Buying Beer In Qatar: What You Need To Know

Alcohol laws in Qatar are strict, and the country's sole importer and retailer of alcohol is the Qatar Distribution Company (QDC). To buy beer in Qatar, non-Muslim residents over the age of 21 can apply for a liquor licence, which allows them to purchase alcohol from the QDC for home consumption. Tourists can consume alcohol in designated places such as bars, clubs, or hotels, and some high-end restaurants inside hotels may also serve alcohol. However, drinking in public is strictly prohibited and can result in heavy fines or jail time.

The Qatar Distribution Company (QDC)

QDC is the only place in Qatar where individuals can purchase alcohol for personal use. It is located southwest of the city centre and can be recognised by the queue of cars entering the guarded compound. To enter the premises and purchase alcohol, individuals must obtain a specialised liquor permit, which requires a residency permit and a valid Qatar Resident Permit (RP). The process for obtaining a liquor permit involves submitting an application, paying a fee, and providing a photograph.

Once inside the QDC store, customers can purchase a range of international alcohols, including wines, spirits, and beers. The wine selection is particularly expansive, while the rum and beer selections are more limited. There is also a small refrigerator of pork products, the only pork available in the country. Prices at the QDC are high due to taxation, with a bottle of low-end whiskey costing around 180 QAR.

QDC has an online portal where customers can book appointments to visit the store, as well as pre-order items for click-and-collect. The company has two physical store locations: the original store in Abu Hamour, and a new branch at the West Bay Hotel Park, which is only accessible by vehicle.

Licensed bars and clubs

Qatar is an Islamic country, and under Islamic law, the consumption of alcohol is forbidden. However, Qatar makes an exception for non-Muslims, who are allowed to consume alcohol in licensed bars and clubs.

When visiting licensed bars and clubs in Qatar, individuals must present valid identification or passports to gain entry. The legal drinking age in Qatar is 21 years, and establishments will require an original photo ID to verify the age of their patrons. Some venues may also require additional documentation, such as a liquor license or permit, which can be obtained from the Qatar Distribution Company (QDC). The QDC is the sole importer and retailer of alcohol in Qatar and operates the only two shops in the country where alcohol can be purchased for personal consumption.

The process of obtaining a liquor license or permit from the QDC involves completing an application form and providing certain documentation. The specific requirements include a passport or equivalent identification, a residence permit, proof of salary, and a letter from the applicant's employer. The minimum salary requirement to obtain a liquor license in Qatar is typically between 3000-4000 Qatari riyals per month. It is important to note that the amount of alcohol an individual can purchase each month is determined by their salary.

High-end restaurants inside hotels

If you're looking for a high-end restaurant inside a hotel to enjoy a beer in Qatar, you're in luck! Here are some detailed suggestions to satisfy your craving:

• The Sheraton: Located near Souq Waqif, Corniche, and the Museum of Islamic Art, this hotel offers a convenient spot to unwind with a drink and explore popular tourist attractions.
• Intercontinental: This hotel is also situated near Souq Waqif, Corniche, and the Museum of Islamic Art. It provides a great opportunity to combine sightseeing with your beer-tasting experience.
• Swissbel: Swissbel is another option close to Souq Waqif, Corniche, and the Museum of Islamic Art. Their bar offers a range of beverages, including beer.
• Grand Regal: The Grand Regal is conveniently located near popular tourist destinations, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a drink and an immersive cultural experience.
• Radisson: If you're looking for a wide selection of wines, the Radisson is the place to be. While prices are on the higher side, with house wine costing around $12 a glass, it offers a sophisticated atmosphere to savour your favourite vintage.
• W Hotel: For an exceptional dining experience, the W Hotel in the Pearl man-made island or West Bay area offers a fantastic deal. Their 100 QR three-course lunch special (excluding Fridays) is hard to beat.

Remember, when visiting these establishments, it is advisable to carry your passport as identification, as some venues may require it for entry. Additionally, alcohol can be quite expensive in Qatar due to high taxation, so be prepared for higher prices compared to other countries.

