Culture & Etiquette

While Qatar's official language is Arabic, English is widely understood, due to the country's status as a British protectorate from 1917 until 1971. Islam is the official religion, but is less strictly enforced than in Saudi Arabia. Even so, visitors should respect Muslim religious laws and customs and women should always dress modestly.

Homosexual behaviour is illegal in Qatar, and any intimacy in public between men and women can also lead to arrest. It is a punishable offence to drink alcohol or be drunk in public.

At business and social functions, traditional Qatari coffee will be served in tiny handleless cups. This is a ritual with strict rules: guests are served in order of seniority - a few drops at first, then, after three or four others have been served, the server returns to fill the first cup. Always hold the cup in the right hand. Two cups are polite, but never take only one or more than three.