Qatar to fine shops not closing for Friday prayers

Qatar has passed a law forcing all shops, cafes, restaurants, malls, offices and even clinics to shut down for 90 minutes during Friday prayers, or face of a fine of QR 10,000 (2,746 USD). According to Qatari English daily, The Peninsula, the new decree was announced yesterday and it came directly from Qatari Emir, Sheikh Tamim Al-Thani. It makes shop closure mandatory from the first call for Friday prayers (azan) each week. The newspaper added that the legislation (Law No. 5 of 2015) is to be published in the official gazette after which it will be effective, reports QNA. Source: Al Arabiya