Residence to gleaming skyscrapers and luxurious buying malls, FIFA World Cup host Qatar can be a conservative nation deeply hooked up to its customs and traditions — which is why we’ve put collectively an etiquette information that’ll be helpful should you’re planning to go to.
Listed below are a number of the cultural conventions football fans ought to know when visiting the gas-rich Gulf emirate, which, like different Arab nations, prides itself on its hospitality.
A Qatar etiquette information for FIFA World Cup season and past
Greetings and handshakes
In public locations, it’s customary to face up when greeting others, significantly the aged, as an indication of respect.
When males are greeting Qatari girls, it’s best to attend for them to take the lead earlier than reaching for a handshake. Some desire to keep away from bodily contact with members of the other intercourse, usually for spiritual causes. By the identical token, Qatari males won’t at all times provide a handshake when assembly girls.
As an alternative of a handshake, Qataris usually place their proper hand over their coronary heart as a heat gesture of greeting.
Public shows of affection, together with kissing, ought to largely be averted. Holding palms, nevertheless, is mostly accepted.
Whereas use of English is ubiquitous in a rustic that’s 90 p.c expat, a data of primary Arabic greetings and expressions of gratitude is significantly appreciated by Qataris.
Sneakers off
In case you are fortunate sufficient to be invited right into a Qatari house, bear in mind to take off your shoes earlier than getting into the home. When sitting together with your legs crossed — in any setting — it’s thought-about impolite if the soles of the toes are dealing with the host.
It’s common for Qataris to eat by hand from giant communal plates positioned on the ground — a eating etiquette that dates again to Bedouin desert tradition.
And you will need to settle for choices by Qatari hosts, as turning them down may very well be taken as an offence.
Espresso tradition
Qatar shares the Gulf passion for Arabic coffee, which is ready by roasting coffee beans then boiling them with cardamom and saffron.
The yellowy, tea-like brew is poured out of conventional, long-spouted “dallah” pots into miniature cups and infrequently served with dates. The dallah, a cultural image throughout a lot of the Gulf area, is even erected as a monument in public areas.
When served to friends, it’s customary for hosts to strive the espresso first, to check for style.
Visitors should at all times drink with their proper hand. The coffee keeps coming till you wave your cup to sign you’ve gotten had your fill.
This story was printed through AFP Relaxnews
(Important picture: Ivan Pisarenko/ AFP; Featured picture: Micha Brandli/ Unsplash)
Recent Comments