Access to Alcohol in Qatar? ABSOLUTely! Here's How...
Alcohol consumption in The Middle East is a topic hotter than the weather we’re currently experiencing. Especially as the FIFA World Cup and its estimated one million fans from around the globe draw nearer. Spectators will be relieved to learn alcohol will be available during the tournament, in designated drinking areas, and at least one article I’ve found suggests a drop in notoriously high prices may occur during this time.
But what does typical alcohol consumption look like year-round, for those of us living here?
The answer is like a lot of things in The Middle East; possible yet complicated. Qatar, though an Islamic nation and direct neighbor of Saudi Arabia (where alcohol is completely forbidden, to everyone), does not enforce Sharia Law onto expatriates. So while Muslims may not purchase or consume alcohol or pork, non-Muslims can… but it’s a process…
Let’s start with the legality - what is and isn’t permitted.
1) It is illegal to bring alcohol into Qatar. It will be confiscated and fines or jail time could be imposed.
2) It is illegal to drink alcohol in public as well as to be drunk in public. The same ramifications could apply as above. We actually know someone who was picked up for public intoxication by police and subsequently fired and repatriated after the police contacted his visa sponsor.
3) You must possess and be able to show appropriate documentation (ID/Passport) to drink in hotel bars or restaurants.
4) You must complete an application and interview to obtain the appropriate permit to shop the one, government-run liquor store in-country (QDC).
So where can you find the goods?
There are only two ways to get your fix in Qatar.
1) By obtaining the aforementioned permit and visiting the one QDC location, by appointment. A literal one-stop-shop.
*Continue reading for a demonstration on navigating the QDC website for appointment booking and click & collect instruction.
2) Visit bars or restaurants inside 4 & 5 star international hotels. Make sure to bring your national ID/passport for presentation upon entry.
QDC FAQ:
> The QDC is the only place you can purchase alcohol or pork products, for home consumption, and requires a permit to do so.
> You must book an appointment online to: apply for a new permit, renew an expiring permit, shop in-store or to shop the click & collect feature.
> Permits will only be granted to non-GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) residents of Qatar, over the age of 21.
> You need to earn a basic salary of 3000 QAR/month (approximately $825 USD) and obtain a letter from your employer to verify said income, which will be used to determine your monthly spending allowance (estimated around 25% of salary). Money spent on pork products does not count against your monthly allowance.
> Finally, you will complete a quick interview to attest you are non-Muslim and pay an annual fee of 150 QAR (approximately $40 USD).
A few more rules…
> Alcohol purchased from the QDC must be consumed in your own home. It may not be gifted or shared.
> Hotels cannot serve pork.
> Spouses (with Qatari ID) of permit holders are also granted a card, linked to the same account, but may shop alone.
Alcohol during the holy month…
The QDC is closed the entire month of Ramadan, as are hotel bars. In preparation of this “dry season,” the QDC grants permit holders the opportunity to double up on their allowance one month before or after Ramadan. You can guess that most people choose to cash in prior to the holiday, creating increased traffic leading up to the start. The appointment system was put into place to avoid chaos like this.
The final obstacle to drinking in Qatar is the cost.
In January of 2019, the country imposed an exorbitant 100% ‘sin tax’ on intoxicants. It then dropped alcohol prices by 30% in July of 2020, but that didn’t do much to offset the burn (in your wallet). Currently, a 24-pack of Budweiser is 188QAR ($52USD) compared to roughly $20 in the US. A 750ml Veuve Clicquot Brut is 397QAR ($109USD) vs. $58 in the US. The monthly allowance is in place to ensure residents can continue to support their families while the punitive price tag is either an intentional money-grab or attempt to curb alcoholism, or both.
Navigating the QDC website:
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