Amongst the list of items, includes E-cigarettes, vapes, pork products, duty-free alcohol, religious books, narcotic drugs, pornographic material etc.
PDA, sex and sexual orientation
Sex outside of marriage is illegal in Qatar, and intimacy in public between men and women can result in arrest.
The Qatar Supreme Committee and FIFA have repeatedly insisted "everyone is welcome" amid concerns over the treatment of LGBTQIA+ people in the Gulf state. Same-sex relationships are illegal in the country and in some instances punishable by death, making the use of a rainbow armband an acutely sensitive topic.
But dancing in public is classed as indecent and provocative. It is an offence to drink alcohol or to be drunk in public but alcohol is available at licensed hotel restaurants and bars. Expatriates living in Qatar can obtain alcohol on a permit system to consume it at home.
The decision to wear the armband was taken as a mark of protest against the same-sex relationship laws prevailing in Qatar, which makes homosexuality illegal.
No. However, it's best to keep tattoos covered, and piercings in non-traditional locations (e.g., the eyebrow, lips) may be frowned upon.
Yes, you can definitely wear shorts in Doha as a woman or a man. I'd just recommend that you ensure they are just above your knees and not 'bum shorts' and that you pair them with a t-shirt top or a vest top that doesn't show cleavage. What is this?
Public displays of affection with the opposite sex in Qatar can get you in to trouble- so no kissing, canoodling, fondling in public whatsoever- whether it's with your husband or not- it can still cause offence. A peck on the cheek or holding hands with your husband is fine!
Unmarried/Married Couples
Another important point to mention, is that Qatar law forbids unmarried couples to sleep in the same room, so it is very important that you can provide documentary proof that you are married when you check in as we will be unable to let you stay here if you cannot present it.
There is a strict zero-tolerance policy on drugs and the punishments for anyone found in possession are highly likely to be severely enforced. Anyone caught bringing drugs into Qatar can face 20 years in prison, plus a fine of between 100,000 (about £24,000) and 300,000 riyals (about £70,000).
While many unmarried couples do live together in Qatar, this is technically against the law as it is a Muslim country. Men and women are not permitted to share a home unless they are legally married or are related to each other.
For footwear sandals are fine, unless you are heading into the countryside when sturdy sneakers or preferably light walking boots are best. Remember your feet may swell in the heat. We love Hotter shoes – they're really lightweight and stylish too.
Women should wear a headscarf and loose-fitting clothing that covers the arms, legs, and chest. Men should also dress modestly, avoiding shorts or sleeveless shirts. While no dress code applies universally in Qatar, it is always best to err on the side of caution when choosing what to wear.
Qatari national women cover their head with a black headdress called a shayla, their body with a long black dress called an abayha. Some women also cover their face with a black bourga; sometimes the eyes are left uncovered.
Qatar has strict laws in place to protect the privacy of its citizens, and taking photographs of individuals without their consent is not allowed. This means that photographers must be careful when taking photographs in public places, and should always ask for permission before taking photographs of people.
As long as you cover your shoulders and wear skirts, dresses, or pants past your knees, you'll be fine. In resorts and hotels, you can dress exactly as you would at home.
A hat would, however, be a sensible suggestion in the heat! Official guidance from the Visit Qatar website states: “Attitudes towards dress in Qatar are relaxed, but visitors (men as well as women) are expected to show respect for the local culture by avoiding excessively revealing clothing in public.
There is no rule specifically against wearing skinny jeans in Qatar however I personally do not advise wearing skinny jeans in Qatar due to the heat. What is this? Skinny jeans are definitely not the most comfortable attire in Qatar especially if you are visiting in the hotter months.
Alcohol isn't illegal in Qatar, but there is zero tolerance for drinking in public and being drunk in public is a crime. Local law and customs reflect the fact that Qatar is an Islamic country - therefore you should respect the rules at all times and ensure your actions do not offend.
While there is no specific dress code for foreigners, everyone is encouraged to wear modest and conservative attire that is comfortable while not being too revealing. Wearing t-shirts, polo shirts, team jerseys, and shirts are all acceptable for both men and women. Sweat pants, jeans and cargo pants are also normal.
Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Qatar.
Machbūs, a meal consisting of rice, meat, and vegetables, is the national dish in Qatar, typically made with either lamb or chicken and slow-cooked to give it a depth of flavour. Seafood and dates are staple food items in the country.
Laws in Qatar state that if this is not done and too much skin is exposed, one may go to jail. Men who entirely remove their tops will also be subject to fines and jail time, while tops with offensive slogans and sleeveless tank tops are not permitted.
However, an unmarried couple can travel to Doha, but with some restrictions like in hotels, they need to get separate rooms. Islamic laws are against living together without marriage.
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