Culture and Tradition in Qatar

Qatari culture (music, art, dress, and cuisine) 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 (Arabic: حنبلى ) is one of the four schools (Madhhabs) of Fiqh or religious law within Sunni Islam (The other three are Hanafi, Maliki and Shafii). 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. Because their individual methodologies of interpretation and extraction from the primary sources (usul) were different, they came to different judgments on particular matters. Shi'as comprise around 10% of the Muslim population in Qatar.

Most of the people of Qatar to hold Wahhabi laws, but the accepted norms, oddly enough, are less stringent than in many neighboring countries - it is alcohol available in bars, hotels and restaurants, as there are no restrictions on the management of women's cars, their participation in public life etc. However, in public places, women should avoid unnecessary open or tight clothes and mini-skirts, and men - shorts or shirts without sleeves. Enter the mosque to non-Muslims is forbidden.

Alcohol is legal with a permit but it is not permitted to drink it in public.

Most hotels and restaurants are licensed to sell alcoholic beverages. Removal of alcohol on the street, drinking in public places, driving drunk and transportation of alcohol is punishable by law and punished harshly enough (up to imprisonment). Prices on alcohol are high. During Ramadan, alcohol is not sold.

In addition, upon entering of every houses we should always remove our shoes and follow the instructions of the owner. The meal passes without tables and chairs - guests are placed on the floor, on special mats and cushions. Treats usually very light (tea, coffee, fruit, sweets, etc.), but quite heavy (a cup will be filled permanently) and it is not taken to give - the rules of politeness is recommended to drink on a visit at least one and not more than three cups of coffee (it is not difficult, since the size of these cups is very small.) Take food left hand is not accepted. Fig take a pinch, some pasty dishes (hoummus, mutabbel), you can take a piece of bread. The guests are served in order of seniority. Among the guests are traditional Arab rule hierarchy - should not interrupt the speech, the eldest or the head of the family, should be given every consideration the owner and guests. In such cases, tourists are advised to simply mannered guests do the same.

Art

Popular art forms in Qatar include printing, pottery, sculpting, lace-making, jewelry making, calligraphy, drawing, painting and in recent years, photography. These art forms are influenced by Bedouin culture and Islam. Qatar recently built a Museum of Islamic Art. The museum houses a collection of art from most Middle Eastern countries in hopes of preserving Islamic art for generations to come. The Qatar Museum Authority calls it "a museum for the world."

1. Museum of Islamic Art
2. Al Markhiya Art Gallery

Music

The music of Qatar is highly influenced by Bedouin culture. Lyrics are typically Bedouin poetry and the music is played using Bedouing instruments. Khaliji is a type of traditional Bedouin music and one of the most popular types of music in Qatar. It is played using the Oud and Tabl drum. In addition to Khaliji being a popular form of music, there is also a popular dance that is performed to Khaliji.

• Khaliji Music- This is an American ensemble playing Khajili music.

Falconry

These birds of prey were used originally by Bedouins to hunt game, providing an important addition to their diets. In Qatar today, the tradition of falconry remains a major sporting activity during the hunting season from October to March. During the off-season, owners and falcons continue with training exercises. Its incredible eyesight allows the falcon to lock onto its prey; it can fly at speeds of over 100 kilometres per hour and dives at twice that rate. An important bond is created between owners and falcons, and the birds are treated with great care and respect.

 
National Dress
 

Qatari national men wear a thobe, a long white shirt over loose pants. They also wear a loose headdress, called a gutra, in white or red and white cloth, held on with a black rope known as the agal. Qatari national women cover their head with a black headdress called a shayla, their body with a long black dress called an abayha. Some women also cover their face with a black bourga; sometimes the eyes are left uncovered.

    

Religion

Religious Beliefs. The majority of the citizens and the ruling family are Sunni Muslims, specifically Wahhabis. There is, however, a large minority of Shi'a Muslims. Recent events such as the Iranian Revolution, the Iran-Iraq War, and alleged discrimination against Shi'a Muslims have exacerbated sectarian tensions. These divisions are rarely discussed openly.

