ETIQUETTE AND PROTOCOL
When moving to a new city, it is essential to know the fundamentals of tradition and etiquette in order to feel at ease, enjoy the new experience and take part in it, not only as a visitor but also as a resident.
NATIONAL DRESS
MEN
The Qatari thawb is unique, specific to Qatar and different from those worn by men in the Gulf region. Easily identified by the collar, it is similar to a work shirt collar (the UAE thawbs do not have any collar, but simply a round neck line). The Qatari sleeves can be worn with or without cuff-links. The pocket on the front left of the thawb must be hard at the top so that it can hold a pen.
Down the front of the thawb there are three visible buttons (they are round, as opposed to the square ones in Saudi Arabia).
In the summer, the thawb is made of a white light cotton fabric in order to keep the body cool and allow the skin to remain dry. In the winter, the thawb is made of a heavier fabric with wool blends to keep the body warmer, and it is of darker shades of colours such as dark grey. It is very much a matter of personal taste.
There are many thawb shops around town that will take your specific measurements and tailor it to fit you.
Under the thawb, Qatari men wear the cotton sirwal (type of cloth) and undershirt. The sirwal is white in colour and comfortable. The length is just above the ankle and the waist is made of elastic to give additional space around the stomach. To have something underneath the thawb makes it less sheer to see through. It will also keep the body warm during the cooler winter months, similar to long johns or thermals under clothing used in the West.
The footwear that is worn by men can either be black shoes (mainly in the winter, an alternative to short boots with socks), or the more traditional sandal called na’al, much more comfortable to wear in the summer as the feet remain aired and cool. The colours are typically tan, white, or black.
The traditional headpiece is the crowning touch. There are three parts to the headwear:
• The gaffeyeh, a bowl-shaped fabric that is crocheted and made to fit your head exactly. In the shops, you are allowed to pick the design and have an option of sizes according to your head size.
• On top of the gaffeyeh goes the ghitra, a square light cloth that is folded into a triangle and is worn on the head with the point of the triangle set at the back of the head and falling behind the shoulders. It is interesting to note that there are different ghitras for different seasons: white for the summer, and for the winter a checkered red and white or a pashmina-style fabric with embroidery on the edges (the fabric is thicker and may contain fine wool to keep your head warmer, therefore keeping your body warmer).
• On top of the ghitra goes the a’gaal, a black rope. You can buy this ready-made or handmade, and made of wool for the winter, or cotton or silk for the summer. The a’gaal can be made according to your taste. Some have the long rope attached with the tassel at the end, others have a separated rope, or a rope that is connected with a design.
Sandals are part of the dress code of Qatari men and are considered formal wear. They are totally different from flip-flops or any other casual footwear worn by expatriates.
WOMEN
Over their regular clothing, similar to Western clothes (jeans, designer clothes etc.), Qatari women wear the traditional black abaya.
The abaya must not be tight, but it should fit loosely over the clothing. It is worn to cover the female form and the hair for modesty. Its fabric choice can change in accordance with seasons. It is a fairly light blended fabric, and the Qatari abaya is much lighter than the ones worn, for example, in Iran.
The headscarf, or shayla, is of a much lighter fabric. It is actually quite sheer and must be wrapped around the head several times and tucked under to hold well. Many Qatari women have resorted to wearing an elasticized fabric, similar to a plain bandana or headband, that can be pulled over the head to cover the hair, and they then have the shayla wrap over and around it. This helps hold the shayla in place and is also for added security, as in the event the shayla unravels, the hair remains covered.
The modern abayas have diamond crystal embroidery, hand embroidery or pearls at the bottom of the sleeves near the wrists. Typically, the shayla matches the abaya.
The niqab is the veil that is used to cover the face, and women may also wear gloves and a mask (burqa) to ensure they are fully covered. These are not mandatory to wear from a religious standpoint. You do not see many women wearing the niqab or gloves in Qatar, although the tradition is still present.
THE ABAYA AND THE QUR’AN
The Qur’an does not specify what colour the abaya should be, nor how a woman should cover herself. It merely calls for women to be decent in their behaviour and appearance, since a woman is not supposed to attract other men and be seductive in her clothing.
Through the study of the Qur’an and the Hadith, a woman learns how to be properly attired to be discreet, thereby demonstrating respect towards herself. Unlike the beliefs of some, the way women dress was not instituted by Islam, and a black abaya is not a religious subject in itself, but a strict interpretation on how a woman should appear in public in parts of Arabia.
This is why some women do not wear the black abaya; they do not cover their hair, however continuing to dress modestly and acting appropriately in accordance to the Hadith.
NOW YOU KNOW – TURKISH COFFEE
Arabic coffee, or Turkish coffee, is finely ground coffee typically mixed with a bit of cardamom for a slight hint of flavour. The traditional Turkish coffee cup is similar in size to the espresso cup, which can be used as a substitute. Turkish coffee is served on a tray with a glass of water and a silver container filled with essence of rose blossom water. At times, people add a few drops of it, either to the coffee or to their glass of water.
PREPARATION
To prepare a cup of coffee, you need to have a small traditional coffee pot. The amount of water in the pot should be equivalent to the number of cups of coffee you are serving with a little extra as water evaporates quickly. The sugar must be put in while making the coffee, not after serving it. If the coffee is to be served medium (not too sweet), one teaspoon of sugar per cup is enough. If the coffee is ordered sweet, then two teaspoons of sugar should be used. Add to the water a heaped teaspoon of coffee for every cup you are preparing. You can serve the cup with no sugar first, then do the medium, leaving the sweet order for last. Each order should be well boiled and stirred. Be careful not to boil the coffee too quickly as it may overflow. Protect the handle of the coffee pot as it can get extremely warm. Once the coffee comes to a boil, wait a few seconds before pouring it into the cup(s).
Make sure not to drink to the bottom of the cup as it is filled with all the coffee grinds — it will taste like sludge and leave a thick bitter taste in your mouth.
CUP READINGS AND SYMBOLS
Cup readings are usually common among other Arab countries such as Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Palestine and Iraq. Qataris consider this a pastime. If you plan to have your cup read, stir what is left in it really well, put the saucer over the rim of the cup, and with a brisk, quick motion turn the cup over. Let rest for a few seconds, then lift the cup and place it for a few seconds on the edge of the plate so that it dries.
In general, when the drawings within the cup are of a light brown, you will be told that it is a “happy cup”. The darker the colour on the inside, the darker the future is. At times, the coffee reader will try to show you what she sees. You will be amazed at how relevant some of the reader’s comments can be. Here is what some symbols mean:
• Apple: computer, knowledge, achievement
• Bird: ascension, good news
• Chair: a guest, unforeseen
• Cup: reward, bloodlines
• Face: concern for you by a loved one
• Hawk: Horus, jealousy
• Palm tree: success, honour
• Sun: happiness, success, power