Exploring Qatar

Culture and Cuisine

Qatar is a small country located in the Middle East, bordered by Saudi Arabia to the south, and the Persian Gulf to the north, east, and west. The country is known for its rich Islamic culture, modern architecture, and luxurious lifestyle, making it a popular travel destination for tourists from around the world.

From a travel perspective, Qatar offers a unique blend of old and new. The capital city of Doha boasts modern skyscrapers, high-end shopping centers, and luxurious hotels, while the rest of the country is dotted with ancient forts, historic mosques, and traditional souqs (markets). The country's stunning coastline and desert landscapes provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as dune bashing, sandboarding, and camel riding.

Islamic culture is deeply ingrained in Qatar, and visitors to the country can experience its rich traditions and customs first-hand. The most prominent example of this is the Islamic architecture, which can be seen in the numerous mosques and other religious buildings scattered throughout the country. Visitors can also witness the daily call to prayer, which is broadcast from the minarets of the mosques five times a day.

Qatar is also home to several museums that showcase the country's Islamic heritage, including the Museum of Islamic Art, which houses one of the world's most extensive collections of Islamic art and artifacts. Visitors can learn about Islamic calligraphy, manuscript illumination, and other aspects of Islamic art and culture.

Notable meuseums

Hospitality

Islam is deeply ingrained in the culture of Qatar, with the majority of the population being Muslim. As such, visitors to the country can expect to experience a warm and welcoming Islamic hospitality known as "Arabian hospitality" or "Bedouin hospitality." This hospitality is rooted in Islamic teachings, which emphasise the importance of kindness, generosity, and hospitality towards guests.

In Qatar, hospitality is considered a cornerstone of the country's culture, and locals take great pride in welcoming visitors to their country. Whether you are staying in a five-star hotel or a traditional Bedouin camp in the desert, you can expect to be greeted with warmth and hospitality.

Visitors to Qatar can experience Islamic hospitality in several ways, including through food, customs, and interactions with locals. For example, many traditional Qatari meals, such as machboos (spiced rice with meat or fish) and thareed (bread with meat and vegetables in a tomato-based sauce), are served family-style, with large platters shared among guests. This reflects the importance of communal sharing and generosity in Qatari culture.

In addition, Qatari customs, such as the greeting of "As-Salaam-Alaikum" (peace be upon you) and the practice of removing shoes before entering homes and mosques, reflect the emphasis on respect and hospitality towards others.

Finally, Qatari locals are known for their friendly and welcoming nature towards visitors, often going out of their way to ensure their guests feel comfortable and cared for. This can be seen in the way that many hotels and tour operators in Qatar offer personalized services and attention to detail to make guests feel like they are part of the family.

Food

Qatari cuisine is a rich and diverse culinary tradition that has been influenced by various cultures over the centuries, primarily from the Middle East and North Africa. The cuisine has also been influenced by Indian and Persian cooking styles, resulting in a blend of flavors, ingredients, and cooking techniques.

Qatari cuisine predominantly features rice, meat, vegetables, and an array of aromatic spices. The dishes are often hearty, with a focus on generous portions, reflecting the hospitality and generosity that is central to Qatari culture.

Some staple ingredients in Qatari cuisine include dates, which are used as both a sweetener and a snack; fresh seafood, reflecting the country's coastal location; and various spices like saffron, cinnamon, and cardamom.

Meat dishes are common, with lamb and chicken being the most popular choices. One of the most well-known Qatari dishes is Machboos, a spiced meat and rice dish that is often compared to biryani or pilaf. Slow-cooked stews, like Thareed, showcase the tender flavors of meat combined with vegetables and a rich, flavorful broth.

Qatar also offers a range of delicious vegetarian options, such as Falafel, made from ground chickpeas, and Tabouleh, a refreshing salad made with bulgur, tomatoes, parsley, and mint. Stuffed grape leaves, known as Warak Enab, are another popular vegetarian dish, filled with rice, tomatoes, and various spices.

Desserts in Qatari cuisine are usually sweet and rich, with ingredients like nuts, dried fruits, and syrups. Luqaimat is a popular dessert featuring deep-fried dough balls drizzled with date syrup or powdered sugar. Another well-known dessert is Umm Ali, a bread pudding made with puff pastry, nuts, and raisins, soaked in sweetened milk and baked until golden.

In addition to its flavorful dishes, Qatari cuisine is also characterized by its unique presentation and the importance of shared meals with family and friends. It's not uncommon to see large gatherings enjoying meals together, making Qatari cuisine a delightful representation of the country's culture and hospitality.

Some of their dishes can be found in this table.

Points of interest

Qatar, a small, wealthy country located on the northeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, offers a range of fascinating points of interest.

Zubara Fort

Activities

Qatar offers a diverse range of activities for visitors, whether you are interested in outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or luxury shopping and dining.

Travel itinerary

Explore the loneliness and beauty of the desert

Birds spotted in Qatar

Qatar, a small country located in the Middle East on the northeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, is home to a diverse range of bird species. Despite its arid climate and desert landscape, Qatar hosts a significant number of birds, especially during migration seasons. Here are some of the birds that can be found in Qatar:

1. Socotra Cormorant: A large, dark seabird that breeds on the small islands and coastal cliffs of the Persian Gulf, including those off the coast of Qatar.

2. Greater Flamingo: These tall, pink birds can be found in the shallow waters of Al Thakhira, a protected area known for its mangroves, where they feed on small crustaceans and algae.

