2014 FIA Annual General Assembly - Practical Information

2014 FIA Annual General Assembly - Practical Information

DO’s and DON’T’s in QATAR

 

PLEASE DO

• Dress modestly. Qatar is a Muslim country and it has conservative dress codes. Trousers are acceptable for women but avoid shorts, strappy low cut tops, see through and transparent clothes. Do not wear or imitate Qatari national dress as it is considered disrespectful.
• Use Mowasalat turquoise taxis as they are safe and clean, and the majority of the drivers speak English.
• Drink plenty of water, especially during the hot summer. Two litres of water per person, per day is the absolute minimum that should be drunk.
• Use a high factor sun block on all exposed skin, even in the winter, including the tops of your feet if wearing sandals. It is highly recommended to wear hats or caps.
• Remember the air conditioning, which can chill you at restaurants, cinemas and shopping malls. Take always along a light jacket as a precaution.
• Use greetings and formalities, as they are particularly important when dealing with Arabs. It is considered impolite to start any conversation or request without at least saying ‘Good Morning’. Make an effort to learn about the ways, traditions, customs and religion of your host country.

 

PLEASE DON’T

• Take a photograph without permission of other people, including police and armed forces, or sensitive sites. Arabic women and many older people strongly object to being photographed.
• Drink too much that your behaviour is affected in public. Alcohol in Qatar is strictly regulated concession and there is zero tolerance for drink driving, rowdy behaviour and drugs.
• Display affection in public between men and women as if deemed to infringe moral values, individuals may be prosecuted.

• Look or stare at people closely no matter how fascinating their dress! This general courtesy is particularly important in a society where modesty in dress and behaviour is mandatory.
• Ask an Arab lady for information or directions if you are a man. Respect the fact some Arab ladies are private people in public places. They are more than willing to help other women, so if you are in a mixed group, let the women do the talking!

• Be offended if a Muslim refuses your handshake. Handshakes are most often refused to members of the opposite sex. It is not meant personally, but simply a religious prohibition applicable to Muslims and non-Muslims alike.
• Use your left hand for eating with your fingers with Muslims. The right hand is considered more appropriate as the left hand is reserved for personal hygiene.
• Sit with the soles of your shoes or feet facing towards your Qatari hosts; it is considered insulting. Equally, don’t sit with your back to other guests