Qatar is a Muslim country that adheres to Islamic laws and traditions. However, it is more liberal than some other Middle Eastern countries when it comes to the consumption of alcohol. While drinking is largely prohibited in public places, there are ways for visitors and residents to consume alcohol legally in Qatar.
Is alcohol illegal in Qatar?
No, alcohol is not completely illegal in Qatar. However, there are strict laws and regulations regarding the purchase, possession, and consumption of alcohol in the country.
According to Qatari law, it is illegal to drink alcohol or be drunk in public. Public drunkenness can lead to arrest and fines. Purchasing and possessing alcohol without an appropriate license is also prohibited.
However, the Qatar Distribution Company (QDC), a subsidiary of Qatar Airways, is permitted to sell alcohol to holders of liquor licenses. This means that hotels, bars, clubs, and restaurants can serve alcoholic drinks to patrons who meet certain criteria.
Who can buy and drink alcohol in Qatar?
There are a few groups permitted to purchase and consume alcohol legally in Qatar:
- Qatari nationals can obtain a liquor license to purchase alcohol for home consumption. They can drink at licensed hotels and clubs.
- Muslim expats cannot obtain a liquor license. However, they can drink at licensed venues.
- Non-Muslim expats can obtain a liquor license to purchase alcohol from authorized stores. They can also drink at licensed venues.
- Tourists and visitors can drink at licensed hotels, restaurants and bars. But they cannot purchase alcohol on their own.
In order to consume alcohol at a licensed venue, patrons may be asked to present identification to prove they meet the criteria. Acceptable IDs include passports, driver’s licenses, Qatar ID cards, and liquor license cards.
Where can you drink alcohol in Qatar?
There are only a handful of places where you can legally buy and consume alcohol in Qatar:
Bars, clubs, and hotel restaurants
Many major hotels have bars, nightclubs, and restaurants that serve alcoholic drinks. Some popular options include:
- Jazz Bar at La Cigale Hotel
- Belgian Cafe at InterContinental Doha
- Majlis Bar at Sharq Village & Spa
- The Torch Doha at Radisson Blu
- Club 7 at The Ritz-Carlton Doha
To enter a bar or consume alcohol, you must be over 21 years of age. Hotels will check IDs upon entry. Most hotel bars have a casual dress code, although some enforce more formal attire.
Restaurants
Many upscale restaurants in Qatar offer alcoholic drinks with meals. This includes hotels restaurants as well as independent eateries. Some restaurants require a reservation to serve alcohol.
Qatar Distribution Company stores
Holders of liquor licenses can purchase alcohol at Qatar Distribution Company stores located within Qatar. There are currently seven stores across Doha and Al Wakrah. These facilities are the only places where you can legally buy alcohol for home consumption in Qatar.
Doha Golf Club
While other public golf courses in Qatar prohibit alcohol, the Doha Golf Club has a liquor license. It allows golfers to purchase up to 12 cans of beer for on-site consumption while golfing.
Qatar duty free
Travelers can purchase alcohol at the duty free stores at Hamad International Airport before boarding their departing flight. This allows tourists to buy alcohol even without a liquor license. There are duty free stores in the main terminal and Concourse D.
Can you drink in public in Qatar?
No, it is illegal to drink alcohol in public places in Qatar. Public places include beaches, parks, streets, offices, shops, and so on. The only exceptions are licensed hotels and restaurants.
Drinking or possessing alcohol in public can result in fines of up to QAR 3,000 or a maximum of six months imprisonment.
Can you drink and drive in Qatar?
No, it is illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol in Qatar. The legal blood alcohol limit for drivers is 0%.
Penalties for drunk driving include:
- 1st offense – QAR 3,000 fine and license suspension for 6 months
- 2nd offense – QAR 5,000 fine and license suspension for 1 year
- 3rd offense – QAR 10,000 fine and license suspension for 2 years
- 4th offense – QAR 20,000 fine and permanent license cancellation
Those caught driving drunk may also face up to 3 years in prison. The punishments are severe due to the very real risks drunk drivers pose in Qatar.
Can tourists bring alcohol into Qatar?
