New Delhi: Qatar is all set to host the FIFA World Cup 2022 and it’s the first time that an Arabic country has got the privilege to host such a grand event. This would significantly increase tourism, luring soccer enthusiasts from all over the world to visit this gorgeous vacation spot. Qatar may provide you with the ideal family vacation to learn more about its culture and history while you are experiencing the pleasure of watching your favourite team play live. There is a lot to add to your plan for Football 2022 in Qatar because it is a country filled with attractions, fine art, and luxury.
Around 15 lakh people are anticipated in Qatar for the inaugural FIFA World Cup in West Asia. The following information will help you maximise the opportunity:
1. Hayya Card: For people attending the FIFA World Cup 2022, the State of Qatar has distributed ‘Hayya cards’ as supporter identification. With the cardholder’s name, picture, status, match tickets, Hayya number, passport number, QR code, and other crucial information, it serves as a personalised and secure identification document. Both a digital (mobile app) and physical (printed card) version are offered.
2. Dress code in Qatar: Considering that Qatar is an Islamic nation, it’s crucial to dress accordingly. Clothing that fits loosely is ideal. In public, women are not forced to cover their faces or wear the hijab. In general, visitors are expected to cover their shoulders and knees. At hotel swimming pools and on private beaches, beachwear is permissible. When visiting governmental offices, medical facilities, or shopping malls, it is advisable that both men and women avoid wearing shorts or sleeveless tops. You might be asked to leave or denied entrance to these places if you are not dressed modestly.
It is especially crucial to dress modestly during the holy month of Ramadan.
3. Tipping in restaurants: There are no set guidelines for tipping in Qatar, but it is becoming more commonplace in Doha, especially among visitors.
It is considered courteous to give waiters and other workers a little gratuity if you are pleased with the service. For restaurants, cafes, and bars, 10-15% is typically acceptable, however, you should strive to tip your taxi driver or the gas station attendant 5-10 QAR.
4. Consumption of alcohol: Alcohol is not easily accessible because it can only be found in establishments with a licence. Alcohol licences are available to ex-pats who live in Qatar, but visitors must not behave in an inebriated or disorderly manner. Under this law, there have been instances of tourists being arrested. It could result in a fine of up to QAR 3,000 or a jail sentence of up to 6 months. The legal drinking age is 21 and a photo ID is required in every business that serves alcohol.
5. Photography Rules: You risk getting into problems if you record or photograph military installations, construction sites, or places of worship. Taking pictures of the locals without permission is also prohibited and can lead to imprisonment. The Qatar News Agency must grant permission for journalists to work, and only with this permission may cameras be let through airport customs. Additionally, you should exercise extreme caution while posting anything online, including on social media, as Qatari privacy laws are severe and anything seen to be culturally inappropriate may result in detention or prosecution.
6. No use of drugs: One of the most drug-restrictive countries in the world, Qatar forbids the use of cannabis as well as over-the-counter narcotics and other drugs. Possession, sale, and trafficking of illegal substances can result in harsh punishments such lengthy prison terms followed by deportation and hefty fines.
World Cup spectators arriving at Hamad International Airport, where officials have detained people carrying the smallest amounts of drugs, should be aware of these rules. Authorities use cutting-edge security technology to examine baggage and passengers.
7. Sharing of hotel rooms between unmarried couples:
The strict Islamic legislation of Qatar forbids any sexual activity between unmarried couples. Under the severe “zina” rules that forbid extramarital sex and pregnancy, about 100 prosecutions are reported each year.
Even rape victims have faced legal action after suspects claimed that the sex was consensual; they were given punishments ranging from seven years in prison to whipping or stick flogging. Unmarried couples, however, will reportedly be able to share hotel rooms during the World Cup. Public displays of affection are “frowned upon” in public, according to the official government tourism website. While holding hands won’t get you locked up, tourists should refrain from displaying closeness in public. Adults found guilty of consensual gay or lesbian intercourse in Qatar face prison terms of one to three years. Crossdressing is also not allowed.
8. No littering: Qatar’s hygienic regulations are extremely strict. As much as residents, tourists also have a duty to maintain proper hygiene. Violations of the hygiene law and cleaning regulations may result in fines of up to QAR 25,000 or perhaps imprisonment. Even throwing tissues and spitting on sidewalks are considered forms of littering and are not permitted anywhere.
