A group of friends from Nottinghamshire, England, who were accustomed to lively soccer matches back home, were disappointed to learn that no beer would be available until halftime during the Brazil-Croatia game at the primary Doha fan zone. This fan zone is one of the few places where World Cup fans can enjoy alcohol.
Despite the initial outrage, there was also a moment of cultural self-reflection. Mark Walker, a rugby player of imposing stature, expressed his frustration, emphasizing that having a beer while watching the match was a common practice back in England. However, one of his friends argued that the absence of alcohol allowed local women and children to attend the matches without concerns.
James Vernon, another friend, offered a counterpoint, suggesting that the absence of alcohol filtered out fans who were only there to drink and cause trouble, leaving behind those genuinely interested in the game.
Qatar, as the host of the World Cup, has presented this event, the first ever in an Arab, Muslim nation, as an opportunity for different cultures to come together and coexist. The contrast between a culture where alcohol is largely prohibited and one where enjoying a cold beverage at a match is a tradition highlights the diversity of the attendees.
Adaptation has been necessary, as there was no alternative. Fans who desire alcohol can pre-game at hotel bars, although drinks are quite expensive. On the other hand, some attendees have embraced the alcohol-free experience, believing that the absence of rowdy and inebriated fans at the stadium or in the streets has made the World Cup safer and more enjoyable. It has also led to less harassment of women.
In Qatar, alcohol sales are highly regulated, permitted only at select hotel bars and restaurants catering to foreigners. For the World Cup, Qatar has established fan zones in and around Doha where fans can watch the games on large screens, and beer is available. However, beer sales are restricted to separate concession stands, away from other food and drink, and are not allowed until halftime of each game. Just before the tournament began, Qatar made a last-minute decision to ban beer sales at stadiums.
The Souq Waqif, a renovated historic market in Doha, has emerged as the alcohol-free hub of World Cup festivities. This pedestrian area, featuring small alleys lined with shops and restaurants that do not serve alcohol, is one of the few public spaces in the Qatari capital. Every night, tens of thousands of fans gather there, singing and waving flags.
Despite the absence of alcohol, fans like Sarah Moore from England have found the atmosphere to be enjoyable. Lana Halaseh, a Jordanian woman attending with her three children, appreciates the family-friendly environment, believing that the absence of alcohol contributes to a smoother and problem-free experience for kids.
Qatar’s approach to isolating alcohol at the World Cup reflects its broader strategy of compartmentalizing society and using its substantial wealth to manage various aspects of its culture and society. This approach extends to its urban layout, with distinct areas for different populations, including Qatari nationals, foreign professionals, and migrant workers.
Even with the separation of alcohol, Qataris have experienced some cultural adjustments. The presence of the smell of beer at fan zones has been a novel experience for many, as public alcohol consumption is virtually nonexistent in Qatar.
Some attendees have embraced the idea that the focus should be on the sports rather than drinking during the game, while others from different cultures have expressed frustration at the lack of beer. For them, having a beer is a way to relax and ease tension during intense matches.
At the fan zone before the Brazil-Croatia game, a few individuals patiently awaited the opening of the beer concession stand, knowing they would have to wait until halftime to access the refrigerators stocked with Budweiser.
A group of cousins from India, who had traveled to Doha for the World Cup, initially went through stages of denial and grief upon learning about the alcohol restrictions. However, they ultimately recognized the family-friendly atmosphere that resulted from the absence of alcohol, realizing that there are different ways to enjoy the game.