Tourists over the age of 21 are permitted to bring up to 6 liters of alcohol into Qatar duty free. This can include:
- 2 liters of alcohol plus 24 cans of beer
- 2 liters of alcohol plus 12 cans of beer plus 1 liter of wine
- 2 liters of alcohol plus 6 cans of beer plus 2 liters of wine
The allowance resets after 30 days, meaning you can bring in another 6 liters after being in Qatar for a month. Keep in mind that it is still illegal to consume alcohol in public spaces in Qatar.
Are there any dry days in Qatar?
Yes, Qatar observes dry days throughout the year on major religious occasions when the sale of alcohol is prohibited:
| Date | Occasion |
|---|---|
| 1st day of Ramadan | Start of the holy month of Ramadan |
| Eid al-Fitr | End of Ramadan |
| Arafat Day | Islamic holy day during Hajj |
| Eid al-Adha | Islamic Festival of Sacrifice |
| Islamic New Year | First day of Muharram |
| Prophet Mohammed’s Birthday | Birthday of the Prophet |
During dry days, all alcohol sales are prohibited across Qatar. Hotels, restaurants, bars, clubs, and stores are not permitted to serve or sell alcohol on these religious holidays.
Can you buy alcohol in grocery stores?
No, alcohol is not sold in grocery stores, supermarkets, or convenience stores in Qatar. The only way to purchase alcohol is with a liquor license at Qatar Distribution Company stores or at the airport duty free upon departure.
Is alcohol available in Qatar stadiums?
No, Qatar has announced there will be no alcohol sold in stadiums during the 2022 FIFA World Cup matches. There will be no beer stands or alcohol zones inside or near the stadiums.
This is a departure from typical World Cup policy, where the host country agrees to allow alcohol sales at matches. However, as a conservative Muslim nation, Qatar opted to keep stadiums alcohol-free for the event.
Fans will still be able to drink alcohol at licensed hotels and restaurants in Qatar during the World Cup. But the matches themselves will be dry in accordance with Qatar’s restrictions on public drinking.
What is the legal drinking age in Qatar?
The legal drinking age to purchase and consume alcohol in Qatar is 21 years. This applies to hotels, restaurants, bars, clubs, and other licensed venues. Patrons must be able to prove they are of legal drinking age, usually by showing an accepted form of ID like a passport or driver’s license.
Can you drink alcohol during Ramadan in Qatar?
No. During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims abstain from eating, drinking, smoking, and other indulgences from sunrise to sunset. As a sign of respect to the Muslim faith, Qatar enforces additional restrictions on alcohol consumption:
- It is illegal to drink alcohol in public during Ramadan. Only drinking in licensed hotels is permitted.
- Most bars and clubs close during Ramadan or reduce their hours.
- Restaurants can only serve alcohol after iftar (the breaking of fast).
- The Qatar Distribution Company alcohol stores close during the holy month.
Non-Muslims are expected to refrain from eating, drinking, and smoking in public during Ramadan daylight hours. While they can technically drink in private, most hotels prohibit alcohol consumption in guest rooms out of respect for Ramadan.
What is Qatar’s alcohol policy during the World Cup?
Qatar has relaxed some of its alcohol rules for the duration of the 2022 FIFA World Cup:
- Alcohol will be available at fan zones from 6:30pm to 1:00am.
- Hotel bars, restaurants, and clubs will be permitted to serve alcohol without food.
- Alcohol will be sold on stadium precincts before and after matches.
- Visitors will be allowed to buy alcohol with a permit up to 48 hours before a match (previously only match ticket holders could purchase).
However, drinking in public spaces will still be prohibited. The country aims to balance catering to visitors with upholding local values. Officials have promised firm but fair enforcement of alcohol policies during the World Cup.
Conclusion
While Qatar is a conservative Islamic country, it does allow the consumption of alcohol in licensed venues like hotels, restaurants and bars. However, there are strict laws against public drinking and intoxication. Tourists and foreign residents can drink alcohol legally by obtaining a liquor license or frequenting licensed establishments. With some limitations, it is possible for visitors to have alcoholic drinks during their time in Qatar.