Could anyone please advise me, I have just been offered a position in a construction company in Qatar and I was wondering if you can buy alcohol from shops and bars or is it restricted like in other middle eastern countries.
To obtain an alcohol permit you need a letter from your employer written in English. This must be signed and stamped by an authorised person in your company and be addressed to the Qatar Distribution Company. It must state the applicant’s position, basic salary (must be above 4000 riyals or 1100 dollars, and the letter must use the word basic), state if an accommodation entitlement is received or if the applicant receives free accommodation and whether the applicant is married. The applicant must also provide their ID/passport and residence permit (photocopies are acceptable) and a 1000 riyal (275 dollar) returnable deposit. You also have to complete an application form, and state your religion.
haha that was funnily true..the careful in the f1 lane and the racers in all lanes..although one could say that the racers are made homeless by the careful folk:-)
I can understand the Dutchman, the English, The German or even the American ragging on Qatar's streets....but the dude from "THAILAND"!!! No offence bro have u ever been outside in Bangkok or phuket???? Hehehe
We have 2 types of drivers in the Qatar….The formula one drivers….and the super extra accentuated gravely careful, lol. The funny part is that the super crazy doesn’t stick to the fast lane where they belong and weave in and out of traffic….and the super careful practically lives on the fast lane and wouldn’t budge for the life of me :-D
i think it does help to drink a bit before driving in doha,.makes you more aware ;) ,.and your skills while being deluted with alcohol will be equal or still better then the other drivers surrounding your with there big suv's
for "you need to pay a 1000 qar down payment,.which you will get back if you turn in the permit" I can pay that and QDC can keep it if QDC skip NOC thing because admin in my company only serve big guy... double standard is everywhere. about drunk n drive I think a lot of driver here drive badly more than drunk ppls also road design here are very dangerous. (may be design by drunk ppl) ..but if may be we drunk and drive, we may feel no traffic at all :)
Thanks for the clarification super cool. It always struck me as impossible for hotels enquire about someone's religion before serving a drink; good to know they aren't expected to do it.
I AGREE WITH U THAT THE REACTION WAS OVERLY SENSETIVE!
But just to clarify...Muslims are not prohibited by law to from having alcohol although they used to be....now a day they r prohibited from acquiring a license to purchase it for home use but they still can "LEGALLY" consume alcohol at any of the bars in town, many of which requiring memberships and none of which can legally reject any person for being a Muslim
I know that because what ur saying "used to be" true and it was abolished about 3 yrs ago and announced in all bars due to an insident that happened at Irish bar at Sheraton...since then all Muslims can drink legally if they choose to do so at any establishment
as far as alcohol goes....it is available at all the bars and night clubs in town plus u can purchase it for personal use at home by acquiring a liscence....quite a simple process and ull be be given an ID which allows to to purchase it.
I am a british muslim coming from UK soon inshallah (god willing). even for myself I know I will have to adapt to the lifestyle in Qatar. Personally I think as long you follow the guidelines You should be ok.
don't know why some folks are hissing at the non-muslim bit..nomerci and others are right when they say its a muslim country with liquor restrictions..a muslim caught drunk driving is sure to be treated differently than a non muslim person..there's no need to be so sensitive guys..i'm muslim myself but don't see what xena and then the others said that was wrong
Maybe I will just go the gym, it was a simple question that seems to have touched a few nerves, I didn't mean any offence was just asking for advice, thanks anyway
you need to pay a 1000 qar downpayment,.wich you will get back if you turn in the permit and did not abuse it,so by the end if you not abuse the license it will not cost you anything
DONT DRINK AND DRIVE,.cabs are available and cheap
1. Alcohol is restricted because Qatar is officially a Muslim country.
2. Muslims are prohibited (by law anyway) from having a liquor or pork license and are not supposed to be served at hotel bars. We all know, of course, that many people find their way around it.
MODS--please take a note of this purposeful oversensitivity and baiting.
And to the others. Of course religion has to mentioned. From what I know, Muslims can't get permission to shop at QDC...so in case he is one, he needs to know that. Logic...eh??
ianjude, all the big hotels have gyms where you can get gym/pool membership. I think the rates start at about 6000QR per year,I'd suggest you have a look see, sometimes they have specials.
There is also a large gym in City Center, but the parking is horror.
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To obtain an alcohol permit you need a letter from your employer written in English. This must be signed and stamped by an authorised person in your company and be addressed to the Qatar Distribution Company. It must state the applicant’s position, basic salary (must be above 4000 riyals or 1100 dollars, and the letter must use the word basic), state if an accommodation entitlement is received or if the applicant receives free accommodation and whether the applicant is married. The applicant must also provide their ID/passport and residence permit (photocopies are acceptable) and a 1000 riyal (275 dollar) returnable deposit. You also have to complete an application form, and state your religion.
