.

Using recreational drugs while in Qatar is strictly forbidden and can go from huge fines to custodial sentences or deportation. So, do not use, traffic, posses or smuggle any kind of drug in Qatar!

No alcohol while you’re in public

In Qatar alcohol is available only at licensed hotel restaurants and bars, and as an expat you can also obtain a permit that allows you to buy alcohol.

When buying alcohol, do not carry it with you in public places. You can only take it, on the day of the purchase, from the place you’ve purchased it to your home.

Do not drink alcohol in public places or act inappropriately or offensive due to alcohol consumption, or you can end up with a prison sentence for up to six months or a big fine!

Don’t be rude or take photos/film while in public places

Rude or obscene gestures and swearing while in public are also considered a misconduct and can lead to you being taken to jail or deported. So, make sure you don’t attract attention towards yourself, you are not loud, and you are not shouting profanities, so that you can stay away from the vigilant authorities.

Filming or taking photos in public places where there also are religious or military sites can lead to your arrest! Be discreet, admire the view, don’t stare at people and be as polite as possible. When taking a photo, if others will be caught on film make sure you ask for permission.

The same conduct should also be kept in the online because posting profanities or things that may be considered cultural insensitive, can be punished with detention.

Don’t enter Qatar with drugs, alcohol, porn, pork goods, e-cigarettes, or religious materials, because as you enter the country, your luggage will be scanned on arrival, and all these will be confiscated.

Dress code while in Qatar

Maybe one of the most sensitive and important topics when travelling in Qatar is the dress code, what you can wear and what not to wear. For women the dress code is described in one word: modest!

Do not wear shorts, sleeveless tops, or dresses, always have your shoulders covered, do not wear anything above your knees. What happens if you don’t respect this dress code? You may not be allowed to enter certain places, or you will be asked to leave. Keep a head scarf with you all the time just in case you need to use it to cover yourself. For instance, when entering a mosque, you need to always wear a headscarf.

While going to a public beach you should have a modest, covering swimwear. But if you got on a resort’s beach, you are ok with bikinis.

For men the dress code addressed two main aspects: not wearing shorts in public and not wearing tank tops, because it leaves their shoulders uncovered.

Also, keep the displays of affection for when you are in the privacy of your room because any display of public affection can lead to your arrest! And if you are part of the LGBTQ community, keep in mind that any type of homosexual behavior is forbidden!

Greeting code while in Qatar

Temper yourself when greeting another person! Men shake hands with other men, and sometimes with women also, but the most respectful greeting is a hand to the heart and a small nod of the head. There is also a greeting etiquette, that involves greeting the elderly and those of higher social status first.

Always greet with the right hand as the left one is reserved for personal hygiene.

Do not stare at a Qatari woman, do not make physical contact, and try to limit yourself to polite conversation all while keeping a comfortable distance.

In some places there are different ques for men and women. Look for that and stay at the right que for you.

These are some of the basic rules of etiquette when travelling to Qatar. Make sure that you respect them and that you keep a discreet profile, respecting the local customs, being polite and not being extremely loud and agitated, and you’ll surely end up spending an unforgettable time in Qatar!