Yes, absolutely. Qatar's Cybercrime Prevention Law (Law No. 14 of 2014) applies to all online activity carried out within Qatar, including social media posts, and it covers expats just as it does Qatari nationals. Under Article 6, posting content through an information network that violates social values, invades personal privacy, or harms family principles can result in up to three years in prison and a fine of up to QR 500,000. This includes content that could be considered offensive to religion, the state, or public morals.
Content that targets or defames individuals is also prosecuted. Article 8 addresses the use of online platforms to insult or slander others, carrying penalties of up to three years in prison and fines of up to QR 100,000. This means a heated argument played out in comments, a negative review naming someone, or a meme mocking a colleague could all potentially fall within scope.
As a practical matter, expats should apply significantly more caution online in Qatar than they might at home. Avoid sharing political opinions about Qatar or the Gulf region, never post content that could be interpreted as disrespectful to Islam or local culture, and think carefully before sharing or resharing posts created by others, as distributing prohibited content can also attract liability.
This is general legal information, not legal advice. For advice on your specific situation, consult a lawyer licensed in Qatar.