Qatar Nightclubs turning ‘exclusive’
By Sarmad Qazi
Nightclubs in the country have imposed new rules for patrons, restricting entry to the venue to members only.
They said from “March 1 there is no such thing as a ‘guest’ at a nightclub in Qatar”.
The decision was apparently taken after ongoing “discussions with the Ministry of Interior”.
The clubs have yet to receive an official advisory on the matter though, an official yesterday said on condition of anonymity.
The new rules do not affect restaurants and establishments serving alcohol where guidelines, including dress code and behaviour policy, vary.
One five-star hotel’s restaurant that also serves liquor, for example, yesterday said that it does not allow “any woman in abaya” while others also extended the ban to men in national dress.
To introduce the new “members only” rules, one nightclub e-mailed messages to its members urging them to bring a Qatari ID on their next visit while also requesting that their friends and guests also carry a valid ID, preferably one with a picture so that they can sign up to be members before entering the premises.
Rate of membership varies from free-for-ladies to QR100 depending on the policy of each club.
The club members have also been advised to follow the general guidelines of the Ministry of Interior, which ban the entry of Qatari females into a nightclub at any time of day as well as anyone who is wearing the national dress.
Meanwhile, one club said that they would stop admitting guests only from April 1.
“As of April 1, (name omitted), will become a ‘members only’ club. Membership is available for QR25 per person.
“This will also allow for special rates on events and promotions in the future,” the e-mail response to a Gulf Times query said.
Another nightclub said yesterday that membership is full at the moment and the waiting period is around three months.
http://www.gulf-times.com/site/topics/article.asp?cu_no=2&item_no=276323...
Brit . yes But no Cuban shot putters are allowed. LOL
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Listen to Many..Speak to a few.
Am I right in thinking that Qatar feels that Saudi is the direction it wants to go in rather than Dubai?
In bahrain i have heard there have been local flare ups (literally friends roundabout outside house was set alight), with a call to ban alcohol.
I have been told "unofficially" that a Pink KIA is the passport to these exclusive clubs..
Guests staying in the hotels are allowed into the hotel bars, and your membership does actually allow you one guest. Also I know several bars that will be issuing memberships at the door (they will have a machine to make it) so you just need to bring your passport or Qatari ID.
Also this only applies to places that play live music or are considered NightClubs, so say Bubbles at Ramada or Habanos at the Ritz won't have these membership laws.
In regards to the Irish Harp saying be there by 8, that has more to do with the closure of Garvey's and how packed the place is then any new rules.
Qatar need to open more clubs for outgrow population.
altho the membership only idea is good for now but not for another years ahead with more population.
Everybody is right everybody is wrong, it depend where you stand
The Runor is that they are also keeping the Saudis awya who just drive the Salwa Road for a few pints in the Ramada Bars..
How can one tell if it is a Saudi or a Qatari in a white thoube?
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HE WHO DARES WINS
Manama during weekends...
Exclusive clubs are more likely spanish bordelos, except in QATAR are full of men, hunting for shadows of fat woman in mini skirts.....
The problem is I think you’re an overeducated, 27-year-old virgin who holds the hands of superstitious old women and promises them eternity.
lol DMS, between ping-pong and nightclubs, i'd still choose ping-pong.... :P
date MJ to a much earlier hour so you can still catch the 8 pm deadline! Lol!!!!
"dgoodrebel will always be the rebellious good one"
"If you're looking for sympathy,you'll find it between sh*t and syphilis in the dictionary." - David Sedaris
that just sounds ridiculous.. they're not being fair to those people that also wish to relax and unwind but can only do so after 8... :/
who tried to go to the Irish Harp in Sheraton that they were told they "should" arrive by 8 if they wanted to get in. They got there at 9 and got in, but they knew the manager, I think....
What do you guys think this whole club membership thing is all about? Are they trying to regulate/inhibit underage people getting into clubs? Trying to control Qataris drinking? Just trying to extract a miniscule amount of money from heathen infidels?
especially after 8pm as suggested by ngourlay..lol
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HE WHO DARES WINS
That would make sense yellowbell, though it wouldn't surprise me to see hotel guests being stopped by the nightclub doormen!
Yes I think your correct yellowbell. If you are staying at that hotel with the facilities you will be entitled to the entry. However you can go to any other bar in town though..
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HE WHO DARES WINS
Did any one see the picture about the cruise liner that docked into Doha port the other day. The two local Qataries from the Tourist and Culture department welcoming the tourists and handing out information and welcome packs..
I guess in that package they can also let them know that they will not be served any alcohol while they are on land..lol
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HE WHO DARES WINS
I think once you're sponsored by a hotel with a nightclub, you'll automatically become a member of the club.. Perhaps there's a provision that would allow the guest to dine in.. That's just my opinion though..
have a nice day....
Is it true that you have to be in the bars by 8.00pm now, or you're refused entry?
Anyone know the details?
What are tourists supposed to do? Does this mean that if you come to Qatar on business or holiday and stay in a hotel with a nightclub, you're not actually allowed into the nightclub?
.well locals don't go clubbing in Doha
.
.
Who wants to come to Qatar for a holiday when so many other pleasant and cheaper options (with a nice feeling of freedom) are available in the region and the rest of the world?!
I feel sorry for the locals, who have their freedom of choice stripped in their own country!
PS. I wonder why they choose pictures to promote The Pearl, showing social gatherings people having drinks by the canals!... Somebody is either confused, hypocrite or both!
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"A Wise Man knows what he does not know!"
Into the Fifteenth Century.....
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"A Wise Man knows what he does not know!"
Another NO to poor women.
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Listen to Many..Speak to a few.
at ANY time of day, but Qatari men can go in as long as they aren't wearing national dress/thobe?
LOL!
You gotta love how Qatar is moving forward into the twenty-first century!
I guess thats it for me.. Do I really want to disclose every thing about myself before entering a club.. Naa.. I sit out on this one..
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HE WHO DARES WINS
not affected... :)
"dgoodrebel will always be the rebellious good one"