Doha's Best Beer: Where To Buy And Enjoy

Qatar's conservative Islamic culture means that there are strict rules surrounding alcohol consumption. Drinking in public is illegal and can result in heavy fines and even jail time. However, tourists and non-Muslim residents are legally allowed to drink in private, provided they do not cause a nuisance for others. So, where can you buy beer in Doha? Alcohol is available for purchase in licensed hotels, clubs, and bars, as well as from the Qatar Distribution Company (QDC) for those with a permit. During the World Cup, fans could also purchase beer from fan zones and certain bars and restaurants in Doha.

Beer can be purchased from licensed bars, clubs, and hotels

Licensed bars in Doha include popular spots such as The Red Lion, Shots, Tahitian Village, and Claw BBQ, which offer daily happy hours and drink deals. Additionally, licensed clubs like Aviary Night Club, Satsuma Asian Bistro, and Shamrock Tavern offer beer buckets and spirit deals.

When it comes to hotels, many hotel bars in Doha City sell beer, and licensed high-end restaurants within hotels are permitted to serve alcohol. Examples of hotels with bars include the Marriott Hotel, Hilton, and the Best Western Plus. It is important to note that regular restaurants outside of these licensed establishments generally do not serve alcohol.

For residents of Qatar, there are additional options for purchasing beer. Qatari residents over the age of 21 can buy alcohol for personal use from the Qatar Distribution Company (QDC) but require a permit to do so. This alcohol is intended for home consumption and cannot be sold to others.

During the holy month of Ramadan, alcohol consumption in Qatar is even more restricted. Many outlets do not sell alcohol during daylight hours, and the QDC closes for the entire month. However, some hotels may still serve alcohol through room service, and licensed bars and restaurants may resume bar service at night.

While beer can be purchased from licensed establishments in Doha, it is important to respect the local culture and customs. Drinking in public or being noticeably drunk are serious offenses, with penalties including fines and imprisonment. Therefore, it is recommended to consume alcohol discreetly and avoid public spaces when drinking.

Non-Muslims can buy beer from authorised sellers

Drinking alcohol in Qatar is heavily restricted, and drinking in public is strictly prohibited and punishable by law. However, non-Muslims can buy alcohol from authorised sellers and drink in private as long as they do not get intoxicated and cause a nuisance.

Non-Muslim residents over the age of 21 can buy liquor for home consumption from a state-controlled distributor, the Qatar Distribution Company (QDC), through a permit system. They will need to present their original photo ID upon purchase. This alcohol is intended for their own consumption, and they are not allowed to sell it to others.

Tourists and non-residents can drink alcohol in designated places such as licensed bars, clubs, and hotels. Regular restaurants do not serve alcohol, but licensed high-end restaurants inside hotels are allowed to serve alcoholic beverages. During the month of Ramadan, alcohol consumption is even more restricted, and many outlets do not sell alcohol during the day.

If you are travelling to Doha or transiting through the city, you can buy alcohol from Qatar Duty-Free shops inside Hamad International Airport. However, it is important to note that alcoholic beverages cannot be imported into Doha as they are classified as "Prohibited Goods".

When consuming alcohol in Qatar, it is important to do so responsibly and discreetly, always avoiding public spaces. It is also crucial to respect the local culture and customs, especially during religious periods such as Ramadan.

Beer is available at the FIFA Fan Festival

With that in mind, the FIFA Fan Festival offers a designated space for fans to enjoy a beer during the tournament. Budweiser is served at the festival, with a 500ml can costing QR 50, or approximately £12. The festival area has a capacity of 40,000 people, and entry may be restricted during peak times. It's important to arrive early to secure entry, as thousands of fans were turned away when the festival reached capacity during the 2022 World Cup.

The sale and consumption of alcohol in Qatar are heavily restricted and can be expensive. Beer is available at licensed hotels, clubs, and bars for guests over the age of 21. Regular restaurants do not serve alcoholic beverages, but licensed restaurants inside hotels may offer them. It's important to consume alcohol discreetly and plan for safe transportation when drinking in Qatar.

When visiting Doha, it's essential to respect the local culture and traditions. During Ramadan, alcohol consumption is even more restricted, and it's recommended to consume alcohol in private settings. Qatar Distribution Company (QDC) is the state-controlled distributor, and residents with a permit can purchase alcohol for home consumption from them. However, importing alcohol into Qatar as a final destination is prohibited.

Beer can be purchased from the Qatar Distribution Company (QDC) with a permit

QDC is a state-controlled distributor, and only Qatari residents over the age of 21 can purchase alcohol from them. A permit is required, and the alcohol is for home consumption only. It cannot be resold.

The legal drinking age in Qatar is 21, and drinking in public or being found drunk are serious offences. Alcohol can only be consumed in designated locations, such as licensed hotels, clubs and bars. It is also possible to drink at home if the alcohol has been purchased through legal means.

During the holy month of Ramadan, alcohol rules tighten significantly. The QDC closes for the month, and many outlets don't sell alcohol during daylight hours, or at all. Some licensed bars and restaurants may serve alcohol at night, and some hotels may offer alcohol through room service.

If you are travelling to Doha, it is important to respect the local customs and culture. Alcohol consumption is restricted, and drinking in public is illegal. It is best to consume alcohol in private, and always do so responsibly and in moderation.

Beer is available at the airport for those in transit

If you're in transit in Doha, you may be wondering where you can buy beer. While Qatar's alcohol laws are strict due to its conservative Islamic culture, beer is available at the airport for those in transit. Here's what you need to know:

Buying Beer at Hamad International Airport

If you are transiting through Doha to another country, you can purchase alcohol, including beer, from the Qatar Duty-Free shops inside Hamad International Airport. Remember to bring your passport and boarding pass, as these will be required for any alcohol purchases. It's important to check the maximum alcohol allowance for your destination country, as there may be limits on how much you can buy.

Drinking Beer at the Airport

While you can buy beer at the airport, please note that drinking alcoholic beverages is not permitted within the airport itself. If you wish to consume alcohol, you may do so inside the aircraft, subject to the airline's policies. Some airlines, like Qatar Airways, typically serve alcohol onboard, including beer, wine, and spirits.

Transit Visa or Visa on Arrival

If you are a transit passenger planning to leave the airport and visit Doha for a short period, you should declare any alcoholic beverages you have purchased to Customs officials. They will store these beverages and release them when you are leaving Doha.

Alcohol Restrictions in Qatar

It's important to be aware that Qatar has strict laws regarding alcohol consumption. Drinking in public or being noticeably drunk are serious offences, carrying penalties such as fines and imprisonment. The legal drinking age in Qatar is 21, and alcohol can only be consumed in designated locations such as licensed hotels, clubs, and bars.

Alcohol During Ramadan

During the holy month of Ramadan, alcohol rules are even more restrictive. Many outlets do not sell alcohol during daylight hours, and some may not sell it at all. Some hotels may provide alcohol through room service, and licensed bars and restaurants may resume bar service at night.

So, if you're in transit in Doha and looking to buy beer, you can make your purchases at the airport's duty-free shops. Remember to follow the local laws and consume alcohol responsibly and discreetly.

Frequently asked questions