Culture in Qatar

Culture in Qatar

Non verbal communication

Spatial Perception

informal settings

Informal settings are interactions between friends, family, relative etc. Spatial perception is very open and flexible

Professional settings

It is simply put as any spatial perception in professional settings

During professional settings , spatial perception is strictly respectful. As mentioned above, men should avoid making a women uncomfortable by making unnecessary physical contact or conversation

Arab women

For women to women, this isn't a problem

Arab women are relatively more space between the opposite gender and it it considered disrespectful to invade a woman's personal space unless they seem comfortable (for men)

facial expressions

This is similar to the facial expressions of any country. Facial expressions help determine the quality of socializing

Body Language

Although, more conservative arab women prefer to have more closed off and private body language when talking to the opposite gender

When conversing, it is highly recommended to completely face the individual and show enthusiastic body language

Eyecontact

Maintaining eyecontact, especially during professional settings, signifies respect for the other person. It also shows confidence in social settings and allows comfortable conversation

Business etiquette

Negotiation

Workplace negotiations are similar to Canada since Qatar is a diverse state it has changed and developed much more than other countries in the middle east

Negotiations between professional employees are much more different than negotiations with other people. Hierachy does play a role in how negotiations work, where the higher ranking officers may be subjected to having more control as they have more experience but this is dependent on the businesses.

For example: Bargaining with shopkeepers is the norm in the souqs(shops). Purchasers often counter the original offer with a lower price than they expect to pay and work slowly upwards to what you wish to spend.

Meetings

Meetings are also seen as a social setting in some businesses that are more lenient and friendly within employees

For example: Retail businesses value close ties within employees itself and believe it helps their business grow

Depending on businesses, meetings are very similar in style and discussions as western businesses.

Dress

Dress modestly in Qatar. As a Muslim country, Qatar values wearing clothing that doesn't expose one's body too much. It is considered more respectful

Men: The modest dress code still applies to men but most men professionally wear the traditional thobes or other western business attire

Women: Most women wear abaya's and shawl but this is not necessary, Loose trousers are acceptable for women, but avoid shorts and short skirts, strappy low-cut tops, see-through and transparent clothes.

Greetings

It is also considered impolite for men to put their hand forward to greet a woman unless she does it first

As a Muslim country, Muslims greet one another by saying "As-salmualikum" which translates to "Peace be upon you" in english. This applies to business etiquette as well

It is considered impolite to start any conversation or request without at least saying ‘Good Morning’

Eating style

For business etiquette, most professional arabs resort to the eating style of majority of the professional workers or the culture of the international country they are in

The Arab culture is also known professionally for it's respect for other people's nationalities. For example if business employees travel from their homeland in the gulf to a western country they would adapt to the eating style of the country out of respect.

The traditional way of eating in Arab culture is with your hand

Gifts

To make a good first impression, the Arab culture values bringing a gift no matter how small.

Taking gifts when visiting guests or accepting gifts from others is considered a sign of respect.

Verbal Communication

Respectful conversations are highly valued especially in professional settings

The most common spoken language is Arabic but it is not limited to this as almost all nationals are fluent in English as well

Time Perception

Time is more elastic in Qatar

The arab culture has an inherent reverence for the preciousness of time at a more organic level

For example:

“people time,” in particular, is significant and should be cherished and optimized. Arabs revel in the moments spent with guests and family gatherings and often appear lost in time, conversing and debating while sipping tea, seemingly unconcerned with schedules and appointments

Having guests come late is even considered a norm in the Arab culture.

As Qatar follows the Arab culture, coming slightly late is not considered disrespectful. It is valued to be on time but late is not considered bad.

Hofstede dimensions

LTO

Scores high in this dimension

Qatar: Long term orientation

The state is constantly making changes to it's lifestyle to indulge into and diversify itself.

more pragmatic approach: they encourage thrift and efforts in modern education as a way to prepare for the future.

MAS

Qatar is a fair share of both types of societies

Femininity (tender)

basically it can also be considered consensus-oriented

cooperation, modesty, caring for the weak and quality of life

Cooperation is also vital as the Emir of the country is able to rule as long as it's government supports most of his actions otherwise he would be dethroned by his heir. As seem in the previous bloodless coup of the current Emir of Qatar's father and grandfather.

Qatar is different from the stereotypical socities most people imagine sountries in the middle east to be. It is more flexible than it's neighbouring countries and values the citizens. Which is why the state has set many laws in place to make the state one of the safest (even at nightitme) and secure for it's citizens

Masculinity (Tough)

Qatar has a competitive society as healthy competition is encouraged both nationally and internationally

achievement, heroism, assertiveness, and material rewards for success. Society at large is more competitive.

Since it is an Arab country, it is also competing with neighboring countries in the oil and petroleum industry and has thus far achieved great results and contributes to 20% of the world's economy despite being 1/3 the size of Saudi

As of Qatar's independence, the major goal of the state was to achieve high status internationally. Qatar showed confidence in it's ability to develop and it's assertiveness

UAI

Qatar shows a strong UAI as it does maintain rigid codes of belief and behaviour but lowers this by also maintaining a relaxed attitude in which practice counts more than principles.

For example: recently, Qatar permitted to the consumption of Alcohol during the fifa world cup which would've been considered unorthodox for a country with a strong UAI like saudi

Qatar has a more moderate UAI