Qatar culture

Definitions
Culture: the ideas, customs, and social behavior of a particular people or society. "Afro-Caribbean culture"
Qatar: officially the State of Qatar is a sovereign Arab emirate, located in Western Asia, occupying the small Qatar Peninsula on the northeasterly coast of the much larger Arabian Peninsula. Its sole land border is with Saudi Arabia to the south, with the rest of its territory surrounded by the Persian gulf. A strait in the Persian Gulf separates Qatar from the nearby island state of Bahrain.

Map of Qatar

QATARI'S MYTHOLOGY
This is the ancient pre-Islamic beliefs of the Arab people. The main god in the Arabian peninsula was Hubal who is regarded as the most notable and chief of the gods.

Other gods
Manaf was a god related to women and menstruation. Wadd was a god of love and friendship. Snakes were believed to be sacred to Wadd. Amm was a moon god worshipped in ancient Qataban. He was revered as in association with the weather, especially lightning.( quataban was the ancient south arabian kingdom)

 Ta'lab was a god worshipped in southern Arabia, particularly in Sheba and also a moon god. His oracle was consulted for advice. Dhu'l-Halasa was a god of south Arabia. He was venerated in the form of a white stone. Al-Qaum was the god of war and the night, and also guardian of caravans. Dushara was a god, his name meaning Lord of mountains

Etiquette and customs in Qatar

Dont offer alcoholic drinks to a Qatari, unless youre certain that he drinks alcohol. This can cause great offence. Dont walk on a prayer mat or in front of any person at prayer and try not to stare at people who are praying. Dont try to enter a mosque without first asking permission. Its unlikely that you will be allowed in.

Monsters
A Nasnas is "half a human being; having half a head, half a body, one arm, one leg, with which it hops with much agility". It was believed to be the offspring of a demon called a Shiqq and a human being. Ghouls are desert-dwelling, shapeshifting demons that can assume the guise of animal, especially hyenas. These creatures also prey on young children, rob graves, drink blood, and eat the dead

continuation
Dont beckon to people with a finger, as this is considered particularly impolite. Qataris might use such a gesture to summon a dog. Avoid shouting and displays of aggression or drunkenness at all times, as such behaviors are rarely tolerated. During Ramadan, dont eat, drink or smoke anywhere where you can be seen by Muslims during the hours of daylight and dont engage in any noisy behavior or embrace or kiss anyone in public.

Gift giving Etiquette

If you are invited to a Qatari's house bring something small as a thank you. Flowers do not make good gifts from a man, although a woman could give them to her hostess. Gifts are not opened when received.

Dinning Etiquette
Qataris socialize primarily in restaurants and international hotels when entertaining expatriates whom they do not know well. After some time you will be invited to the home. Entertainment will generally be same-sex only. If both sexes are included, they will be in separate rooms.

If you are invited to a Qatars house

You would usually remove your shoes. Dress conservatively. Try to arrive at the invited time. Punctuality is appreciated but not crucial. Show respect for the elders by greeting them first. If you are invited for a meal, understand that there will be a great deal of socializing and small talk before the meal is served.

Table manners
If the meal is on the floor, sit cross-legged or kneel on one knee. Eat only with the right hand as the left is considered unclean. Try a bit of everything that is served. Meals are generally served family-style. Honoured guests are often offered the most prized pieces such as a sheep's head so be prepared! There is often more food than you can eat. Part of Qatari hospitality and generosity is to shower guests with abundance. There is little conversation during meals so that diners may relish the food.

Dress Etiquette
Most Qataris wear long white thobes Dress well if you want to make a good impression. Business women should make certain that their collarbones and knees are covered and that their clothes are not form-fitting.

Qatar traditional costumes

Music instruments
dddd

Marriage

Wedding costumes

Religion

Beliefs

Comparison to Rwandan culture

Summary