Supporters from 32 nations across the world have started arriving in Qatar as the much-anticipated FIFA World Cup finally gets under way on Sunday afternoon.
As the 2022 tournament is the first to ever be held in a Muslim-majority country, many of the rules and laws in place are not what fans from most participating nations will be used to when travelling abroad to watch their sides play.
Given the strict rules in place, fans need to be aware of what they can and can't do in Qatar and the severity of the punishment if they break those rules when out in Doha and the other surrounding host venues.
Read more: This live TV interview is every Welsh person when they go abroad
World Cups and other major tournaments held previously are used to seeing thousands of fans line the streets, often with drinks in hand as they watch games or celebrate their team's success. These customs are commonplace across Europe and in nations in other continents, such as when the World Cup was held in Brazil in 2014.
But in Qatar, fans can expect things to be a little different. Here's a look at the local rules and details of what you can and can't do if you've arrived in Qatar or are planning to head out there to watch the tournament:
Alcohol
It is an offence to drink alcohol or be drunk in public, and it is only usually available at licensed hotel restaurants and bars. The legal drinking age is 21, and the UK Government is advising people not to carry alcohol around with them. Disorderly behaviour can lead to attention from police and even detention, while drinking in public places can be punishable by a jail term of up to six months. Swearing or making obscene or rude gestures can also result in jail time or deportation.
There is expected to be a relaxation to some rules around alcohol for the duration of the World Cup, however. As well as in licensed hotels, booze will be made available at certain locations such as fan zones at certain times, organisers have confirmed. Drinking away from these sites will not be possible for football fans, as only residents are allowed to purchase alcohol from specialist outlets for home consumption only.
Nasser Al Khater, the CEO of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, said: "While alcohol will be available to those who want a drink in designated areas, it will not be openly available on the streets. What we ask is that people, when they visit, stick to these designated areas.
"We are incredibly excited to be welcoming the world to Qatar and the Middle East and Arab world. For many people it will be their first opportunity to see and explore the region.It is a once in a lifetime opportunity and we are determined to use it to its fullest."
Drugs
While many drugs are illegal in the UK, Qatar operates a much stricter approach of zero tolerance. According to the UK Government: "The penalties for the use of, trafficking, smuggling and possession of drugs are severe. Punishment can include lengthy custodial sentences, heavy fines and deportation."
Some over-the-counter medications used back home in the UK may be considered controlled substances in Qatar, so it's vital that anyone on a prescription and attending the World Cup checks with their doctor or hospital and acquires the correct documentation if needed.
Send your message of support to the Wales football team at the World Cup here
Clothing
Clothing could represent another challenge for football fans who are used to dressing light or even taking off their shirts altogether, especially given the scorching daytime temperatures of 30C plus, even at this time of year. While swimwear is allowed on hotel beaches and in swimming pools, wearing revealing clothing in public is not encouraged.
Women have to cover their shoulders and avoid wearing short skirts, while both men and women are advised to not wear shorts of sleeveless tops when going to government buildings, health care facilities or malls. The removal of shirts is prohibited inside stadiums, and fans may be asked to leave or denied entry if they fail to follow the guidelines.
Photography
People are asked to be aware of "cultural sensitivities" when filming or photographing in Qatar, especially in and around religious, military or construction sites. According to the UK Government: "There are strict privacy laws in Qatar. Posting material (including videos and photographs) online that appear to insult, slander or are culturally insensitive, may be considered a crime punishable under Qatari law. Individuals have been detained, prosecuted and/or convicted for posting this type of material."
Displaying intimacy
Any intimacy - such as kissing - in public between men and women can lead to arrest. In Qatar, living together while not married is illegal, as is sex outside of marriage. Anyone arrested for breaking this rule could face a fine, a custodial sentence or deportation.
In Qatar, if someone becomes pregnant outside of marriage they and their partner could face imprisonment and/or deportation, and doctors even ask for proof of marriage during ante-natal checks. An unmarried woman giving birth in Qatar could be arrested.
LGBT+
Homosexual behaviour is illegal in Qatar. Article 285 of Qatar’s Penal Code bans same-sex sexual activity for both men and women, with a maximum sentence of seven years in prison. However, according to Human Dignity Trust, an international organisation using the law to defend the human rights of LGBT+ people: "The constitution of Qatar designates Islam as the state religion, and Islamic law as the main source of legislation. As such, in addition to the Penal Code, Qatar operates an interpretation of Sharia law which criminalises sexual activity between men, under which it is possible that the death penalty can be imposed.
The law also states that "leading, instigating or seducing a male in any way to commit sodomy” is illegal, as is “inducing or seducing a male or female in any way to commit illegal or immoral actions”.
The rules on LGBT+ rights, together with Qatar's poor reputation for human rights more broadly, has caused much controversy in the build-up to the World Cup, with comedian Joe Lycett urging ex-footballer and global superstar David Beckham to end his attachement with the country, having previously signed a reported £10m-a-year deal to be the 'face of Qatar'.
Read next:
- Cardiff officially named as host city in joint bid to stage Euros
- English pundit mocks Wales and leaves Dean Saunders stunned on live radio
- Michael Sheen criticises 'inappropriate' Prince William message to England
- Doctors couldn't tell Connor Roberts' wife if he would make it during illness
- Gareth Bale heads the betting to be top scorer for Wales in Qatar
