A Guide to Qatar Etiquette

Visitors and residents should remember that, as Qatar is a Muslim country, a more modest code of behaviour is required. Being drunk and disorderly in public is unacceptable, and may result in a fine or worse. Public displays of affection should be minimal – holding hands is acceptable but kissing and hugging in public is not. Noise disruptions, bad language, making obscene gestures and showing disrespect in any way to the religion or leaders of the land are all forbidden and may land you in legal trouble. The following are also considered illegal in Qatar: use or possession of narcotics, cohabitation, extra-marital relations, having a baby out of wedlock, adultery and homosexuality.

Outside the realms of your personal life there is also the professional etiquette to take into consideration. Like many western countries there is a code of business conduct that one should follow in Qatar. Following the business etiquette will ensure that you and your business prosper within Qatar.

So here are our top tips on how to follow Qatar etiquette:

Dress Code
Although you will see plenty of exceptions, mainly from tourists, there is a dress code for Qatar and this has been implemented as a show of respect and to avoid any offence being given. To sum it up you should cover your shoulders, cleavage and legs above the knees and avoid really tight or sheer clothing. Bikinis should only be worn on beaches and around pool areas and should not be of the G string bottom variety. Topless bathing is of course illegal! The dress code matters less so in a bar but you should think about covering up with a handy pashmina for the journey. All malls in Qatar have implemented the dress code and you can be thrown out of a mall or asked to purchase more “decent” clothing to be able to remain in the mall.

PDAs
Public displays of affection with the opposite sex in Qatar can get you in to trouble- so no kissing, canoodling, fondling in public whatsoever- whether it’s with your husband or not- it can still cause offence. A peck on the cheek or holding hands with your husband is fine!

Hand Gestures
Hand gestures in Qatar can cause you to be fined, put in prison or deported- depending on who you flick the bird to! So no matter how crazy the driving do not be tempted to use a rude hand gesture. Hand gestures that will cause offence include giving the Vs, giving the finger.

Swearing
Swearing at someone in Qatar is also illegal- whatever happens keep your cool and don’t use that potty mouth- it could get you in serious trouble!

Being Drunk
It is actually illegal to be drunk in public in Qatar and this can also lead to fining, imprisonment or deportation. 99.9% of the time all will be fine but you really need to keep your wits about you. Always, always hop into a taxi straight outside whatever venue you are at- don’t be tempted to go for a wander! And whatever you do- never, ever drink and drive- not even one. There is a zero tolerance policy here and it is not worth the risk to yours or others’ lives- again get a taxi, abandon vehicle- use the Safe Driver service! Make sure you have an alcohol licence too!

Photography
Normal tourist photography is acceptable but it is considered offensive to photograph Muslim women. It is also courteous to ask permission before photographing men. In general, photographs of government buildings, mosques or military installations should not be taken.

Handshaking
When a woman meets an Emirati or Arab man, do not offer to shake his hand, unless he extends his hand towards you first.

 Business Etiquette

The typical working week commences on a Sunday and ceases on a Thursday, between the hours of 7:30am to 3:30pm. Friday and Saturday is considered to be the weekend and for those who are religious, Friday is the day of worship for all. Government offices are generally open from 6am to 2pm. Commercial offices often work in two shifts, the first being from 7:30am until noon. The second shift is from 3:30pm until 7:30pm. This may vary according to the business requirements. Banks work from 7:30am to 1pm, however banks within shopping malls usually keep mall hours, which are 10am to 10pm.

Business times change during the Holy Month of Ramadan. Offices usually close early and open after Iftar, if they reopen at all. The malls will also stay open until midnight at least.
 
Language

Arabic is the official language of Qatar, however English is widely spoken and roadsigns and the like are in both languages. English is also a compulsory second language in the government schools and is hence spoken widely. In business it is always good practice to have copies of documents in both Arabic and English.

Both English and Arabic may be spoken at work, depending on the sector, with Arabic being widely spoken within the Government departments and English being prevalent in most international companies. Smart business dress and traditional dress is essential.

Meeting Etiquette

There is a very specific meeting etiquette in Qatar and if followed correctly the Qatar people will be very hospitable in both home and business. Due to religious sensitivities greetings occur between members of the same gender. Greetings in all cases are given with a sense of enthusiasm and general pleasure. Qataris are known for taking their time and asking after family, mutual aquaintances, general health and any other matters that may be of interest. Life in the Gulf is relaxed and slow so be patient and take the time with the greeting before getting into business matters. Always take a genuine interest in the people that you are speaking to, they will notice and appreciate it.

If you are scheduling meetings in the region, be mindful of the working times and try to schedule a morning meeting. Alternatively a lot of business is conducted in the early evening. Be wary of the prayer times and try to ensure that the meeting does not coincide with them. If it does, the meeting will be interrupted. Be patient with anyone who is going to pray and do not show even the slightest sign of annoyance or impatients as this is considered rude and unacceptable behaviour. Furthermore Qataris do not regard tardiness as a huge offence so don't be alarmed if your business meeting starts a little late. The value of time is a lot more relaxed in the Gulf states than in Europe.

If you have a business meeting with a woman do not extend your hand to her, allow her to extend hers. If she does not, it is not culturally appropriate. When shaking hands always use your right hand, especially if you are shaking hands with someone of the Muslim faith.

Dress Etiquette

Business attire is conservative. Men should wear business suits that are conservative. Women should refrain from wearing tight clothing. Their business suits should cover the knees and elbows and no cleavage or decolletage should be visiable at all. Men and women should have impeccable grooming. Qataris notice grooming. Ensure that your hair is brushed and sleek, make up is correct and that your clothes are pressed well.