A Qatar Etiquette Guide For When You’re Visiting During FIFA World Cup

Residence to gleaming skyscrapers and luxurious purchasing malls, FIFA World Cup host Qatar can be a conservative nation deeply connected to its customs and traditions — which is why we’ve put collectively an etiquette information that’ll be helpful for those who’re planning to go to.

Listed here are among the cultural conventions football fans ought to know when visiting the gas-rich Gulf emirate, which, like different Arab nations, prides itself on its hospitality.

A Qatar etiquette information for FIFA World Cup season and past

Greetings and handshakes

In public locations, it’s customary to face up when greeting others, notably the aged, as an indication of respect.

When males are greeting Qatari girls, it’s best to attend for them to take the lead earlier than reaching for a handshake. Some favor to keep away from bodily contact with members of the alternative intercourse, usually for spiritual causes. By the identical token, Qatari males may not at all times supply a handshake when assembly girls.

As a substitute of a handshake, Qataris usually place their proper hand over their coronary heart as a heat gesture of greeting.

Public shows of affection, together with kissing, ought to largely be averted. Holding arms, nonetheless, is mostly accepted.

Whereas use of English is ubiquitous in a rustic that’s 90 p.c expat, a information of primary Arabic greetings and expressions of gratitude is drastically appreciated by Qataris.

Footwear off

If you’re fortunate sufficient to be invited right into a Qatari house, bear in mind to take off your shoes earlier than coming into the home. When sitting along with your legs crossed — in any setting — it’s thought of impolite if the soles of the ft are going through the host.

It is not uncommon for Qataris to eat by hand from giant communal plates positioned on the ground — a eating etiquette that dates again to Bedouin desert tradition.

And you will need to settle for choices by Qatari hosts, as turning them down could possibly be taken as an offence.

Espresso tradition

Qatar shares the Gulf passion for Arabic coffee, which is ready by roasting coffee beans then boiling them with cardamom and saffron.

The yellowy, tea-like brew is poured out of conventional, long-spouted “dallah” pots into miniature cups and sometimes served with dates. The dallah, a cultural image throughout a lot of the Gulf area, is even erected as a monument in public areas.

When served to friends, it’s customary for hosts to strive the espresso first, to check for style.

Company should at all times drink with their proper hand. The coffee keeps coming till you wave your cup to sign you’ve got had your fill.

This story was revealed through AFP Relaxnews

(Foremost picture: Ivan Pisarenko/ AFP; Featured picture: Micha Brandli/ Unsplash)