Don't
Look or stare at people closely no matter how fascinating their dress. This general courtesy is particularly important in a society where modesty of dress and behavior is mandatory.
Ask an Arabic lady for information or direction in a public place if you are a man. Arabic ladies will be more willing to help other females and if you are a family let your wife do the talking.
Be offended if your hand shake is refused by a Muslim. Hand shake are most often refused to member of the opposite sex. It is not meant personally, but simply a religious prohibition applicable to other Muslims and non-Muslims alike.
Take a photograph without permission of either people (including the police or armed forces) or sensitive sites. Arabic women and many older people strongly object to being photographed.
Be annoyed if your guest /contact is late. Just remember, time is more elastic in Qatar.
Use your left hand for contact with other people or eating. Following Muslim conventions the right hand is considered more propitious and the left hand reserved for bodily functions.
Sit with the soles of your shoes or feet pointing to your Qatari hosts; it is considered insulting. Equally, don't sit with your back to the other guest.
Drink to much that your behavior is affected in public. Alcohol in Qatar is strictly regulated concession and there is zero tolerance for drink-driving and rowdy behavior.
Go barefoot in the sea, where stone fish (who look alike stone) lie along the shoreline. Although rare, their poisonous defense mechanism causes excruciating pain and needs a hospital visit.
Showing posts with label Do's and Don't. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Do's and Don't. Show all posts
Tuesday, 31 March 2009
Please Do
Do's
Use greeting and formalities as they are particularly important when dealing with Arabs. It is considered impolite to start any conversation or request without at least saying "Good Morning" or "Good Afternoon".
Dress modesty in Qatar, which is a Muslim country with conservative dress codes. Trousers are acceptable for women, but avoid shorts, strappy low-cut tops, see through and transparent clothes.
Hail Mowasalat turquoise taxis, which are safe, clean and metered. The majority of the driver speaks English.
Bargain with shopkeepers which is the norm here in the souqs, so let go of your inhibitions and allow yourself some extra time for a good barter. Always counter the original offer with a lower price than you expect to pay and work slowly upwards to what you wish to spend.
Watch out for separate counters and sections for women in banks and utilities.
Enjoy Qatar at night as it is one of the safest places in the world during the hot summer and during Ramadan you will see people around town well into the early morning.
Drink plenty of water in addition to other beverages. At a temperature of 2°C you need at least two liters a day. Deep yellow urine is a sign of dehydration.
Use high factor sunblock on all exposed skin (even in the winter sun), including the tops of your feet if wearing sandals. Children and fair skinned people also need a hat or a cap.
Remember the air-conditioning, which can chill you to the bone at restaurants, cinemas and malls. Take along a light jacket or a sweater as a precaution.
Use greeting and formalities as they are particularly important when dealing with Arabs. It is considered impolite to start any conversation or request without at least saying "Good Morning" or "Good Afternoon".
Dress modesty in Qatar, which is a Muslim country with conservative dress codes. Trousers are acceptable for women, but avoid shorts, strappy low-cut tops, see through and transparent clothes.
Hail Mowasalat turquoise taxis, which are safe, clean and metered. The majority of the driver speaks English.
Bargain with shopkeepers which is the norm here in the souqs, so let go of your inhibitions and allow yourself some extra time for a good barter. Always counter the original offer with a lower price than you expect to pay and work slowly upwards to what you wish to spend.
Watch out for separate counters and sections for women in banks and utilities.
Enjoy Qatar at night as it is one of the safest places in the world during the hot summer and during Ramadan you will see people around town well into the early morning.
Drink plenty of water in addition to other beverages. At a temperature of 2°C you need at least two liters a day. Deep yellow urine is a sign of dehydration.
Use high factor sunblock on all exposed skin (even in the winter sun), including the tops of your feet if wearing sandals. Children and fair skinned people also need a hat or a cap.
Remember the air-conditioning, which can chill you to the bone at restaurants, cinemas and malls. Take along a light jacket or a sweater as a precaution.
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