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Qatar » Going Out

Things To Know

Alcohol is widely available in most top-end restaurants and hotel bars in Doha although it is officially reserved for hotel guests or 'club members'. Drinking alcohol in public outside these establishments is prohibited.

Social Conventions

Qatar is a tolerant country but visitors will avoid giving offence if they observe a few courtesies, especially with regard to dress. Cover knees and shoulders, except within hotel grounds where more casual clothing is acceptable. At business and social functions, traditional Qatari coffee is served as part of the ritual welcome. Guests are served in order of seniority - a few drops are poured before topping up the cups of the remaining party. Cups must be held in the right hand: accept two cups - taking only one cup will embarrass the host; taking more than three will embarrass everybody else. Never pass or receive items with the left hand.

Religion

Islam.

Food and Drink Overview

Within the capital area, there is a wide range of quality dining options, many but not all of which are to be found in the 5-star hotels. The locally caught fish is a treat whether lowered genteelly to your plate with silver service or brought sizzling to the table on kebab sticks at a more local-style cafe. If the ubiquitous Gulf menu of rice, lamb and mezze (homos, chopped salads and other appetisers) is not to your taste, then there are plenty of Indian, Chinese and Thai options to suit all budgets. The fruit concoctions - such as lemon and mint, or avocado milkshake - are irresistible in summer. Options for dining are limited outside Doha.

Regional Specialities


• Traditional Levantine shawarma (spit-roasted meat shavings, served in pitta bread).
• Egyptian foul and taamiyeh (deep-fried balls of mashed chickpeas).

Tipping

A service charge is often added to bills in hotels and most restaurants, otherwise 10% is appropriate. However in smaller establishments, tipping is not the custom, and over-generous tips from tourists often backfire through the subsequent cutting of wages.
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Information in this section was last updated: Fri Apr 12 2013