Qatar is a destination that offers truly authentic experiences that stay with you. If you’re planning to visit for the first time, it pays to take the time to learn about the do’s and don’ts.
Qatar is very particular about hygiene, cleanliness, and the appearance of its surroundings. This is why it is considered one of the most beautiful and clean countries in the world. Achieving that reputation takes effort.
Tourists are expected to adhere to the country’s standards of hygiene. Offences such as littering in the streets can land you in serious trouble, including fines and, in some cases, imprisonment. Travellers should therefore be advised not to litter or do anything that would violate Qatar’s cleanliness code.
One of the most important things to consider when in Qatar is how you present yourself in public. Dressing well and modestly is part of Qatari culture. While you don’t have to follow the rules to the letter, tourists are expected to conform to some extent.
Many other Middle Eastern nations place a great deal of emphasis on how women dress, but Qatar is different. The country is quite strict regarding clothing for both sexes. That said, female travellers are expected to cover their knees and shoulders and adhere to a modest clothing style in public, especially when visiting religious sites. You don’t have to cover yourself from head to toe and can style yourself as you wish, provided that not too much skin is revealed.
Outside of your resort, swimsuits are not allowed at public beaches, and body-hugging clothes are also frowned upon. Keep in mind that Qatar’s climate can get intensely hot, which can make modest dressing feel counterintuitive, but you can stay cool and comfortable by choosing breathable materials such as linen and cotton. Loose-fitting clothes are the best choice.
Hotels such as Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels by Tivoli, one of the best hotels in Doha, adopt a more relaxed attitude towards clothing.
Photos serve as mementoes of your travels, but in Qatar, you need to be careful about what and whom you photograph. Certain places, such as religious sites, military areas, construction zones, and even locals, are off-limits. Taking photos in these areas can lead to fines or imprisonment.
If you wish to photograph residents, always ask for permission – not only to avoid trouble but also as a way of showing decorum and politeness.
Keep in mind, however, that taking pictures is not entirely prohibited. If you wish to photograph a place on the restricted list, you can apply for a permit through the Qatar News Agency. Whether you will receive the permit is another matter entirely, but journalists are often granted permission, especially if the photos depict Qatar in a positive light.
In Qatar, how you behave in public matters greatly. The culture places a strong emphasis on kindness, politeness, and respect for others, with rules and etiquette designed to maintain harmony.
When in Qatar, avoid saying anything that could insult religion, culture, or prominent individuals. Online posts and remarks that may be considered offensive are prohibited. Vulgarity and obscene behaviour are not acceptable. Interactions with the opposite sex are also highly regulated. Men should not approach women they do not know, and physical contact between unrelated men and women is frowned upon. For instance, business travellers are often advised to wait for the female business associate to extend her hand first for a handshake.
Even small gestures, such as stretching your legs or showing the soles of your feet, are considered rude and vulgar.
When at restaurants, be polite to the staff. Do not summon them by pointing with your index finger; instead, raise your hand. Leaving a tip is appreciated.
In homes, sitting cross-legged on the floor while eating is normal, and locals eat with their hands – using only the right hand. Always remove your shoes before entering a private home.
You cannot drink in public when in Qatar. Tourist hotels and licensed bars are permitted to serve alcohol, but you cannot be in public while under the influence. Anyone under the age of 21 is not allowed to enter bars.
Drinking and driving is a serious offence and could land you in jail. The same strict rules apply to importing alcohol – you are not allowed to do so.
Other items you cannot bring into the country include religious books, pork products, drugs, and adult content.
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