When you are about to leave to explore an unfamiliar place, it will be a good idea to be aware of the primary agenda of Do’s and Don’t’s. It will help you to become comfortable with the environment.
So when planning for Qatar, please don’t get fooled by their modern and high-tech country’s view because Qatar is still very conservative and boasts of its heritage culture. Technological adoption and economic growth are different from the actual scene of Qatar’s society; this nation still believes in its traditions.
Here we are giving some valuable tips for navigating Qatar’s culture and social values:
List of Dos
- Preparing for combat to gain a degree in Qatar’s cultural scene would be best. If you are ready to understand the Qatari traditions and humanities, you must go to Islam’s roots. Most of the Qatari penal code is directed by Shariah law. Knowing the rules and how they might affect you would be a good idea.
- The dress code is the second thing you should include in the Do’s list. As Qatar has a conservative culture, you should wear modest public outfits. Here, most ladies usually get dressed in long black attire called abayas. And, you will see men in long white shirts, called thobes.
- While you are in Qatar, place a pashmina loosely on your wardrobe because anytime you may need it. Pashmina is the best for covering up during your traveling around the city. as it is lightweight, so it is also easy to carry and wear. Also, in Qatar, you must visit the souq to experience the world’s best pashmina collection.
- In Qatar, during Ramadan, you should keep the rules and courtesy in mind. As daylight hours throughout Ramadan are the time of fasting for all able corporeal Qatari, these hours are closing hours for every restaurant.
- Needless to say, non-muslims don’t need to keep fast, but they have to manage their meals in their private places because this time eating in public is strictly only for some people. Also, it is expected from every tourist to show humanity, avoiding any discrete act and eating in front of other fasting people.
- Muslims do Athan, or prayer to God, five times a day. So, when you hear this, please do not play loud music. You should not disrespect their spiritual mindset and worship God.
- Arabian culture showcases an enriched civilian life, and they greet people with their right hand. Even when Qatari interact with someone and ask about their families, health, or any extended matters, they use only their right hand. So, it would help if you remember to use the right one when you do the same.
- Gulf Arabs treat their guests with world-class hospitality and indulge by inviting them. So, you should accept that. But do not worry about any agenda because they will effortlessly welcome you.
List of DON’Ts
- If you are in Qatar, the less you will have alcohol, the more it will be good in Qatar. Also, publicly alcohol consumption is strictly prohibited here. So, you should try to pay attention to it as less as possible.
- Proselytizing is entirely unlawful and a crime in Qatar. So, you can be outcasted and exiled if you constrain any Qatari to convert their religion to another one. The simple rule of Qatar is to respect both public and religious laws. These are pronounced sensitively and cautiously in Qatar.
- When you point the sole of your shoes straight at any other person in any function or public gathering, that will portray disrespect to that person. So, you should not do this anywhere.
- As a gringo, the Qatari will overlook your discrete act, but they will appreciate your earnest effort to understand their religious value and show respect for their etiquette.
- Never use your left hand to greet or appreciate someone for something. Also, if you are left-handed, avoid eating with your left hand. You can use a spoon at that time.
- Arabian prefer to avoid showing rush during any interaction or conversation. It shows that you don’t have any interest or respect for the other person. Also, some prefer to avoid shaking hands in meetings. So, it would be better to follow their gesture and maintain the general rules.
- As it is a wrong gesture to people, you should not take pictures of locals, especially women. Though, clicking photos of official buildings, industrial establishments, and the military basement is not allowed here.
- As Qatar’s culture displays an orthodox ideology, travelers should avoid intimate acts in public. This country will show you a clear picture of an absolute sense of the people. So, for any intimacy, you should choose a private space.
Wrapping Up
Many foreigners can get shocked when they see the differences in life and cultural landscape after arriving in Qatar. We hope our article will help every tourist get accustomed to Qatar’s conservative and prevailing culture. Lastly, read more about travel around the world here.
