Will booze ban scupper Qatar's 2022 FIFA World Cup success?

Doha, Jan 7 (ANI): Qatar, one the world's richest nations in per capita income that will host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, has recently suspended alcohol sales in one of its popular states, raising speculations whether the nation with deeply rooted Islamic traditions would successfully host the big stage sporting event.

The government suspended alcohol sales on the Pearl-Qatar, a man-made island close to the capital, Doha, that is popular with expatriates and boasts a string of international chain restaurants. An outdoor weekly party on the Pearl with loud music and free-flowing alcohol has also been closed down.

According to The Wall Street Journal, some believe that the tiny Middle Eastern country must overcome huge cultural and social hurdles before it is able to successfully stage soccer's marquee event in ten years.

One of the main objectives of hosting such an important event is to turn Doha into a leading cultural, financial and sporting center to rival neighboring Dubai, the tourism and commercial hub of the Middle East.

According to the paper, the alcohol ban has raised questions over how easily Qatar can bridge the two worlds.

An increase in Qatari men drinking alcohol in bar, often in the full-length body robe that is the national dress, and sometimes in public, is on the rise.

Some observers say it is a taboo in Qatar to see somebody wearing the national dress and drinking.

"You have these two parallel worlds that coexist: this Western, Dubai style world and the more traditional, indigenous Qatari culture. Inevitably they are going to clash at various points," the paper quoted Shadi Hamid, director of research at the Brookings Doha Center, as saying.

"I think it's going to be a source of tension for the foreseeable future and it is likely to intensify," he added.

However, despite the ban on Pearl island, alcohol can be consumed in Doha's glitzy hotels, and expatriates who have a license can purchase liquor for consumption at home from a store owned by the national airline, Qatar Airways.

Meanwhile, the challenges brought on by modernization will be greatly magnified as Qatar prepares to host the 2022 World Cup, which will attract an estimated 500,000 soccer fans. (ANI)