Life in Qatar
Do's and Don'ts in Qatar
Qatar is a Muslim country. A few rules must be followed:
- Greet people politely before starting a conversation.
- Dress modestly in public places, especially in cultural or religious areas.
- Use your right hand when eating, drinking or giving and receiving items.
- Be mindful that some counters or waiting areas may be reserved for women.
- Wait for the other person to initiate a handshake, especially with someone of the opposite sex.
- Always ask for permission before taking photos of people or sensitive sites.
- Avoid staring, pointing the soles of your feet toward others, or behaving in a way that may be considered disrespectful.
- Alcohol consumption is regulated. Public drunkenness and drink-driving are strictly prohibited.
Practical Information about Qatar
Accidents and Medical Emergencies
For police, fire or ambulance services, dial 999.
Behaviour & Daily Habits
Qatar has a hot climate, so visitors are advised to drink plenty of water, use high-factor sunscreen and wear suitable clothing when outdoors. Air-conditioning is widely used indoors, so carrying a light jacket can be useful.
In traditional souqs, bargaining is common and part of the shopping experience.
Business Hours
The working week in Qatar generally runs from Sunday to Thursday, with Friday and Saturday as the weekend.
Government offices are usually open from 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Shops and malls often open from morning until late evening, although opening hours may vary, especially during Ramadan or public holidays.
Currency
The official currency is the Qatari Riyal (QAR). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, shopping malls and business venues, while cash can be useful in souqs, taxis or smaller shops.
Tipping is not mandatory, but it is appreciated for good service.
1QR = 0.24€ or USD 0.27 (May 2026)
Driving in Qatar
Visitors may be able to drive in Qatar using a valid national or international driving licence, depending on their country of origin and length of stay. Car rental agencies and local authorities should be consulted for the latest requirements before travelling.
Roads are modern and well maintained, but traffic can be dense during peak hours, particularly in Doha.
Electricity
The standard voltage in Qatar is 240/220 volts AC, 50Hz. Visitors are advised to bring suitable travel adaptors.
Flights & Accommodation
International visitors arrive at Hamad International Airport, one of the main air transport hubs in the region.
Qatar offers a wide range of accommodation options, from international luxury hotels to business-friendly hotels and serviced apartments. Preferential rates for hotels and flights will be available online in June.
Health
No compulsory vaccination is required for most visitors to Qatar. However, travellers are advised to ensure their routine vaccinations are up to date before departure.
Tap water is generally safe to drink, but bottled water is widely available.
Internet and Mobile Connectivity
Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, shopping malls, restaurants, business venues and public areas. Visitors can also purchase local SIM cards or eSIM options at Hamad International Airport, telecom shops and major malls.
Language
Arabic is the official language of Qatar, while English is widely spoken, especially in hotels, restaurants, taxis, business venues and tourist areas.
Useful Arabic expressions include:
- Hello / Welcome = Marhaba or Ya hala
- Peace be upon you = Assalam alaykum
- And upon you be peace = Wa’alaykum salam
- Good morning / Good afternoon = Sabah al khair / Massa al khair
- Goodbye = Ma’a salaamah
- Thank you = Shukran
- Please = Min fadlak
- God willing = inshallah
- How are you? = Kaif haalak?
- Yes / No = Na’am or Aiwa / La
- Congratulations = Mabrook
- On your right / On your left = Ala yameenak / Ala shamalak
- 0 / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 100 / 1,000 = Sifr / Wahad / Ithnain / Thalatha / Arba’a / Khamsa / Sitta / Saba’a / hamanya / Tissa’a / A’ashara / Mi’a / Elf
- Sunday / Monday / Tuesday / Wednesday / Thursday / Friday / Saturday= Yum al ahad / Yum al ithnain / Yum al thalatha / Yum al arba’a / Yum al khamees / Yum al jum’a / Yum al sabt
Media
Qatar has several local and international media outlets. English-language newspapers include Gulf Times,The Peninsula and Qatar Tribune. Arabic newspapers include Al Arab, Al-Sharq and Al Watan.
Al Jazeera launched in Qatar, is one of the country’s best-known international media networks and broadcasts in Arabic and English.
Phone
The international dialling code for Qatar is +974.
To call abroad from Qatar, dial 00 or +, followed by the country code and phone number.
Useful numbers:
- Hamad International Airport: +974 4010 6666
- Qatar Tourism Call Centre: +974 4444 4106
Public Holidays 2026
- 11 February: National Sports Day
- 20 March: Eid Al Fitr (may vary depending on the lunar calendar)
- 26 May: Eid Al-Adha (may vary depending on the lunar calendar)
- 18 December: Qatar National Day
Ramadan
During the holy month of Ramadan, business hours, restaurant opening times and daily routines may change. Visitors are advised to be mindful of local customs during this period, particularly regarding eating, drinking or smoking in public during daylight hours.
Taxis
Official Karwa taxis, operated by Mowasalat, are easy to identify by their turquoise colour. They are modern, air-conditioned and widely available across Doha.
Ride-hailing services are also commonly used. During rush hour, visitors should allow extra travel time.
More information: « Travel to Milipol Qatar ».
Time
Qatar operates on GMT +3 and does not use daylight saving time.
Tourism
Between tradition and modernity, Qatar offers a rich tourism experience with cultural landmarks, museums, souqs, beaches, desert landscapes and modern districts to explore.
More information: « Tourism in Qatar ».
Visa Request
Visa requirements depend on nationality and purpose of travel. Many visitors may be eligible for visa-free entry or visa on arrival, while others may need to apply before travelling.
Visitors are advised to check the latest official visa requirements before departure.
More information: « Visa Request ».
Weather
Qatar has a desert climate. Summers, from May to October, are hot and humid, especially along the coast. Winters are mild and pleasant.
Average temperatures:
- Spring: 15–25°C
- Summer: 25–50°C
- Autumn: 15–35°C
- Winter: 7–25°C
More information: « Geography in Qatar ».
