Handshakes, shoes, and coffee cups: Qatar etiquette essentials for 2022 FIFA World Cup visitors
Here are some of the cultural conventions football fans should know when visiting the gas-rich Gulf emirate, which, like other Arab nations, prides itself on its hospitality
General view of the Al Bayt Stadium ahead of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022
Image: Marko Djurica / Reuters
Home to gleaming skyscrapers and upmarket shopping malls, World Cup host Qatar is also a conservative Muslim country deeply attached to its customs and traditions.
Here are some of the cultural conventions football fans should know when visiting the gas-rich Gulf emirate, which, like other Arab nations, prides itself on its hospitality.
In public places, it is customary to stand up when greeting others, particularly the elderly, as a sign of respect.
When men are greeting Qatari women, it is best to wait for them to take the lead before reaching for a handshake. Some prefer to avoid physical contact with members of the opposite sex, often for religious reasons.
By the same token, Qatari men might not always offer a handshake when meeting women.
Instead of a handshake, Qataris often place their right hand over their heart as a warm gesture of greeting.
Public displays of affection, including kissing, should largely be avoided. Holding hands, however, is generally accepted.
While use of English is ubiquitous in a country that is 90 percent expat, a knowledge of basic Arabic greetings and expressions of gratitude is greatly appreciated by Qataris.