Hotel room service

If you're staying in a hotel in Qatar and want to drink alcohol, you're in luck! Many 4- and 5-star international hotels in Qatar have licensed bars and restaurants that serve alcohol to guests. Some of the hotels that serve alcohol include Sheraton, Intercontinental, Swissbel, Grand Regal, the W Hotel, Hilton, and Ritz-Carlton.

During the FIFA World Cup, some hotel bars and nightclubs continued to serve alcohol to fans, although there was a last-minute ban on beer sales at World Cup stadiums.

However, it's important to note that drinking laws in Qatar are strict, and drinking in public is prohibited. The legal drinking age in Qatar is 21, and you may be asked to present your original photo ID to enter establishments that serve alcohol. Additionally, during the holy month of Ramadan, hotel bars will be closed, and alcohol sales will be more restricted.

If you're looking for room service specifically, some hotels may serve alcohol as part of room service during Ramadan, but this will depend on the individual hotel's policies. It's always a good idea to check with your hotel directly to understand their specific policies and offerings.

When consuming alcohol in Qatar, it's essential to be respectful of the local culture and traditions. Drinking laws can change without warning, and it's important to abide by the rules to avoid any legal consequences.

Alcohol duty-free shops at the airport

Alcohol duty-free shops are available at the airport in Doha, Qatar. However, it is important to note that there are specific rules and restrictions regarding the purchase and consumption of alcohol in the country. Here is some information about alcohol duty-free shops at the airport and related guidelines:

Alcohol Duty-Free Shops at Hamad International Airport:

The Hamad International Airport in Doha has a range of duty-free shops, including the Qatar Duty-Free walkthrough store, which offers liquor among other products. These shops are located in the Departures area across different concourses (Concourse A, B, and C) and plazas (South Plaza, North Plaza, and Garden Plaza). The duty-free stores are usually open 24 hours.

Purchasing Alcohol at the Airport:

If you are travelling from or transiting through Doha to another country, you can buy alcohol from the duty-free shops. However, if your final destination is Doha, you are not allowed to purchase alcoholic beverages from the duty-free shops. This is because importing alcoholic beverages into Doha is classified as "Prohibited Goods". All baggage arriving at Doha Airport will be scanned, and any illegal import will be subject to penalties under Customs law.

Documents Required for Duty-Free Shopping:

When purchasing alcohol or any other duty-free items at Hamad International Airport, you must present a valid passport or resident ID card and a valid international boarding pass.

Payment Methods for Duty-Free Shopping:

The accepted payment methods for duty-free shopping include cash in various currencies (including GCC currencies, US dollars, UK pounds, Euros, and Japanese Yen) and credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Diners Club). Debit cards and NAPS are not accepted.

Duty-Free Allowance Limits:

It is important to note that duty-free allowances may vary depending on your destination country. However, for travellers arriving at Doha, the following limits apply: up to 400 cigarettes, 20 cigars, 300g of pipe tobacco, 500g of raw tobacco, or 2kg of shisha hookah. Additionally, the total value of duty-free purchases cannot exceed QAR 3,000 (approximately USD 825).

Alcohol Restrictions:

Alcoholic beverages cannot be imported when arriving in Doha, regardless of whether they were purchased duty-free or not. During departures from Doha, there are restrictions on the amount of alcohol that can be carried, and your goods may be confiscated if they exceed the allowed limits. The specific restrictions may depend on your destination, so it is recommended to check the regulations for your specific country.

Alcohol Consumption in Qatar:

While alcohol consumption is allowed in Qatar for tourists and non-Muslim residents, there are strict rules in place. Drinking in public is prohibited and punishable by law, with potential fines and jail terms. Alcohol can be consumed in designated places, such as licensed bars, clubs, or hotels, and at private residences with a valid permit. The legal drinking age in Qatar is 21 years, and establishments serving alcohol will require proof of age with an original photo ID.

Frequently asked questions