The Booze Question during the 2022 World Cup in an Islamic Country
Will there be alcohol at the 2022 World Cup?
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The FIFA World Cup is the second-largest sporting event on the planet, and in 2022 it will take place in Qatar. Fans all over the world are planning to attend. Not surprisingly, one of the most asked questions so far is Will there be alcohol at the 2022 World Cup?
Short answer: Yes, there will be alcohol available during the 2022 World Cup, but it will be slightly (or, for some, considerably) different from what everyone expects.
For the long (and much more interesting answer), keep reading. I’ll provide some needed context and valuable tips based on my experience living in Qatar for several years.
Alcohol in Muslim Countries
Muslims are not permitted to consume alcohol under Islamic law.
However, there is a wide range of attitudes toward its use in many Muslim countries and societies. In terms of openness to alcohol consumption, we can divide Muslim countries into four tiers.
- Tier 4 — Completely dry countries, where alcohol is prohibited for all citizens. This tier includes Saudi Arabia and Afghanistan.
- Tier 3 — Nearly dry countries where foreigners can import small amounts of alcohol for personal consumption. Examples are Brunei and Iran, where only Christians, Jews, and Zoroastrians are allowed to produce alcohol for their own consumption, but not commercially.
- Tier 2 — Dry for Muslims, but non-Muslims may purchase alcoholic beverages in a limited number of establishments. Examples here are the Maldives, Bahrain, and Pakistan.
- Tier 1 — Alcohol consumption is permissible and legal for all adults. Tunisia, Morocco, and Syria are examples of Muslim countries where any adult can drink.
Can You Drink Alcohol in Qatar?
Qatar is on the 2nd of the 4 tiers mentioned above, meaning that alcohol is legal for non-muslims,
BUT….
Non-Muslims can purchase alcohol in upscale restaurants, bars, and clubs; nearly all of these establishments are located within five-star hotels or resorts…
