World Cup 2022

Going to see the World Cup in 2022? Then, you'll be going to Qatar. With a population of 1.6 million people it will be the first Arab state to host the World Cup.



And here are a few things you should remember when there:

There is an underlying threat from terrorism in Qatar. Attacks, although unlikely, could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.

You should avoid large gatherings and demonstrations.

Local laws reflect the fact that Qatar is an Islamic country. You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend other cultures or religious beliefs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas.

The importation of narcotics, alcohol, pornography, pork products and religious books and material into Qatar is illegal. All passenger luggage is scanned for contents at Doha Airport Arrivals Hall. DVDs and videos may be subject to scrutiny and may be censored. In particular, the penalties for possession of or trade in drugs are severe, often resulting in prison sentences.

It is a punishable offence to drink alcohol or be drunk in public. Offenders may incur a prison sentence or deportation. Alcohol is, however, available at licensed hotel restaurants and bars, and expatriates living in Qatar can obtain alcohol on a permit system. You should not carry alcohol with you, including in your car (except to take it on the day of collection from the warehouse to your home).

You should dress modestly when in public, including whilst driving. Women should cover their shoulders. Shorts and short skirts are considered inappropriate.You should behave courteously at all times. Any intimacy in public between men and women (including between teenagers) can lead to arrest. Common-law relationships, homosexual relations, adultery, and prostitution are illegal and are subject to severe punishment.

Female visitors should take care when travelling alone at night and should use one of the reputable limousine companies. The threat from street crime is low. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted and although the incidence of card skimming is low, you should observe precautions.

All travellers should exercise particular care in their behaviour with others, especially officials, to avoid offending local sensitivities. Verbal insults and obscene gestures may be considered a criminal act and, if found guilty, the accused could face deportation, fines and/or a prison sentence.

Driving accidents are common. Unsafe driving practices, poor lighting, speed driving and roaming animals create hazards. The main international routes from Saudi Arabia are often impassable during the rainy season (December-January).

In the event of an accident, the driver should not attempt to move the vehicle, even if it impedes traffic. The driver should call 999 and wait for the police to arrive. If the accident resulted in injuries or deaths, the driver must not leave until permitted to do so by the police, otherwise, it would be considered a criminal offence.

The Qatari authorities introduced significant increases in penalties for traffic offences in February 2009. Offences include talking on a mobile phone whilst driving, or not wearing a seatbelt. Even minor expressions of "road rage", such as rude gestures, can attract significant penalties. The penalty for using mobile phones while driving has increased to a minimum fine of QR 3,000 ($850) and a maximum fine of QR 10,000 ($2800). Offenders could also be liable to one-year’s imprisonment.
Excursions to the desert can be hazardous unless undertaken in an adequately equipped 4 x 4 vehicle. Always travel in convoy with other cars, take a supply of water and a mobile telephone, if you have one, and leave travel plans with friends or relatives. Driving on an international drivers’ licence is not permitted in Qatar, although visitors (both tourist and business) may drive on a foreign driving licence for a maximum of 14 days following their arrival in the country.

It is an offence in Qatar to drink and drive, and there is zero tolerance for it. Driving under the influence of alcohol is punishable by a custodial sentence of between one month and three years, a fine of QR10,000 ($2800) to QR50,000 ($14,100), or both. Offenders may also be deported.

You should note that, should the police open any case file against you in respect of a driving or drinking related incident, you would automatically receive a ban on leaving Qatar until your case has been resolved.

Most cases are straightforward and dealt with by the Public Prosecutor. However, cases that are more serious may take up to six months to be heard. If a local lawyer is required, there will be a fee of around QR30,000 ($8500) to initially consider your case.

Many areas of the Gulf are highly sensitive, including near maritime boundaries and the islands of Abu Musa and the Tunbs in the southern Gulf. Vessels entering these areas have been detained and inspected, and there have been occasional arrests. Mariners should make careful enquiries before entering these waters or considering visiting ports. As well, pirate attacks and armed robbery against ships occur in coastal waters.You should also ensure that life jackets are available.

Suspects as well as witnesses to incidents may be held for lengthy periods without access to legal counsel or consular officials. If access is granted, it may be severely limited by the Qatari authorities. Authorities may withhold the passport of an individual involved in legal processes, pending resolution of the case. This could result in the delay of a planned departure.

So, if you are planning on travelling to Qatar, have fun and above all - be good!