Read more: http://qatarvisitor.blogspot.com/2006/10/buying-alcohol-in-qatar.html#ixzz2ExfwdZtu
haha that was funnily true..the careful in the f1 lane and the racers in all lanes..although one could say that the racers are made homeless by the careful folk:-)
I can understand the Dutchman, the English, The German or even the American ragging on Qatar's streets....but the dude from "THAILAND"!!! No offence bro have u ever been outside in Bangkok or phuket???? Hehehe
We have 2 types of drivers in the Qatar….The formula one drivers….and the super extra accentuated gravely careful, lol. The funny part is that the super crazy doesn’t stick to the fast lane where they belong and weave in and out of traffic….and the super careful practically lives on the fast lane and wouldn’t budge for the life of me :-D
you make me laugh thanks for making my day ;)
i think it does help to drink a bit before driving in doha,.makes you more aware ;) ,.and your skills while being deluted with alcohol will be equal or still better then the other drivers surrounding your with there big suv's
for "you need to pay a 1000 qar down payment,.which you will get back if you turn in the permit" I can pay that and QDC can keep it if QDC skip NOC thing because admin in my company only serve big guy... double standard is everywhere. about drunk n drive I think a lot of driver here drive badly more than drunk ppls also road design here are very dangerous. (may be design by drunk ppl) ..but if may be we drunk and drive, we may feel no traffic at all :)
Just wondering if this guy would also need his company letter or NOC to join the gym or to go and play pool with the girls by the sea
Thanks for the clarification super cool. It always struck me as impossible for hotels enquire about someone's religion before serving a drink; good to know they aren't expected to do it.
@ Bauchus
I AGREE WITH U THAT THE REACTION WAS OVERLY SENSETIVE!
But just to clarify...Muslims are not prohibited by law to from having alcohol although they used to be....now a day they r prohibited from acquiring a license to purchase it for home use but they still can "LEGALLY" consume alcohol at any of the bars in town, many of which requiring memberships and none of which can legally reject any person for being a Muslim
I know that because what ur saying "used to be" true and it was abolished about 3 yrs ago and announced in all bars due to an insident that happened at Irish bar at Sheraton...since then all Muslims can drink legally if they choose to do so at any establishment
@ ianjude64
as far as alcohol goes....it is available at all the bars and night clubs in town plus u can purchase it for personal use at home by acquiring a liscence....quite a simple process and ull be be given an ID which allows to to purchase it.
hope this answers ur question
I am a british muslim coming from UK soon inshallah (god willing). even for myself I know I will have to adapt to the lifestyle in Qatar. Personally I think as long you follow the guidelines You should be ok.
ok. what next?
Me and my Muslim mates love a good drink, in fact they drink more than me!
Anyway I've seen qataris shopping at QDC in Thobes but who cares as long as they are sharing the joy liquid.
don't know why some folks are hissing at the non-muslim bit..nomerci and others are right when they say its a muslim country with liquor restrictions..a muslim caught drunk driving is sure to be treated differently than a non muslim person..there's no need to be so sensitive guys..i'm muslim myself but don't see what xena and then the others said that was wrong
its ok u can change ur books and consume all u can even chicken or chicken biyani ;P
ianjude, don't worry, it's not you! This always happens on QL...you could post about chicken, and soon rather than later the same will happen!
don't worry!
Maybe I will just go the gym, it was a simple question that seems to have touched a few nerves, I didn't mean any offence was just asking for advice, thanks anyway
Babu? eh?
I don't care , they can do what ever they want...I just thought ianjude needed to know. that's all.
And not eating pork or drinking alcohol does not make anybody a saint IMHO.
anyhow....let the nonsense begin....:P
You can have it in 5 star hotels or else get a Liquior Permit from Qatar Distribution Company. Those are your choices mate!
ya rite no merci all other r religious saints n they dont consume alcohol or touch bacon ;)
you need to pay a 1000 qar downpayment,.wich you will get back if you turn in the permit and did not abuse it,so by the end if you not abuse the license it will not cost you anything
DONT DRINK AND DRIVE,.cabs are available and cheap
Bachus...good possibility that your and my comments will get this thread locked...:P
"What has muslim got to do with this thread"
1. Alcohol is restricted because Qatar is officially a Muslim country.
2. Muslims are prohibited (by law anyway) from having a liquor or pork license and are not supposed to be served at hotel bars. We all know, of course, that many people find their way around it.
MODS--please take a note of this purposeful oversensitivity and baiting.
To the OP--it's easily obtainable, but expensive.
do ask your company in advance i do know that there are a few companys out there that are not willing to give a permit to expats
And to the others. Of course religion has to mentioned. From what I know, Muslims can't get permission to shop at QDC...so in case he is one, he needs to know that. Logic...eh??
ianjude, all the big hotels have gyms where you can get gym/pool membership. I think the rates start at about 6000QR per year,I'd suggest you have a look see, sometimes they have specials.
There is also a large gym in City Center, but the parking is horror.
I might give the bars a miss and try reducing what I drink in doors, are there any gyms I can join and do you know how much they cost
ya whoever wants to drink he drink its not related to religion.. you can say arabs or asians or westerns what ever please dont relate to religion ..
Do NOT give yourself to the Dark Side. It will only lead to ruin. Fight against it young Jude!
Alcohol is available in 5* hotels for over 21 non muslim patrons (haha)
and a "liquor and pork license" is accessible if you get a NOC for one from your company.