Doha is Qatar's capital, a Gulf waterfront city where the Museum of Islamic Art, the traditional Souq Waqif, the Katara Cultural Village and the glass towers of West Bay sit within a short drive of each other.
Cultural orientation
Essential context for travellers.
Qatar is a conservative Muslim country; dress modestly in public, with shoulders and knees covered for men and women, including in malls and souqs.
Greet with 'As-salamu alaykum'; men may shake hands with men, and should wait for a woman to offer her hand first.
Use the right hand to give, receive, eat and accept coffee or dates.
Accept Arabic coffee (gahwa) and dates when offered; shake the cup gently to signal that no more is wanted.
Public displays of affection are not accepted; avoid kissing or prolonged hugging in public.
Do's and don'ts
Quick guide to local norms.
Do
- Dress modestly in malls, souqs and government buildings
- Accept coffee and dates when offered
- Ask permission before photographing people, especially women and families
- Remove shoes when entering a mosque or private home
- Stand when elders enter a room
- Carry a passport copy or entry permit for ID checks
Don't
- Do not photograph military, government or police buildings or people without consent
- Do not bring alcohol into Qatar or drink in public; it is served only in licensed hotel venues
- Do not eat, drink or smoke in public during daylight in Ramadan
- Do not show the soles of the feet or point them at people
- Do not post photos or videos of other people online without consent (a cybercrime offence)
- Do not use drugs; penalties are severe, including for trace amounts
Local customs
Traditions and practices you'll encounter.
Etiquette by setting
How to navigate everyday situations.
- Greetings
- 'As-salamu alaykum' (reply 'Wa alaykum as-salam'); handshakes are normal between men; wait for a woman to extend her hand first, or place the right hand over the heart.
- Dining
- Eat with the right hand, take food from the dish in front of you and let the host serve guests first. Hospitality is central, and refusing a first offer of coffee or dates can seem impolite.
- Dress
- Men: shirt with sleeves and trousers or knee-length shorts. Women: shoulders and knees covered; a headscarf is not required except in mosques. Swimwear is for hotel pools and beaches only.
- Gifts
- Bring sweets, dates or flowers when invited to a Qatari home; do not give alcohol.
- Business
- Relationship-based; meetings often begin with coffee and small talk. The weekend is Friday and Saturday; the working week runs Sunday to Thursday.
- Tipping
- 10% is common in restaurants if no service charge is added; round up taxi fares.
Useful phrases
A few words go a long way.
As-salamu alaykum
Hello (peace be upon you)
as-sa-LAA-mu a-LAY-kum
Marhaba
Welcome / hello
mar-HA-ba
Shukran
Thank you
SHOO-kran
Afwan
You're welcome
AF-wan
Na'am / La
Yes / No
NA-am / laa
Bikam?
How much?
bi-KAM
Min fadlak (m) / Min fadlik (f)
Please
min FAD-lak / min FAD-lik
Ma'a as-salama
Goodbye
MA-a as-sa-LAA-ma
Yalla
Let's go / hurry
YAL-la
In sha'Allah
God willing
in-sha-AL-lah
Religion & spirituality
Understanding faith in Doha.
Main: Islam is the state religion; most Qataris are Sunni Muslims, and the large expatriate population includes Hindus, Christians and others. Non-Muslim worship is permitted at designated churches in the Religious Complex in Doha.
Sites: Imam Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab Mosque (State Mosque), Fanar Qatar Islamic Cultural Center, Katara Mosque, Museum of Islamic Art.
Holy Days: Ramadan (expected to begin around 8 February 2027, subject to moon sighting), Eid al-Fitr (around 9-10 March 2027) and Eid al-Adha (around 16-17 May 2027). Qatar National Day is 18 December.
Conversations: Avoid criticising the royal family, the government or Islam; religion and regional politics are sensitive topics.