Chapter Twenty-One: Qatar

Qatar is a small oval-shaped peninsula that juts off eastern Saudi Arabia into the Persian Gulf. Most of the country is flat, covered with little more than desert, salt flats, and dry plains. Although it’s nearly surrounded by water, Qatar has little natural water of its own. Well water, unsuitable for drinking, is used to irrigate farming areas in the north. More than half of the drinking water is distilled from the sea. In 1916 Qatar became a protectorate of Great Britain. Claiming independence in 1971, Qatar is ruled by an emir (prince).

What Time Is It in Qatar?

Qatar is eight hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time. When it’s 10 a.m. in Washington, D.C., then it’s 6 p.m. in Qatar.

People

Thousands of years ago, nomads from the central section of the Arabian Peninsula settled in Qatar. Over two-thirds of the country’s inhabitants are foreigners, migrant workers from other Arab countries, South Asia, and Iran. Of the 40 percent Arab population, 95 percent are Muslims. Many of the native born, called Qataris, follow the traditional Bedouin way of life—moving through the desert while tending their animals. The great majority of Qatar’s people, however, are urban. They live in modern houses or apartments in or near the capital city of Doha. Although some wear western-style clothes, most prefer traditional Arab dress. Even in an increasingly modern world, pride of culture and country prevail.

Doing Business in Qatar

If you’re planning to do business in Qatar, here are a few tips that you might want to know.

Greetings

• Handshaking between men is customary. Women should wait for the man to take the initiative.
• Before introductions, find out what to call and how to pronounce the names of those you will be meeting.

Gestures

• Pointing a finger at someone, or signaling to another with the hand, is considered rude.
• In the Arab world, the left hand is considered unclean. Use the right hand to eat or gesture. Never hand an object to an Arab with the left hand only. If necessary, use both hands.
• Show respect by maintaining good posture. Keep your hands out of your pockets.

Protocol

• Be prompt, but don’t be surprised if you have to wait.
• Present business cards that have English on one side and Arabic on the other.
• Meetings often begin with small talk about your health and travel. Decision-making moves at a slower pace than in the U.S. Relax.
• Both men and women should dress conservatively. Cover up as much as possible.

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