Life in Qatar

In Qatar, Kahwa (coffee) plays a special role as a symbolic expression of welcome. Even the pot itself, with its characteristic shape, has come to depict hospitality. Freshly ground and flavored with cardamom, the coffee is served in tiny cups with no handles, which should be taken with the right hand. The server will continue to replenish the cup until you signal you have had enough by shaking it gently from side to side.

Henna, a natural reddish brown dye derived from powdered leaves, has been used by Qatari women for cosmetic purposes for hundreds of years. It is still widely used today to decorate the skin with beautiful intricate patterns, especially for occasions such as weddings and other celebrations, and as a hair dye.

Arda is a popular folk dance performed by men, involving synchronized movements in time with music played on traditional hand-held drums. Conducted with a certain formality and dignity, the dancers carry swords and wear cross-belts, reflecting the Arda’s origins as a war dance. Today, it is usually performed at weddings and other communal celebrations.

Pearl diving was one of the main sources of livelihood for Qataris for many generations before the discovery of oil. The waters around the peninsula produced pearls of the finest quality and the people of the coastal settlements became adept at the arduous work of harvesting the oyster shells from the seabed. The industry faded with the advent of artificial pearls.

Arabic calligraphy is a highly venerated art form in Qatar and other Islamic countries. It involves beautiful, decorative penmanship, often featuring passages from the Holy Qur’an. Examples of fine calligraphy can be seen in many forms in modern-day Qatar on paper, tiles, carpets, wall hangings, and carved inscriptions.

Gypsum has traditionally been used widely for construction and architectural decoration. A soft mineral, it can be easily carved and moulded by skilled craftsmen. It is found naturally in Qatar, giving rise to such geological phenomena as ‘desert roses’ and deep caves.

The majlis, a place set aside for welcoming visitors with coffee and refreshments, plays a central role in the legendary hospitality of traditional Arab society. Traveling strangers have always been welcome to share food and drink. The hospitality of the majlis lives on in modern day Qatar.

The ancient sport of falconry is enthusiastically pursued by many Qataris during the winter hunting season. Much time and care is devoted to training young falcons so as to create a close bond between the hunter and his cherished bird. The prey of choice is the houbara bustard as it migrates south for winter.

Oud and Bukhoor are forms of incense that are popular in Qatar and throughout the region. Made from wood scented with fragrant oils, it is burned in a special incense burner called a ‘mabkhara’ to produce a rich smoke to perfume the home and clothing. Visitors are often invited to waft the aroma around themselves as a form of hospitality.

Sadu is an ancient handicraft practiced by the women of Qatar, involving the weaving of camel and goat hair to make traditional Bedouin carpets, tents, and pillows. They use a manual weaving device made of wood, called ‘Al-Nool.’

Qatar has a rich camel racing and equestrian heritage. The tradition is woven into the very fabric of Qatar, with national and international events organized regularly to celebrate the sport. The country is known for its prized Arabian horses, many of whom are purebred at Qatar Foundation’s Al Shaqab.

Katara Cultural Village, an innovative interpretation of the region’s architectural heritage, is a purpose-built development with impressive theatres, galleries, and performance venues that stage a lively year-round program of concerts, shows, and exhibitions.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Al Zubarah includes three major features, the largest of which are the archaeological remains of the town, dating back to the 1760s. Connected to it is the settlement of Qal’at Murair, which was fortified to protect the city’s inland wells. Al Zubarah Fort was built in 1938 and is the youngest, most prominent feature at the site.

A seven-kilometer long waterfront promenade that spans the entire length of Doha Bay, the Doha Corniche offers spectacular vistas of the city, from the dramatic high rise towers of the central business district to the bold shapes of the Museum of Islamic Art. Traditional wooden dhows lining the Bay evoke echoes of Qatar’s great seafaring past.

A stroll down the bustling alleys of Souq Waqif provides an authentic taste of traditional commerce, architecture, and culture. The maze of small shops offer a dazzling array of Middle Eastern merchandise from spices and seasonal delicacies such as fresh dates and nuts, to perfumes, ornate jewellery, clothing, handicrafts, and a treasure trove of souvenir bargains.

The Pearl-Qatar is a man-made island off the West Bay coast featuring Mediterranean-style yacht-lined marinas, upmarket residential towers, villas, and internationally renowned hotels, as well as luxury shopping at top brand name boutiques and showrooms.

One of architect IM Pei’s final designs, the Museum of Islamic Art is one of the leading collections of Islamic art in the world. Its award-winning collections include feature paintings, glassworks, metalwork, ceramics, textiles, and manuscripts.

Set to open in 2019, the National Museum of Qatar is a museum dedicated to interlocking Qatar’s past and celebrating the culture and future of Qatar. The museum extends along 11 chronologically arranged galleries, beginning with an exhibition on natural history and going all the way to galleries about Qatar as a modern state.