Arab Culture And Business Etiquette In Qatar

Everyone is already aware that Qatar is one of the world’s richest countries and has one of the fastest-growing economies in the world and having your career developed is easy now with the help of Qatar E Visa Online by getting information on both visas and job opportunities.

The country is growing at a rapid speed and with its comprehensive growth strategy for up to 2030, ensures that it would maintain to be the most attractive investment hub for businesses be it Oil, gas, technology, financial services and even education.

Day by day the business culture in Qatar is developing. The country offers a diversified workforce for working professionals.

This article will provide you with an insight into Arab culture and Business Etiquette in Qatar.

OVERVIEW

• Some interesting facts about Qatar
• Qatar culture and lifestyle
• Business culture in Qatar
• How to do business in Qatar

Some interesting facts about Qatar

• Doha is the capital city of Qatar
• The country has the world’s 3rd largest natural gas reserves.
• They are the largest liquefied natural gas producer.
• The country has constitutional monarchy under emir his highness Sheikh Tamin Bin Hamad Al-Thani
• Almost 80% of Qatar’s population consists of expats
• The official language of Qatar is Arabic. However, English is the preferred language within the business circle.
• Apart from the gas and oil sector, the country has invested in education infrastructure, health and technology too.

Qatar culture and lifestyle

Expat Life –

As mentioned earlier, more than 80% of Qatar’s population fall under expats. There are certain rules and regulations for expats to rent an apartment to stay in Qatar. 

Expat family home –

The standard of living of expats living with family in a villa or apartment is high and so is the cost of living in Qatar. Living in a compound has advantages and disadvantages. Compounds are ready-made communities with other families, colleagues and school friends at proximity.

Culture and customs in Qatar –

Every individual in Qatar must dress modestly in public. It is mandatory for women to cover their shoulders to their elbows and must avoid wearing short skirts. Men and women (even teenagers) cannot get indulged in intimacy at public places, this could get them arrested. The Muslims of Qatar pray 5 times a day. The mosques call people to pray on speakers. 

Entertainment, Food and Drinks –

The country has many restaurants and hotels to suit all taste buds. Qatar also has clubs for members only like Golf clubs and rugby clubs. Talking about shopping malls, they are famous in the entire world and have all high street brands. However, while socializing in Qatar, there are some customs and traditions one must be aware of-

1. You cannot dance in public places. Dancing is only allowed at licensed clubs or your home in private.
2. Drinking alcohol in public is an offence. Once can have alcohol at licensed hotel bars and restaurant. Expats living in Qatar can get alcohol on a permit basis to consume at home.
3. The country has a zero-tolerance policy toward drinking and driving. 
4. During the Ramadan period, drinking, eating, smoking, dancing in a public place or playing loud music is strictly forbidden and punishable.

Business culture in Qatar

With the diversified population, the business culture in Qatar is very promising. 

Establishing relationship –

Building a personal relationship is the foundation for successful business in Qatar. While initiating a new business and conducting research, having a face to face communication is the key to be a success. It is always preferred over a phone call or email conversation. To discuss business and strategy, try setting personal meeting and get to know the person. Employing a local contact may put you in contact with the right candidate/person and you will save your time, money and efforts

Qatar business week –

The working week in Qatar is from Sunday – Thursday. Some organisations operate on Saturdays too. The timings of government offices are from 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The working hours during Ramadan period reduces by 2 hours at least. And governments offices timings get reduces by 3 hours. Punctuality is much appreciated in Qatar. One must start meetings on time.

Business cards and language – 

The official language of Qatar is Arabic, though English is used socially and in business. One must get their business card printed in both English and Arabic. The Arabic translated version must be checked thoroughly so that you do not hurt the sentiments of the locals. The business deals are mostly done in English; however, the public sector sometimes prefers it in Arabic. It is advisable to be accompanied by a translator or a local contact.

Greetings –

Starting from the most senior person, every person in the meeting must be greeted individually. A handshake can be used for greeting. While greeting a local woman, you must wait for her to extend her hand for a handshake. Once familiar with host, you may greet by touching cheeks three times, this signifies a kiss without actually leaving a kiss.

Meeting etiquette –

Meetings are an opportunity to build trust and develop business relationships. Before initiating the meeting, most men and women engage in talks related to family health and your health. You must also, in general, ask about their family too. This way you can know your host better and build a relationship. The senior person present in the meeting room will lead the discussion. Any feedback given during the meeting must be respectable, this means you cannot criticise or disagree with any statement that can cause embarrassment. To show disagreement one must very carefully choose their words that sound subtler. Make sure to follow up meeting on emails too. It is advisable to make multiple printed copies of points being discussed in the meeting to be passed on to others present in the meeting.

Arabic Language –

the locals highly encourage and appreciate if someone tries to learn some phrases in Arabic. If one uses Salam, As-Salam Alaikum, Marhaba, Ma’a Salama or shukran, may surprise the host and this can help build a bond.

General Etiquette –

Some actions that are considered as distasteful in Qatar are – eating chewing gum during a meeting, Crossing the legs while sitting, Tattoos if visible, short skirts were worn by ladies, offering with left hand or pointing fingers at someone.

Hospitality –

The hospitality of Qatar is great. They are likely to offer refreshments, exchange gifts and invitation as a sign of respect. If offered with refreshments, be sure to accept it. If you are invited for dinner, you must accept the invitation. If you are hosting the meeting, then you must offer them refreshments. Invitation for home gatherings is a good opportunity to build trust and relationship that would prove beneficial for your business.

Certain points to be aware of-

• If invited, one must be there on time and not directly start eating. First, interact with other members.
• Attending a party, one must carry a small gift as appreciation for the host.
• Men and women might eat separately in some cases.
• One must stay away from political or religious topics of discussion. It is better to talk about business. Make sure that the conversation is polite.
• Watch out for signs of customs and make sure to follow the instructions given by your host.

Arabic clothing –

Be very careful about what you wear. During business meetings, mend must wear a suit along with a tie. Women are supposed to dress up decently, ensuring that their shoulders to knees are covered. Locals host of Qatar will usually wear the traditional costume dress called Abaya – which is a long flowing dress over their clothes. 

This is everything one must know about how to do business in Qatar. Day by day the opportunity in Qatar is growing and flourishing. Doing business in Qatar is easy because if take care of certain thing. Because of the Arab culture and business etiquette in Qatar, many wish to work there to make an impactful career.