Tips on culture and etiquette in Qatar
Although Qatar is a very traditional nation, the country's contemporary and western appearance could deceive visitors into overlooking its traditional past. As a result, it's crucial to respect Qatar's culture and manners. Following social norms will help you stay clear of misunderstandings and legal entanglements. On the website of the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the following advice is provided.
You shouldn't openly express certain of your feelings because doing so could result in your arrest and detention, according to the law; Especially with Arab women, never take pictures of military installations or other persons without their permission. You must stand up to welcome or meet visitors, especially senior citizens or high-ranking individuals. You must salute in the Muslim manner.
When addressing elderly individuals, use the Islamic salutation salamu alaykum; To receive refreshments that are handed to you, use your right hand; If you don't want any more Arabian coffee, shake the cup; If a guy meets a Qatari woman, he shouldn't shake her hand unless she extends her hand first; You shouldn't provide alcoholic beverages or dishes containing pig meat to your Muslim visitors;
Non-Muslims are permitted to consume alcohol in hotels and at private residences with the proper permits. They cannot, however, appear in public while intoxicated; It is not required for non-Muslims to fast during the holy month of Ramadan. But from dawn to dusk, people should refrain from eating, drinking, and smoking in public.
However, from dawn to dusk, they should refrain from eating, drinking, and smoking in public; Don't forget to remove your shoes before entering a Majlis (the place of receiving guests in a private house). If a lady is with you, you should lead her to a different female-only venue. Before you start talking, eat or drink something. Your host will be pleased if you share a dinner with him; Additionally, the nation has a zero-tolerance policy for the use and possession of illicit narcotics. Pork cannot be imported either.
