Two months from now thousands of fans will be wandering around Doha with a thirst to quench.
More than 10,000 England fans and more than 5,000 from Wales are expected in Qatar for a World Cup like no other despite numerous challenges and issues.
And while the host’s organising committee has indicated that some restrictions will be relaxed amid grave concern around the welfare of fans arriving in a country where many western norms are not accepted, the simple act of buying a pint will be trickier than at any previous major tournament.
In the absence of normal bars, those determined to wet their whistle with something amber will gravitate towards hotels. But even then there is likely to be a shock in store when the bill arrives.
A bottle of standard lager will set fans back somewhere between 39 rials (£9.40) and 55r (£13.30) with half a litre on draught – a little less than a pint – costing up to 64r (£15.50) depending on the hotel.
A draught glass of cider will set back supporters even more with a couple of hotels charging £17 for half a litre, while those looking for something sweeter will find a standard cocktail setting them back up to 90r (£21.70).
And that is before considering the possibility of the few outlets available hiking up prices because of increased demand.
The finishing touches are being made to stadiums, constructed at the cost of a reported 6,500 workers’ lives, and contractors are working around the clock to finish pop-up accommodation that will house fans unable to get a hotel room.
FIFA have announced plans for a fan zone in a park near Doha’s west bay that will feature “a vast range of food and beverage options” but alcohol will only be served after 6pm and prices are yet to be confirmed.
“It will be the centrepiece of our FIFA World Cup – the first to be held in the Middle East and the Arab world. When fans arrive in November, they should expect a warm welcome, amazing football and a large number of entertainment options,” said secretary of the organising committee Hassan Al Thawadi in a long press release with plenty of flowery language but not much hard detail.
Indications are that a beer will be more affordable in the fan zone – potentially around £6 – but only Budweiser, a tournament sponsor, will be served.
Many fans have chosen to fly in and out from Dubai, where liquor laws are closer to western norms, for the duration of the tournament but those choosing to travel from Abu Dhabi will realise similar prices apply.
How much for a beer?
A selection of prices taken from the menu of the city’s bars
Shamrock Tavern (Magnum) – bottle 39r, draught 46r
Irish Harp (Sheraton) – bottle 45r, draught 55r
Habanos (Ritz-Carlton) – bottle 55r
La Vista 55 (Intercontinental – bottle 50, draught 60
Champions Bar (Renaissance) – bottle 49, draught 53-64
Source: Mirror
