Swinger Clubs and Naturism
Any form of adult club is considered illegal, and the owners, workers and customers of the establishment are liable for at least a fine and possible imprisonment. Providers of such a service are assured of a place in prison, which pretty much destroys any supply of adult or swinger clubs. Following the same logic, public nudity is also prohibited. In fact, dressing immodestly is illegal by the letter of the law, but is not enforced too strictly. Public nudists, however, are asking for trouble.
Costs of Living
Qatar is quite an expensive city to visit, particularly because the costs of accommodation are so high. Visitors from Western countries ple, the average rental costs are more than 30% higher than prices in the U.S.A. Other than that, food is actually reasonable priced. There are still other expenses, for example, you won’t find a beer for less than $10, which makes nights out very expensive. However, if you plan things in advance, you can live on a moderately affordable sum.
As stated previously, most of the money will be spent on accommodation. Thereafter, food and traveling will become the next priority. Visitors to Doha will have to come to the realization that it is an expensive place for tourists. However, those who are looking to live a more luxurious lifestyle will probably save, as the upper socio-economic costs are more affordable than in other countries.
Cheaper options are found in hostels, such as the Youth Hostels chain. These provide a great deal of comfort whilst still saving you a few pennies when compared to a hotel. A hostel will cost something in the region of $30.
Mid-market hotels which have 2- – 4-star ratings are priced from $40 – $100. These offer a substantial amount of luxury at a more than reasonable rate. Ultimate luxury is not as lavish as places such as Dubai or Kuwait, as the city is still a developing one. However, the plus side is that you can get a five star hotel for around $220 per night. The most expensive hotel in the city is the Ritz Carlton, whose rooms could be up to $799.
Beer costs $13. Furthermore, it is not sold in a grocery store, but only within hotels, restaurants and clubs that have a special license from the government. Most of the alcohol is only sold in the city centre.
Liquor is expensive, very expensive. This is because it has to be imported. Added to that, the government places a heavy tax on alcohol. This stems from a religious dislike of the substance, which equates into an extremely expensive night out.
An inexpensive restaurant will leave you $7 poorer after you purchase a meal, which really is not bad in the great scheme of things. A big Mac costs around $4, which puts it around the price of most first world countries. A Meal at a fast food establishment will cost between $6 and $8 depending on where you go. Fine dining establishments, such as restaurants at international hotels in the centre of Doha, will charge as much as $60.
Accommodation
The city centre is, hands down, the best place to stay in Doha. This is true for a few reasons: firstly, you do not want to be travelling too much; it’s an extra expense and Doha does get a bit rough on the outskirts (it is a desert after all). Secondly, this is where all the other tourists will be, so whether you grab a hostel for $30 a night or a fancy hotel for a few hundred dollars, try and stay in the city centre. Other tourists are your best bet for hooking up, as the local girls are somewhat untouchable due to religious reasons. Here you will have access to alcohol, clubs, bars and women. Anywhere else is a waste of time, to be honest.