Local laws and customs reflect the fact that Qatar is an Islamic country. You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions your actions in this context.

General rules and regulations to take into account:

No alcohol

It is an offence to drink alcohol or be drunk in public. Drinking in a public place could result in a prison sentence of up to 6 months and/or a fine up to QAR3,000. Alcohol is currently only available to visitors at licenced hotel restaurants and bars, with additional availability expected at certain fan zone sites during the tournament. It is not possible to buy alcohol in shops.

No drugs

There is zero tolerance for drugs in Qatar. The penalties for the use, trafficking, smuggling and possession of drugs can include lengthy custodial sentences. Smoking is legal in Qatar except in public spaces such as inside football stadiums and facilities. It is also prohibited to smoke in public spaces such as museums, shopping malls and restaurants and punishable by a considerable fine.

No Public Displays of Affection (PDA)

Any intimacy in public can lead to arrest. Private life in Qatar is largely respected but any intimacy between persons in public can be considered offensive, regardless of gender, sexual orientation or intent.

Offensive behaviour

Swearing and making rude gestures are considered obscene acts and offenders can be jailed and/or deported. Take particular care when dealing with the police and other officials. Be careful of the way you show support for your team in public places before and after matches.

Photography/media

Be aware of cultural sensitivities when filming or photographing people and religious, military or construction sites.

Dress code

Visitors should dress modestly when in public specially when going to government buildings, healthcare facilities or shopping centres. Both men and women are advised not to wear shorts or sleeveless tops, covering their shoulders and knees. The rules are expected to be somewhat relaxed during the World Cup but are expected to remain generally the same.

Travelling around Qatar

The football stadiums which will be used for the World Cup are within a compact area and transport routes will be very busy for the duration of the tournament. Make sure you plan your journey and leave plenty of time, particularly on match days. A Hayya Card (a form of Fan ID, which you will need to be able to enter the country during the tournament period) will give you free access to public transport on match days, including bus, metro and tram. Use only licensed taxis or other recognised forms of public transport. If using apps, check licence plates and confirm with drivers the passenger name.

Try not to discuss politics with people you don’t know. Regional developments continue to have an impact on local public opinion in the region. You should be aware of local sensitivities on these issues.

Advice for LGBTQ+ visitors

Fare is a founding member of the LGBTIQ+ Human Rights Sports Coalition and we recommend ALL observers take a look at www.lgbtiqsportsrights.com to understand the full extent of the issues at play. If you are an LGBTIQ+ person you may find https://lgbtiqsportsrights.com/my-protection/ useful.

Homosexuality is illegal in Qatar. An offence under the Penal Code, punishable by up to seven years’ imprisonment.

Wearing a rainbow pin or rainbow flag is not an offence unless police treat it as a demonstration. According to assurances from FIFA, you can wear rainbow symbols in the stadiums. Nevertheless, be aware of the possibility of negative reaction from people nearby.

If you want to bring a rainbow flag into a stadium, make sure it conforms to FIFA regulations – the size should not be more than 2m x 1.5m and it should be manufactured from a fire-retardant material.

Host authorities have publicly confirmed that there will be no restrictions booking a room for two men or women, but it is better to be discreet when booking private accommodation, i.e. book two rooms.

Be careful with any LGBTQ+ symbolism or expressions away from city centres or when the environment seems less welcoming.

If you are going to meet someone on a date, always inform your friends where you are going, with whom are you meeting and where to call in case of emergency.

Further insights into how LGBTIQ+ issues may be dealt with and in particular in regard to LGBTIQ+ people you may find this article useful.

The article relates to a presentation created by FIFA after negotiations with Qatar authorities that “police officers are not to approach, detain or prosecute people displaying rainbow flags -- a globally recognised symbol of LGBTQ pride -- or disrupt fans marching and chanting in the streets. The presentation also instructs security forces to leave protesters alone unless they create a “security issue.” The guidelines could still change before the World Cup.

Advice for Disabled visitors

According to FIFA, ensuring that the tournament is accessible for disabled people and people with limited mobility is critical to the inclusivity of the FIFA World Cup 2022™. They have established requirements to ensure that all FIFA World Cup™ sites and events are made accessible to these groups through adapted site design, operational services and ticketing policies.

In terms of stadium accessibility, all stadiums have wheelchair-accessible toilets, lowered counters at concession stands, and induction loops. Tournament organisers are also leveraging the expertise of accessibility specialists and monitors to continually enhance the tournament experience for disabled people and people with limited mobility. Audio-descriptive commentary is available at every match and will be available for fans worldwide in Arabic and English via the FIFA Interpreting app (android, ios)

There are six types of Accessibility Tickets available. Detailed information on the features of each Accessibility Ticket and who is eligible can be found in the FIFA Ticketing FAQs.

Disabled fans must bring their Proof of Eligibility as this may be checked on arrival to the stadium and will be needed to purchase any over-the-counter tickets during the tournament.

The Accessible Qatar smartphone app is a great resource for information about accessibility and facilities at different public and tourist venues across the country.

In terms of transport, accessible taxis are provided by Karwa, the Doha metro network is fully accessible, and there are a number of accessible Mowasalat buses. Dedicated accessible Stadium Express or shuttle buses will operate on matchdays. Accessibility Ticket holders will receive information from FIFA on how to collect a parking pass from one of the FIFA Ticketing Centres in advance of the match. More detailed information on the accessible transport options is available from the Qatar 2022 Accessible Travel webpage.

The Grievance Mechanism

The initial version of the FIFA World Cup 2022™ grievance mechanism was launched in October 2021. It provides a secure reporting and communication channel and allows for anonymous reporting. Reports received through the mechanism are in first instance assessed by an external expert who recommends adequate follow up measures by FIFA, Q22 and, where applicable and with the consent of the complainant, with third parties.

The Grievance Mechanism is proved fairly effective in making sure disabled fans get a response from FIFA.

More information here

Submit your report here