WASTA
“Wasta” literally translates into using some specific means to go around the rules, bending them a little in order to get things done much quicker. It is mainly based on favours that are reciprocated on the other side. It sometimes contains an element of bartering and is a local, completely acceptable, means of getting business done. If you have wasta, use it, as it only expedites your business transaction.
PERSONAL BEHAVIOUR
What is considered offensive is alike in the West. The following are, however, considered particularly disrespectful and may be subject to arrest: rude or aggressive behaviour, wearing revealing clothing in public places, public displays of affection, drunken driving.
ADDRESSING SOMEBODY
Generally, Qataris will be informal in addressing you. For example, if your name is Susan Johnson, you will be referred to as Miss Susan or simply Susan. If you are to meet a Sheikh (male) or a Sheikha (female), you do not have to call them Mr. Sheikh or Mrs. Sheikha. A simple Sheikh followed by their first name is sufficient.
CALLING SOMEBODY OVER WITH YOUR FINGER
This is definitely not acceptable. If the finger goes forward instead of up, by pointing at somebody, it is equally offensive in the Arab culture.
SOLES OF FEET
It is considered very rude to point the soles of your feet when seated (men have a tendency — when sitting — to place their ankle over their other leg, thereby exposing the soles of their feet). Also, as in any culture, sitting behind your desk with your feet on top of it is considered offensive to anybody walking into your office.
PHOTOGRAPHS
Taking photographs of Muslim women is considered offensive, and taking pictures of government buildings or military installations should be avoided if prior permission is not sought.
DRESS CODE
In Qatar, one can wear anything he or she pleases. However, keep in mind that you are a visitor in an Islamic country and the best would be to try and blend in with the local culture.
Recently, a member of the Central Municipal Council discussed with the local Qatari newspapers a plea to expatriates to abide what he deemed a “dress code based on Qatari values”.
It is being strongly suggested that visitors and expats should dress more conservatively when out in the public eye, such as in the malls and along the Doha Corniche. It would thus be wise to refrain from wearing tank tops, shorts, mini skirts, tube tops, low cut tops and see-through clothes. It is a way to respect and blend into the new culture, and not to come across as being offensive.
DINING AND LATE AFTERNOON VISITS
It is customary, when invited to a Qatari’s home, to expect men and women to be socializing in separate groups located in separate areas. This should not be seen as a lack of respect towards a woman, as it is simply part of the culture prevailing in the Gulf.
The hostess will receive her guests dressed in her national outfit. In some cases, some Qatari women will remove their national dress once they are in their own socializing area, away from the vision of other men. Expatriates and foreign visitors should feel totally at ease dressed the way they would when attending a function in any other city in the world. It is advisable to dress elegantly and in a subdued way, as this will demonstrate respect towards your hosts.
Expatriate women married to Qataris usually follow the culture and customs of Qatar. It is not unusual for women to attend a women-only event, whether it is a dinner party, a wedding or another type of celebration.
When visiting someone, it is usual to be offered either coffee or tea. Traditionally, one should accept, especially if doing business with a local, as otherwise it might be seen as refusing the hospitality extended.
The ritual upon arriving is the following:
• you will be warmly received and offered a selection of cold fresh juices, soft drinks and water. The two most popular beverages are fresh lemon juice with fresh mint, and laban, which is watered down plain yogurt with salt (and sometimes mint) for flavouring. Refreshing laban can be the drink of choice if you are having lunch or dinner with your host, as it helps digestion. If you are invited for afternoon tea, serving laban is considered a bit out of place and not appropriate, similar to serving a friend a glass of milk when they come over for a quick get-together;
• following the cold drinks, a service of tea arrives. The most common is red tea with mint or cardamom.
Nowadays, many Qataris enjoy green tea and offer it as an alternative, with savoury and sweet light snacks and finger food (pastries, sandwiches, samosas, phyllo pastries, baklavas, cakes, biscuits, chocolates);
• the traditional Qatari gahwa follows. This coffee is dark yellow and made of cardamom. It is much weaker than the traditional espresso or Turkish coffee and the amount poured into each cup is just enough for approximately two sips. The coffee is served out of a traditional coffee pot and the cups are stacked into the server’s right hand. The person serving the coffee pours it into the cup, placed at the top of the stack, and hands it to the guest. She then keeps on refilling the cups. Gahwa is often served with dates on the side and neither with sugar nor cream, as it is not bitter. This coffee is the traditional coffee served at functions or when the occasion calls for it. Turkish coffee is commonly served as well, and your host might be able to read the cup for you after you drink it (Next Post);
• the last part of the ritual is the oud service.
BUKHOOR OR OUD SERVICE
This ritual represents the burning of frankincense that is placed on hot burning charcoal on a small hand-held burner. A sweet, smoky smell is released that quickly fills up the room. Some women will stand over it and with a gesture of their hand allow the vapour to filter up their dresses or get into their hair coverings. It definitely does the trick and will make you smell good too.
Oud is extremely expensive to burn and is a luxury to have. But the reason why it is not for everyone is not so much its price, but the smell, which many may consider too strong. If oud vapours make you feel uncomfortable, do not be afraid to ask not to pass it to you. Just like perfume, it is very personal and may not be something you enjoy. Once oud is brought out, it is an indication that the gathering has come to an end, unless you ask for something specific. It is also a sign for you to know that if you need to leave it will not be considered rude or impolite.
Note: Most business revolves around trust, personal relationships and family, and personal matters will outweigh business transactions anytime. If you are invited to a Qatari’s home, take this as a compliment as your host is trying to build his personal side with you as a start of a long-term trusting relationship.