3. Cream-colored Courser: A desert bird that prefers sandy habitats, the cream-colored courser can be spotted in Qatar's inland desert areas.

4. Hoopoe: This distinctive bird, with its fan-shaped crest and black-and-white striped wings, can be seen in gardens, parks, and open areas in Qatar.

5. Eurasian Collared-Dove: A common resident bird in Qatar, the Eurasian Collared-Dove can be found in urban areas, gardens, and farmland.

6. Red-tailed Wheatear: This small, migratory bird can be spotted in Qatar during its migration period, which typically lasts from late March to early April.

7. Sooty Falcon: This migratory raptor breeds in the Middle East, including Qatar, and winters in Africa. It is typically found in coastal areas and islands.

8. Western Marsh-Harrier: A migratory bird of prey, the Western Marsh-Harrier can be spotted in Qatar during its migration season, hunting over wetlands and agricultural areas.

In addition to these species, many other migratory birds pass through Qatar during their seasonal journeys between Africa, Europe, and Asia. To witness these diverse species, birdwatching enthusiasts can visit natural reserves such as Al Thakhira, Ras Abrouq, or Al Reem Biosphere Reserve.

Training birds of prey

Falconry, the art of training birds of prey to hunt in cooperation with humans, is a significant aspect of Qatari culture, as well as the broader Arab Gulf region. It has been practiced for thousands of years and continues to be a popular sport and cultural tradition.

The Saker Falcon and the Peregrine Falcon are the two primary species used for falconry in Qatar. Training these birds of prey involves a combination of traditional techniques and modern methods, with a focus on establishing trust, building a strong bond, and developing hunting skills.

Here are some key steps in the process of training a bird of prey in Qatari culture:

1. Acquiring a falcon: Falconers in Qatar usually acquire their birds from breeders or wildlife markets. There are strict regulations in place to protect wild populations and ensure the sustainability of the practice.

2. Manning and bonding: This initial stage of training involves getting the falcon accustomed to the presence of humans. It includes handling, feeding, and gaining the bird's trust. This process may take several weeks or months to achieve a strong bond between the falconer and the bird.

3. Hooding: Falcons are taught to accept wearing a hood, which is a small leather cap placed over the bird's head to help keep it calm in stressful situations. The falconer will gradually introduce the hood to the bird and reward it with food for accepting the hood without resistance.

4. Training to the lure: Falconers use a padded leather lure, typically attached to a rope, to teach the falcon to return to them during a hunt. The lure is swung in a circular motion, and when the falcon catches it, they are rewarded with food. This helps to establish the idea of returning to the falconer after capturing prey.

5. Free flight training: As the falcon becomes more comfortable with the falconer and responds well to the lure, it is allowed to fly freely, gradually increasing the distance from the falconer. The bird learns to follow the falconer and return to the lure when called.

6. Hunting skills: Once the falcon has mastered basic flying skills, the falconer introduces live prey, such as pigeons, to teach the bird to hunt effectively. They will start with tethered prey and progress to free-flying prey.

Throughout the training process, it is essential to be patient and consistent. Falconry is an art that requires a deep understanding of the bird's behavior, physical abilities, and limitations. In Qatari culture, a well-trained falcon is highly valued and considered a symbol of status, pride, and heritage.

Facts about Qatar

Travel to work or work to travel!

One of the best ways to truly explore and understand a country is by working there for a while. Immersing oneself in the local work culture offers a unique perspective that goes beyond just visiting as a tourist. When you work in a country, you get the opportunity to experience the local customs, traditions, and lifestyles from an insider's viewpoint.

Here are some reasons why working in a country can be an enriching experience:

1. Cultural immersion: Working in a foreign country allows you to immerse yourself in the local culture. You'll interact with coworkers from diverse backgrounds, learn local customs and traditions, and gain a deeper appreciation for the country's heritage.

2. Language acquisition: Working in a country with a different language offers a perfect opportunity to learn and practice speaking a new language. Daily interactions with colleagues, clients, and vendors will help improve your language skills and facilitate a better understanding of the local culture.

3. Personal growth: Living and working in a new country presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities for personal growth. Adapting to a different work environment and culture can help you become more adaptable, resilient, and open-minded.

4. Expanding professional network: Working abroad helps you expand your professional network with contacts from around the world. These connections can lead to future career opportunities, business collaborations, or even lasting friendships.

5. Developing new skills: Working in a different country often requires learning new skills or applying existing skills in new ways. This can help you grow professionally, making you more versatile and valuable in the job market.

6. Appreciating diversity: Working with people from diverse backgrounds promotes understanding and appreciation of different perspectives, beliefs, and ways of life. This can lead to better teamwork, problem-solving, and personal development.

7. Broadening your perspective: Living and working in a foreign country can provide you with a new perspective on global issues and a deeper understanding of how different societies operate. This expanded worldview can benefit your personal and professional life.

In conclusion, working in a foreign country for a while is an excellent way to explore and understand the local culture, expand your professional horizons, and grow personally. It offers a unique perspective that you won't get as a tourist, making it a worthwhile and enriching experience.

Potential jobs

Future events

Basketball Men's world cup 2027

Qatar has been selected by the International Basketball Federation to host the 2027 edition of the men’s World Cup. The tournament will feature 32 teams and will be held in pre-existing venues in Doha, with upgraded transportation networks from last year's men's soccer World Cup. The decision was made without a vote, and FIBA did not reference any labor or human rights issues. Instead, FIBA cited the absence of new venue construction, which will allow for a strong social legacy and a carbon-neutral event.

The Geneva International Motor Show Qatar