Traditional Dances

Qatar's Folk Dancing

Dancing is the form of expression, which comes on its own on celebratory occasions. Festive season is the most likely time when you will witness folk dancers performing around the country. But most likely one will witness for dances performed by men folk. Amongst the dances – the most popular is the 'Ardha' where the dancers will be carrying the ceremonial swords. It is performed on religious holidays like Eid and on special occasions like Independence day or during the Accession Day celebrations of His Highness the Emir. It is a dance to display the unity, strength of a group and is a display of allegiance to the Emir and the society.

The other traditional dance performed in public is 'Lewa' a dance performed purely for pleasure and commonly performed at weddings and on religious occasions.

Amongst the women dances are 'Khammary', performed by the masked women, it involves the co-ordination of steps with the Music. It has light lyrics, often based on love poems. Other women dances are 'Sameri' and 'Ashouri', performed on celebratory occasions.

Among the cultural traditions of Qatar is camel racing, horse racing, hunting with trained falcons and hounds Arab "Saluki". A small part of the richest people in the country can afford to keep Arabian horses, which have been long bred in this region. Unique specimens of this breed of horses are in the stables of the Emir. On special farms there are grown the racing camels, whose value reaches 250 thousand dollars. Despite the active intervention of the West, Sharia (Islamic law) is still required for citizens of the country and fully defines their culture and everyday life.

 
Business and social etiquette tips

Qatar is a traditional country experiencing rapid social changes. It is important to Qatar to maintain its heritage and the modern appearance may mislead people into forgetting that it is still a traditional society with consequential social misunderstandings. The following tips may be useful:

Foreign visitors are expected to dress in a style that is sensitive to the Islamic culture. Conservative clothing is recommended. Men generally wear long trousers and a shirt in public. Women's attire in public - as opposed to hotels or private clubs - should cover the shoulders, upper arms and knees. Western bathing attire is permitted at hotel and club swimming pools and beaches. Topless sunbathing is strictly forbidden.

Seek permission before taking photographs of people and be cautious about taking photographs in public. For security reasons Government buildings, military and some industrial sites, including some internal and external parts of the airport or shopping malls, should not be photographed.

When Arab men meet, they usually shake hands. A man does not generally shake hands with a woman. Male business associates will shake the hand of a female business associate if she extends her hand first. Some Arab men and women will shake hands with a woman. If an Arab person pulls back their hand and holds it against the heart this is a sign of greeting in preference over hand-shaking.

Bargaining with shopkeepers is common practice especially in the souq (market). Negotiations may include the buyer requesting the 'best best price'. Insisting on a discount beyond this best price might be deemed insulting.

Qatar prohibits the brewing and trafficking of alcohol. Drunken behavior in public or driving under the influence of alcohol is an offence punishable by a period in prison, a fine or both and cancellation of the offender's driving license. It is also illegal to transport liquor in your vehicle except from the point of sale directly to your home.

The country also applies a zero tolerance attitude to the use and possession of illegal drugs. The import of pork is prohibited.

 
Qatar Women

The Qatari woman exercises her full right to take her role in society and act as a vital element within the development process of the country. She has proven her ability to give and participate alongside her fellow men in all assignments and fields, and her participation has been especially enhanced by the encouragement of HH the Emir and the patronage of H.H. the wife of the Emir, Sheikha Mouza.

Heritage
Qatari heritage, handed down from generation to generation, has always been an integral part of the Arab Islamic heritage of the Arabian Peninsula.

It encompasses the features of the social fabric and the cultural peculiarity of the Arab man who has lived on this land and dealt with it and its environment in a give-and-take manner until his heritage has become a true reflection of the people's lives and their adherence to their milieu.

Although most handicrafts and traditional industries have disappeared, some managed to survive, thanks to the support rendered by the government.

Source from http://infoqat.com/qatar/