People relax in front of a FIFA World Cup sign on the Doha Corniche on November 13, 2022. (REUTERS/Hannah Mckay)
Doha: The British newspaper The Independent praised the atmosphere of public freedoms in the State of Qatar, where the state's laws are keen to guarantee all individual and collective freedoms, especially freedom of religion and belief, stressing that Qatar is considered among the most moderate Arab and Islamic countries in its laws and customs.
In a report on the manifestations of Islam in Qatar, coinciding with the imminent launch of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, the newspaper highlighted Qatar's openness to various arts, women's rights, and modern civil laws, pointing out that Qatar achieved the lead, compared to several other countries, in encouraging to practice the arts and guarantee women's freedoms since a long time ago, especially ensuring their participation in various sectors of life. It added that Qatar provides a comfortable environment for tourists, deriving most of its laws from Islamic Sharia while also being keen to observe civil laws.
The report indicated that the climate of tolerance that characterises Qatari society is considered a "model" in the region, as tourists generally observe the general rules in the country, including modest dress, except for some places such as swimming pools and beaches, out of respect for the customs and traditions of the country and society, without restricting individual freedoms.
The Independent highlighted the adherence of Qatar and its people to their national identity, pointing out that this harmony and tolerance in the Qatari society gave a distinctive aspect to the spirit of moderation and acceptance of others among all residents of Qatar, which had the best impact on the coexistence of Qataris and various expatriate communities with each other.
The newspaper pointed out that one of the manifestations of the tolerance and moderation of Qatari society is also that the authorities allow the practice of rituals of other religions, other than Islam, with respect for all other religions and sects.
The newspaper advised British and foreign tourists traveling to Qatar to attend the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar matches to respect the customs and traditions of Qatari society and the laws of the country, stressing that Qatar provided its visitors with all the comforts to enjoy an exceptional edition of the World Cup.
