25°17'12N 51°31'60E av.temperature 26°C
Here some useful suggestion about things to do and not to do if you happen to be in Qatar. It could be useful..
DO....
use greetings and formalities as they are particularly important when dealing with Arabs. It is considered impolite to start a conversation without at least saying "Good morning".
dress modestly in Qatar, which is a Muslim country with conservative dress codes. Loose trousers are acceptable for women, but avoid shorts and short skirts, strappy low-cut tops, see-through or transparent clothes.
hail turquoise taxi which are safe and clean. The majority of the driver speaks English .
bargain with shopkeepers which is the norm here in the souqs. Always counter the original offer with a lower price than you expect to pay and work slowly upwards to what you wish to spend.
enjoy Qatar at night as it is one of the safest places in the world.
drink plenty of water in addition to other beverages. During the summer the temperature is over 50°C!
remember the air-conditioning, which can chill you at restaurants, cinemas and malls. Take along a light jacket or sweater as a precaution.
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 behaviour is mandatory.
ask an Arab lady for information if you are a man. Respect the fact that some Arab ladies are private people in public places.
be offended if your handshake is refused by a Muslim. Handshakes are most often refused to members of the opposite sex. It is not meant personally, but simply a religious prohibition applicable to Muslim and non-Muslims alike.
take a photograph without permission of either people or sensitive sites. Arab women and many older people strongly object to being photographed.
use your left hand for eating with your fingers with Muslims. The right hand is considered more propitious as the left hand is reserved for personal hygiene.
sit with the soles of your shoes or feet pointing to your Qatari hosts; it is considered insulting. Equally don't seat with your back to other guests.
drink too much alcohol because in Qatar it is a strictly regulated concession and there is zero tolerance for drink-driving or rowdy behaviour.
go barefoot in the sea where stonefish (which look like stones) lie along the shoreline. Although rare, the poisonous defence mechanism causes excruciating pain and needs a hospital visit. Also be on the lookout for jellyfish.
Whatever open-hearth.
Here some useful suggestion about things to do and not to do if you happen to be in Qatar. It could be useful..
DO....
use greetings and formalities as they are particularly important when dealing with Arabs. It is considered impolite to start a conversation without at least saying "Good morning".
dress modestly in Qatar, which is a Muslim country with conservative dress codes. Loose trousers are acceptable for women, but avoid shorts and short skirts, strappy low-cut tops, see-through or transparent clothes.
hail turquoise taxi which are safe and clean. The majority of the driver speaks English .
bargain with shopkeepers which is the norm here in the souqs. Always counter the original offer with a lower price than you expect to pay and work slowly upwards to what you wish to spend.
enjoy Qatar at night as it is one of the safest places in the world.
drink plenty of water in addition to other beverages. During the summer the temperature is over 50°C!
remember the air-conditioning, which can chill you at restaurants, cinemas and malls. Take along a light jacket or sweater as a precaution.
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 behaviour is mandatory.
ask an Arab lady for information if you are a man. Respect the fact that some Arab ladies are private people in public places.
be offended if your handshake is refused by a Muslim. Handshakes are most often refused to members of the opposite sex. It is not meant personally, but simply a religious prohibition applicable to Muslim and non-Muslims alike.
take a photograph without permission of either people or sensitive sites. Arab women and many older people strongly object to being photographed.
use your left hand for eating with your fingers with Muslims. The right hand is considered more propitious as the left hand is reserved for personal hygiene.
sit with the soles of your shoes or feet pointing to your Qatari hosts; it is considered insulting. Equally don't seat with your back to other guests.
drink too much alcohol because in Qatar it is a strictly regulated concession and there is zero tolerance for drink-driving or rowdy behaviour.
go barefoot in the sea where stonefish (which look like stones) lie along the shoreline. Although rare, the poisonous defence mechanism causes excruciating pain and needs a hospital visit. Also be on the lookout for jellyfish.
Whatever open-hearth.
