Qatar became a Party to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control on February 27, 2005.
Smoke Free Places: The law prohibits smoking in indoor public places “set forth by a decision of the Minister.” However, an implementing decree has not yet been issued specifying the places where smoking is prohibited. Therefore, there are currently no restrictions on smoking in indoor public places, indoor workplaces, and on public transport.
Tobacco Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship: The law generally prohibits the advertising and promotion of tobacco products, with the exception of point of sale product display. The law prohibits all forms of tobacco sponsorship; however, the law fails to define sponsorship.
Tobacco Packaging and Labeling: Tobacco products must carry a combined text and picture warning that occupies no less than 50 percent of the front and back of the package. The law does not contain specific rotation requirements, instead stating that warnings are to be updated “as required by the public interest.” Misleading packaging and labeling, including terms such as “light” and “low tar,” is prohibited.
Tobacco Taxation and Prices: The World Health Organization recommends raising tobacco excise taxes so that they account for at least 70 percent of retail prices. Tobacco excise taxes in Qatar are below these recommendations.
| SMOKE FREE ENVIRONMENTS COMPLETE SMOKING BAN | |
|---|---|
|
Health-care facilities
No
|
Private offices
No
|
|
Primary and secondary schools
No
|
Public transport
No
|
|
Universities
No
|
Restaurants
No
|
|
Governmental facilities
No
|
Bars and Pubs
No
|
|
Can subnational jurisdictions enact more stringent smoking restrictions?
Yes
|
|
| BANS ON TOBACCO ADVERTISING, PROMOTION, AND SPONSORSHIP | |
|---|---|
|
Domestic TV and radio
Yes
|
Promotional discounts
Yes
|
|
Domestic magazines and newspapers
Yes
|
Non-tobacco products or services with tobacco brand names
Yes
|
|
Outdoor advertising
Yes
|
Tobacco products with non-tobacco brand names
Yes
|
|
Outdoor advertising (e.g., billboards, posters)
Yes
|
Paid placement in media
Yes
|
|
Retail product display
No
|
Financial sponsorship, including corporate social responsibility
Yes
|
|
Internet advertising
Yes
|
Publicity of sponsorships
Yes
|
|
Free distribution
Yes
|
|
| HEALTH WARNINGS ON SMOKED TOBACCO PRODUCTS | |
|---|---|
|
Text warnings describe health impacts
Yes
|
Number of published warnings at any given time
4
|
|
Warnings include a picture or graphic
Yes
|
Warnings required to rotate
Uncertain
|
|
% of principal display areas covered (front and back)
50%
|
Warnings are written in the principal language(s)
Yes
|
|
Front
50%
|
Ban on misleading packaging and labeling
Yes
|
|
Back
50%
|
Health warnings on smokeless tobacco products
Yes
|
| TOBACCO TAXATION AND PRICE | |
|---|---|
| PRICE OF MOST SOLD BRAND, PACK OF 20 CIGARETTES | TAXES ON MOST SOLD BRAND (% OF RETAIL PRICE) |
|
In country currency
22.00
QAR
|
Total taxes
68%
|
|
In US dollars
6.04
USD
|
Total excise
50%
|
Sources:
SF, APS, PL: Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids Legal Website. Available at: www.tobaccocontrollaws.org
Tax: WHO Report on the Global Tobacco Epidemic, 2021. Available at: www.who.int/tobacco/global_report/en/
Last updated: May 26, 2022