Pour Yourself a Glass

It’s a common misconception that Qatar is a dry State, meaning it’s alcohol-free.  I can assure you, from first hand knowledge, that this is not true.  For some considering a move like this, being able to pop down to the pub for drinks after work may not be a top priority but for others, it may be a deal breaker.  I myself am quite partial to the odd gin & tonic so I was sure to get the low down quickly before moving to Doha.  I know that this is a blog about working in Qatar but having a happy home life when you up sticks and move to a foreign country is quite important and I wish that someone was around to tell me these things before I moved here.  If you have any specific questions, feel free to leave me a comment and let me know what you think.

Anyway, back to the sauce…in Qatar, the only places where you can buy and publicly consume alcohol are the larger (mostly Western) hotels, and a handful of restaurants.  You can purchase alcohol for private consumption, but the only place you are able to do this is at the Qatar Distribution Center (QDC), and you must have a liquor license.  In order to obtain a liquor license you must go to QDC with a copy of your Qatar ID and a letter, signed and stamped by your employer, stating your basic salary (the word ‘basic’ MUST be used), whether or not you receive any housing allowance and if you are married or single.  There is also an application form to fill out and a 2000QAR deposit to pay.  On the application form you must also state your religion.

The amount of alcohol you can buy in one month, your monthly allowance, is based on your salary.  There are also strict guidelines in the fact that only those with a liquor license are allowed into QDC and when you leave, you must conceal the alcohol from view and go straight home.  It is illegal to gift, donate, give or buy alcohol for someone if they do not have a license.  Qatar also has zero tolerance for those intoxicated in public or driving under the influence.

There is a good selection at QDC and the prices for most items are not unreasonable.  Drinking out in Doha is fairly expensive however, probably double what you’re used to so that pint is about £6 ($10) while a glass of wine will set you back £6-10 ($10-$16).  I suppose it all balances itself out though because if you’re out drinking, then you’re not (or shouldn’t be!) driving, and the cabs in Qatar are quite cheap.