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Living in Qatar
Study Here:
Abu Dhabi University
Living in Qatar can be a wonderful experience. Qatar is making a huge amount of profit in the oil and refineries which is a major reason which is why the country is able to spend so much on its big events and improvements for its residents. Qatar is a highly populated emirate, with the population in 2010 nearing 1.7 million.
Culture
Qatari culture is similar to that of other Arab countries of the Persian Gulf. Arab tribes from Saudi Arabia migrated to Qatar and other places in the gulf; therefore, the culture in the Persian Gulf region varies little from country to country.
Qatar explicitly uses Sharia law as the basis of its government, and the vast majority of its citizens follow Hanbali Madhhab. Hanbali is one of the four schools (Madhhabs) of Fiqh or religious law within Sunni Islam. Sunni Muslims believe that all four schools have "correct guidance", and the differences between them lie not in the fundamentals of faith, but in finer judgments and jurisprudence, which are a result of the independent reasoning of the imams and the scholars who followed them.
 Climate
The long summer (May - September) is characterised by intense heat and alternating dryness and humidity, with temperatures reaching 50 °C (122 °F). Temperatures are moderate from November - May, although winter temperatures may fall to 5 °C (41 °F). Rainfall is negligible, averaging 100 millimetres (3.9 in) per year. Rain is confined to the winter months, and falling in brief, sometimes heavy storms that often flood the small ravines and the usually dry wadis. Sudden, violent dust storms occasionally descend on the peninsula, blotting out the sun, causing wind damage, and momentarily disrupting transport and other services.
Things to remember when living in Qatar
It is not appropriate to touch anyone of the opposite sex, especially anyone dressed in the national dress.
Intimacy in public between members of the opposite sex is considered highly inappropriate, but good friends, including men, greet each other with a series of kisses on the cheek.
Moments of silence are not considered awkward, rather, a sign of reflection.
There are no restrictions on clothing, although it is recommended that you dress modestly. A simple rule to remember is to cover the knees and shoulders. Of course, at the beach and swimming pools, feel free to wear your swimming gear, including bikinis.
It is considered impolite for expatriate men to wear traditional Qatari clothing.
You should always accept an offer of a beverage or food, as it is considered impolite to refuse - hospitality is an important part of Qatari social etiquette. You will not be expected to eat all that is served. Always use your right hand for eating.
Another important part of Qatari social etiquette is the way you are seated. Don't sit in such a way that the soles of your feet face another person as it is considered impolite. |
