The Qatar FIFA World Cup 2022 is kicking off on November 20, but this year the tournament is set to look very different.
For the first time ever the World Cup is taking place outside of its regular summer window so that players will be able to cope with the countries extreme temperatures.
The decision to hold the World Cup in Qatar in 2022 was made all the way back in 2010 but has continued to cause controversy ever since, with organisations criticising the country’s poor human rights record.
Qatar is culturally very different to the UK and this year’s World Cup marks the first time that the tournament has been hosted by a Muslim nation.
The country is known to have some strict rules that Brits won’t be used to, but breaking them could land you in a lot of trouble.
As the start of the tournament draws nearer Aruna Verma, Programme and Student Lead at The University of Law, has explained the rules that Britons travelling for the World Cup should be careful not to break.
Alcohol
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As a Muslim state the drinking laws in Qatar are much stricter than here in the UK because the consumption of alcohol is strictly forbidden in Islam.
Tourists and non-Muslims in Qatar can still drink, but there’s certain rules you’ll need to follow.
Firstly, you must be at least 21 years old to drink and alcohol can only usually only be purchased from licensed bars and hotels.
Drinking in public and drinking to the point of intoxication are also strictly prohibited and punishable by law.
Aruna Verma explained: “Drinking in public places in Qatar could result in a prison sentence of up to 6 months or a fine of nearly £700. It is also illegal to import alcohol into the country so avoid buying anything in duty-free or it will get confiscated, and you could be arrested.”
The drinking laws are changing slightly during the World Cup, with it now being confirmed that fans will also be able to purchase alcohol in a special fan zone after 18:.30pm local time.
Drugs
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Like the UK, Qatar has strict laws about drugs, however the punishment for breaking these laws can be much more severe, with some offenders who smuggle drugs in the country even facing the death penalty.
There will be no exceptions for foreigners who smuggle illegal substances into the country during the World Cup and while the death penalty is a less likely punishment, the other sentences are also serious.
Verma said: “If you need to take prescription medicine away with you, make sure you have your prescription on hand or a letter from your GP detailing the drug, quantity and dosage to avoid legal complications. In Qatar, punishment for drugs related offences can include fines, deportation and even the death penalty.”
Vaping
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While vaping in the UK is perfectly legal and anyone over the age of 18 can buy vape products, the case isn’t the same in Qatar.
The laws in Qatar do not allow for the sale, purchase or importation of e-cigarettes, vape liquids or related products and anyone attempting to bring these types of products into the country during the World Cup is likely to have them confiscated by airport security.
Verma warned: “The ban on vapes came into action in 2014 and punishment for the sale, purchase or even advertisement of the product can range from £2,000 fines to several months in prison.”
Offensive behaviour
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Another big difference between the laws in Qatar compared to the UK is that Qatar also has some strict laws regarding offensive behaviour, including swearing and making rude gestures.
Breaking the laws around these types of profanities can actually result in a jail sentence or even deportation.
Verma advised: “Not only should you avoid bad language when out in public but, in Qatar, simply pointing your finger at someone can also be seen as insulting, so you should probably avoid this as to not upset anyone.”
Dress codes
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As a religious country, Qatar also has certain dress codes that should be adhered to by foreign tourists, who are expected to dress in a way that is respectful of Islamic culture.
While out in public and even while driving you should make sure to dress modestly.
Verma explained exactly what this means, saying: “Men and women are advised not to wear shorts or sleeveless tops when visiting shopping centres, health care facilities or government buildings. Women should also cover their shoulders and avoid short skirts in general.”
Relationships and intimacy
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Qatar also has very different laws regarding relationships and public displays of affection.
Public intimacy should be avoided as this can lead to arrest and sex outside of marriage is also illegal.
Homosexuality is also illegal in Qatar and those who break the law can face up to seven years in prison.
Verma explained how the World Cup administration has addressed these strict rules, saying: “Whilst the administration for the Qatari World Cup has publicly confirmed that no restrictions on non-married friends or couples staying in the same room will be imposed (as cited on the UK Government’s travel advice), legal rights and protections for LGBTQ+ fans remain widely debated in the run up to the tournament.”
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