As the World Cup approaches, fans from all over the world are gradually descending on Qatar. However, when they arrive in this small Arab country, e-cigarette enthusiasts will receive a rude awakening. Like many other "bad habits" prevalent in other parts of the world, Qatar does not allow the use of e-cigarettes. The World Cup is held every four years, and national teams from around the world will come to participate. This year, 32 teams qualified through regional qualifiers to participate in the first World Cup held in an Arab country. The competition began with the group stage last Sunday (November 20) and will continue until December 18, when the championship match will be held. The choice of Qatar as the host has been controversia,l with opposition primarily focused on the restrictive laws of the conservative Muslim monarchy in regards to sex and alcohol use, its human rights record, and the poor working conditions faced by foreign workers building sports stadiums and other event infrastructure. There are also allegations that officials from the International Football Federation (FIFA) have accepted bribes.
Qatar prohibits the use of electronic cigarettes.
Electronic cigarettes are entirely banned in Qatar. They cannot be imported, sold, purchased, used, or even possessed. Products brought in by travelers may be confiscated by customs upon entry, and while officials may simply seize and dispose of them, foreign visitors may also face criminal prosecution for possessing or importing them. Any violation of the country's ban on electronic cigarettes may lead to a fine of up to $2,700 or a maximum of three months in prison. According to the Global State of Tobacco Harm Reduction (GSTHR) website, the use of electronic cigarette products has been illegal in Qatar since 2014. The same restrictions and penalties apply to heated tobacco products such as IQOS. A tobacco control official at the World Health Organization (WHO) stated in a news release that the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar would provide a powerful opportunity to elevate global tobacco control efforts to a new level. According to GSTHR, some smokeless tobacco products (including nasal snuff) and nicotine pouches are allowed to be sold, but the use of stealth oral products may also be restricted in smoke-free areas. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products such as nicotine gum are legal, but only sold in pharmacies and require a prescription. A UK-based e-liquid manufacturer was fined and given a prison sentence for its promotional gimmicks at an event. The manufacturer offered to pay fines for any Britons punished by Qatari courts, but did not explain how they would address prison sentences.
Allow smoking, whipping, and stoning.
Cigarettes are legal in Qatar, with over 25% of Qatari men being smokers and the trend is upward. However, only 0.6% of Qatari women smoke which is not uncommon due to patriarchal restrictions on women's rights and freedoms in the country. Qatar is a small but affluent Muslim country in the Persian Gulf with a population of less than three million (90% of whom are not citizens) and significant natural gas reserves. It shares its only border with Saudi Arabia and like its neighbor, has many conservative customs, laws, and labor practices. Prior to 1999, Qatar did not allow women to vote and some crimes are still punished with lashings or stonings. Qatar has reportedly banned the sale of beer (and other alcoholic beverages) in its eight World Cup sports stadiums. The decision was made by the Qatari royal family, but no one has explained why the ban was announced only two days before the competition began.
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