Introduction to the Customs and Traditions of the People of Qatar 👳🕌🐪

Language and Religion of Qatar's People The official language of Qatar is Arabic; however, English is widely spoken among the people. Additionally, many migrants speak Persian or Urdu. Learning Arabic words can demonstrate your interest in Qatar and its language and help you communicate more easily with the local community. The people of Qatar are Muslim, but there are no legal restrictions on other religious identities. While there is religious freedom, tourists should respect the religious beliefs of the host community.

Culture of the People of Qatar The people of Qatar are descendants of Bedouins, nomadic groups who lived in the deserts of the Middle East. They have preserved the important traditions of hospitality and generosity from the past. Despite efforts to strike a balance between traditional and modern values, Qatar's old customs, such as gender segregation in public spaces, still exist. This issue, along with other cultural distinctions, such as male guardianship, prevents women from fully participating in society. The male-to-female ratio in Qatar is very high, with one woman for every three men, which perpetuates gender inequality. Due to its remarkable economic growth, Qatar hosts many migrants from around the world, and undoubtedly, the influx of migrants influences the speed of social changes. As a result, today, Qatar exhibits a more modern face compared to other Arab countries. In Qatar, as in many other Middle Eastern countries, punctuality is less emphasized, which may disappoint tourists and newcomers; however, "lateness" is not considered disrespectful among the people.

Ramadan in Qatar Qatar's society continues to strive to preserve its old Ramadan traditions, but urban pressures and the passage of time have caused some of these customs to fade, while others still persist. In the past, Ramadan in Qatar was full of joy and a sense of community, much like today, but what has changed is the way this joy is expressed. Traditionally, Ramadan in Qatar involved family solidarity, gatherings of relatives and neighbors after Taraweeh prayers, women coming together at a home for celebrations, and children playing in the streets. Young Qataris would cooperate in every neighborhood to prepare mosques for worshippers. They would clean the mosque, wash the mats, and spread sea snail shells in the mosque's yard. In the past, people avoided walking from one neighborhood to another at night due to fears of spirits and dangers in the darkness, but during Ramadan, they were freed from these fears, as they believed that the devils were chained during this month. Immediately after Maghrib prayer, people would prevent their children from playing in the streets due to fears of nighttime dangers, but during Ramadan, children would spend the entire night playing traditional games. Ramadan in Qatar was a time for social meetings, with people participating in gatherings after Taraweeh prayers and engaging in conversations. In addition to family visits and solidarity, families would distribute food, and it was unthinkable for a family to prepare food without sharing it with their neighbors. The most important custom that has faded during Ramadan is the tradition of the "Misharati," a family who would wake people up for Suhoor during Ramadan, and they were known as the "Misharati family." This profession was passed down from generation to generation and was well known in the neighborhoods. Among the most famous foods of Qatar during Ramadan are Harees and Thareed, which were among the most important meals in the past, especially during Ramadan.

Superstitions in Qatar Superstitions in Qatar are generally varied. Older women have many superstitions about not taking a bath at night and believe that someone should be present at home. Superstitions in Qatar are often linked to specific times of the day or certain numbers, such as the number 13.

Dress Code in Qatar The people of Qatar follow Islamic law, and individuals must adhere to the country's rules. Women's clothing in Qatar should fully cover their arms and legs, and the soles of their feet should also be covered. Islamic dress is fully visible among the people of Qatar. While the face veil is less commonly seen, the headscarf is mandatory, although in some areas, the use of the face veil is still practiced. Generally, Qatari women are expected to wear traditional clothing, usually an abaya and a sheila, both of which are fully covering.

Etiquette in Qatar Arabs are known for their hospitality. An Arab never asks personal questions, as this is considered impolite. Food and drinks are always consumed with the right hand. When interacting, Arabs tend to touch each other and stand close together. In Arab society, even married men and women do not touch each other in public. Arabs are talkative, speaking loudly and often repeating sentences or interrupting each other. Conversations are very emotional and lively.

Food in Qatar Rice is the main food in Qatar. Qataris first fry it and then boil it. When frying rice, they add saffron to give it a yellow color. Bread is served with every meal. Hummus, made from cooked and mashed chickpeas, is the most commonly consumed dish in Qatar. Hamour, a type of fish caught in the Persian Gulf, is also popular. Lamb, cooked in a variety of ways, including grilled and boiled, is a favorite. Shrimp and other shellfish are caught in abundance in the sea and are beloved foods. Tea and coffee are popular beverages among Qataris.