What Not to Do in Qatar as a Foreign Tourist

Qatar is a wonderful place to visit and explore, with its high-tech skyscrapers and old-fashioned souqs and deserts. It is also a society based on Islamic values and Qatari cultural norms. Being a foreign tourist, respect and cultural sensitivity is not only thoughtful, but can save you both legal and embarrassment issues. The following is a useful list of what to avoid in Qatar in order to have a smooth trip.

1. Don’t Drink Alcohol in Public or Be Intoxicated in Public

Although alcohol is permitted in some licensed places in Qatar (primarily in high-end hotels), it is strictly prohibited in the open. Being drunk in the street can lead to fines, deportation or even criminal prosecution.

Driving under the influence is completely forbidden and severely punished. When you do drink (lawfully) in your hotel bar, do so in moderation, and never dare to walk with alcohol in the open.

2. Don’t Flout Dress Codes or Dress Immodestly

Qatar is a traditional society and modesty in dressing is very important.

• Cover your shoulders and knees in the open areas (malls, museums, streets). The shorts and skirts must be at least to the knee.
• Do not wear tight, revealing or see-through clothes.
• In mosques or other religious places, the dress code is often more rigid: women might be required to wear long sleeves, skirts or dresses that cover their ankles and cover their hair.
• Do not wear clothing with obscene slogans, nude images or vulgar messages.

Although Qatar is rather modern, the locals still want their visitors to respect their traditions.

3. Don’t Engage in Public Displays of Affection or Dating Behavior

The expression of affection between individuals is discouraged in public places like kissing, hugging or holding hands.

In addition:

• In Qatar, extramarital sex is a crime.
• Sex between the same sex is also criminalized and LGBT+ travelers must be particularly cautious not to express their sexual orientation publicly in such a way that it may contravene the law.

When you are in a relationship, then be subtle and sensitive to the local norms.

4. Don’t Use Profanity, Obscene Gestures, or Loud Behavior

Public manners matter. Profanity, insults, rude gestures, or yelling at each other can get you into trouble.

• Cursing or vulgar words may be considered a criminal act, which in some cases may result in deportation or fines.
• Be careful of what you post on social media regarding the culture, religion, or politics of Qatar, defamation laws are very strict.
• Do not play loud music in the streets, particularly in residential areas or during the late hours of the day- respect the noise and the local tranquility.

5. Don’t Disrespect Religious Sites or Practices

Qatari life is based on respect to religion. Shun practices that might be regarded as disrespectful:

• Do not go in mosques when they are in prayer, and when you go, be obedient (take off your shoes, dress decently).
• Do not take pictures of worshippers without their consent, or at services.
• Do not proselytize or give out religious literature in the street.
• During the sacred month of Ramadan, one should not eat, drink or smoke in the open during the day out of respect.

It is important to be considerate of places of worship and religious practices.

6. Don’t Take Photos of People Without Permission

Privacy is highly held in Qatari and most cultures in the Gulf. Do not suppose you can take pictures of people.

• Ask permission before taking pictures of people, particularly women, families or religious leaders.
• Do not photograph places of restriction (government buildings, military, close to private property).
• Take particular care in more conservative or rural environments where individuals might take a stronger objection.

7. Don’t Bring or Use Prohibited Items (Drugs, Pornography, Illegal Material)

The laws of contraband in Qatar are harsh, and the punishment may be harsh:

• Drugs (even in small doses) are prohibited. The long prison sentences, heavy fines, or deportation can be a result of possession, trafficking, or use.
• Pornographic content or obscene content (physical or digital) are forbidden. Devices can be inspected by customs and seizure or punishment can ensue.
• Pork products or products that have pork are prohibited or limited.
• Firearms, bombs and blades can be seized or lead to legal difficulties.
• Even certain prescription or over-the-counter drugs (or particularly narcotics or controlled substances) can be unlawful or need to be documented.

Prior to traveling, consult the official customs and travel advisories of your country and Qatar to make sure what you bring in is permitted.

8. Don’t Reject Hospitality from Locals Without Good Reason

Qataris are hospitable people. When a local asks you to have tea, a meal or a social event, it is good manners to say yes when you have the time.

However:

• Be polite and inform in time in case of absence.
• When going to the house of someone: take off your shoes, extend your right hand when giving/receiving something, observe the rules at home and inquire about the rules they may have.
• Do not stay too long, even good hospitality has its bounds in domestic houses.

A trip to Qatar is a valuable experience of an interesting mix of tradition and modernity. However, due to tight legal regulations and cultural sensibilities, what may be considered as normal in your country of origin may have severe repercussions there. You will have a safer, more respectful and rewarding visit by not engaging in the above behaviors and by respecting the local norms, in dress, behavior, religion and law.