With the arrival of the first fans in Qatar to experience the 2022 World Cup, which starts Sunday, November 20, the first concerns about how different the experience will be compared to previous World Cups have also surfaced.
There is also a degree of fear regarding the strict rules of behavior demanded by the Qatari authorities, different from those in the West, which create uncertainty among the fans who will flood to Qatar from different parts of the world.
The German Embassy in Doha has published on its website a handbook entitled ” Useful information for visitors to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar” which, we understand, can be extended to visitors from other parts of the world.
In a section called ‘Rules of conduct and recommendations’, fans are encouraged to avoid public displays of affection, regardless of sexual orientation and that “use of obscene language or gestures may be an offense punishable by imprisonment or fine. Drunkenness is prohibited”.
It also warns about items that should not be brought into the country.
Religion dictates
“The importation of alcohol and pornographic material, as well as religious books, is prohibited. The importation of pork food is also not allowed. Drug trafficking can carry the death penalty.”
And, on a more serious note and affecting the freedom of LGBTQIA+ people, it states that “criminal law in Qatar is shaped by religious moral concepts. The traveler should be aware that same-sex relations and extramarital sex are forbidden and subject to criminal prosecution”.
It also warns of the usual mode of driving in Qatar and the high number of fatal road accidents.
“Be careful when driving in Doha, the number of fatalities is high. When road conditions are good, road traffic is characterized by high speeds, often risky driving behavior and many accidents. In case of an accident, it is forbidden to leave the scene of the accident until the police arrive and allow you to do so.”
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