Qatar Culture and Etiquette

The short version

Qatar is an Islamic country, and the FCDO's own phrasing is the right standard to travel by: respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions. In practice most of that is courtesy you would extend anywhere. Two things, dress and photography, are more than courtesy.

Greetings

Greet before you begin. As-salamu alaykum is always right, and the reply is wa alaykumu s-salam. Handshakes are normal between men; wait to see whether a woman offers her hand rather than extending yours first, and a hand to the heart is a warm and entirely correct alternative. Use your right hand for giving, receiving and eating.

Dress

Shoulders and knees covered in public. This applies to men as well as women, which is the half most visitors have not heard. Swimwear is for the pool and the beach. At a mosque, women cover their hair and everyone removes their shoes; many mosques lend a covering at the door. See the packing list.

Photography, which is a law and not a custom

Photographing people without their consent can lead to imprisonment or a fine of up to 100,000 riyals. Ask first, every time, and accept a refusal cheerfully. Avoid photographing government and military buildings altogether.

Hospitality

You will be offered coffee and dates, probably immediately. Accepting is the polite move and refusing needs a softer touch than it would at home. If you are invited to a home, a small gift is welcome, sweets or dates rather than alcohol, and shoes come off at the door.

Ramadan

During Ramadan, do not eat, drink or smoke in public during daylight, including in a car. The rule applies to visitors. Hours shift, the evenings come alive, and a visitor who plans for it has a better trip than one who is surprised by it. See festivals.

Verify Before You Travel

The laws behind these customs are on the FCDO safety and security page for Qatar. Next: travel safety.

Sources

• UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office: Qatar safety and security: the alcohol licensing rules, the drugs position, photography consent and the law on relationships outside marriage. Accessed 15 September 2026.
• UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office: Qatar travel advice: the FCDO issues no advisory against travel to any part of Qatar. Accessed 15 September 2026.