Qatar has a relatively liberal attitude to the consumption of alcohol by non-Muslims, and liquor is available in most hotels (in rooms, restaurants and bars). However, it is strictly forbidden to bring any alcohol into the country, including duty free, and the sale of alcohol is prohibited in Ramadan in all hotels. There are stiff penalties for consuming alcohol other than on licensed premises or in homes covered by liquor permit. Drunk-driving is a serious offence in Qatar and will not be tolerated.

 

The effects of alcohol can be exacerbated by the heat and humidity of the local climate. To avoid dehydration, be sure to drink plenty of water, especially in the hotter summer months.

 

Good-natured bargaining is a way of life in the Middle East, and it can be quite enjoyable if you have the patience to see it through; try, and you’ll see that vendors enjoy the banter that the whole process involves.

When visiting souqs, you are generally not expected to pay the initial asking price.

However, bargaining does not apply to all retailshops in Qatar, as many as of the more modern shops, especially food outlets, have firm prices.

Generally, the more you buy, the better the discount you are likely to get.

Men and women should dress modestly as a courtesy to both Qataris and Muslims. Swimsuits and beachwear is acceptable at the hotel beaches (don’t forget sunscreen), but it is not appropriate to expose the body in other public areas. Topless sunbathing is definitely taboo. Tops should cover the shoulders and upper arms, and skirts or shorts should fall to or below the knee. Women are not obliged to cover their hair. Visitors should be thoughtful of their clothing particularly in the Holy Month of Ramadan, or when in traditional public areas.

The extreme heat and high humidity of summertime means lightweight fibres are advisable (clothes made from ‘wicking’ – high techpolyester - material are invaluable); covering up susceptible parts of your body whilst outside they will also prevent sunburn. However a jumper or wrap may be needed inside malls, cinemas and restaurants, as the air conditioning can be fierce. Wintertime can be chilly, especially in the evenings, and there is also a chance of rain, so coats and closed shoes will be useful.

Arabic is the official and main language, but English is widely spoken in every part of the country.

Despite the fact that most Qatari people speak fluently English, they feel honored to see their guests speaking a few words in Arabic:

Hello (welcome) - marhaba

Hello (peace be upon you) - assalamo alaykum

Good morning - sabah al khair

Good afternoon/evening - misaa al khair

Goodbye - ma’salaama

How are you? - kaif halaak (m) / kaif haalik (f )

Please - min fadlak

Thank you - shukran

Not at all - afwan

Yes - na’am

No - la

I want a taxi - ureed taxi

Right - yameen

Left - yasar

Straight ahead - alatool

Let’s go - yalla

Finished - khallas

No problem - ma fi mushkila

This/that - hatha / hathaak

I want to buy…/I’d like - areed ashtiri…/ ana areed

The bill please - fatoura, laow samaht

Yesterday/today/ tomorrow - ams / alayum/bukra

God willing - insha’Allah