The culture of Qatar has close proximity to the culture of other nations in the Arab World. The paradigms prevalent in present day Qatar can be traced back to the 7th century, when Islam first came to the Arabian Peninsula. The native residents of the peninsula can be divided into three groups – Bedouin, Hadar and Abd. All three have their respective cultures and traditions, which in many cases overlap with each other. Thus, the culture of Qatar is an amalgam of different cultural trends that have prevailed in the Arabian Peninsula region for centuries. The dominant form of Islam practiced in Qatar is Wahabbism, which a sect of Sunni Islam and Qatari society is centered around the dogma of the particular sect. While there are other religions prevalent in the nation, Wahabbism is the majority religion and holds primacy.
Traditional Dress
The culture of Qatar has close proximity to the culture of other nations in the Arab World. The paradigms prevalent in present day Qatar can be traced back to the 7th century, when Islam first came to the Arabian Peninsula. The native residents of the peninsula can be divided into three groups – Bedouin, Hadar and Abd. All three have their respective cultures and traditions, which in many cases overlap with each other. Thus, the culture of Qatar is an amalgam of different cultural trends that have prevailed in the Arabian Peninsula region for centuries. The dominant form of Islam practiced in Qatar is Wahabbism, which a sect of Sunni Islam and Qatari society is centered around the dogma of the particular sect. While there are other religions prevalent in the nation, Wahabbism is the majority religion and holds primacy.
For women, the traditional dress involves wearing two to three layers of clothing. Indoors, a woman wears two layers of clothing. The innermost dress is one of their choice and is called the darra’ah. A long flowing robe (thawb) is worn over it and is often inlaid with stones and intricate embroidery. Outdoors, women are required to wear a burqa-like cloak called the aba’ah that covers them from head to toe.
With the influx of foreigner populations, the dressing sensibilities have changed slightly as foreigners wear clothing pertaining to their own cultures although all women are expected to be modestly and fully covered when out it public.
Traditional Cuisines
Being an international cultural centre, Qatar has many different cuisines from all over the world. The most significant influence can be seen from Iran and India, the nations from where the majority of the expat population of the nation comes. However, the traditional cuisines of Qatar are still the choice for majority of the native residents. Locally grown foods such as dates, sour apples, fresh almonds etc. are regarded as delicacies. Coffee is an essential part Qatari food and is served after every meal.
A prominent traditional dish is machbous, which is a stew comprising of richly spiced rice and seafood or meat or both. Another favored dish combines lamb meat with yoghurt made from cow or goat milk. Some other widely eaten traditional dishes are:
- Hummus, a dip made from chickpeas and tahini, a sesame seed paste
- Waraq enab, rice stuffed vine leaves
- Taboulleh, a cracked wheat, or bulgur dish flavoured with parsley and mint
- Koussa mahshi, or stuffed courgettes
- Biriani, a spiced rice dish which is mixed with chicken or lamb
- Motabel, a paste made from lightly cooked aubergine mixed with garlic and tahini
- Ghuzi, a whole roast lamb on a bed of rice and nuts.
Music
The music most often heard on the radio in Qatar has its origins in Bedouin songs. This is the most popular form of music in the country and most traditional songs and dances, such as the Ardah, are based upon this form of music. Despite the confluence of many cultures and traditions, the Qatari people have remained loyal to music of their native region and give preference to it over other forms of music.
Arts & Traditional Crafts
In the wake of the discovery of oil and the colossal profits reaped in by the peninsula nation, Qatar has emerged as a world leader in arts, holding numerous arts and culture festivals round the year. The Museum of Islamic Art has been well received by art enthusiasts around the world. Qatar holds the position of being the biggest art importer in the world.
In contrast to this, traditional crafts of the region have witnessed a marked decline in modern times. Craft such as shipbuilding, hand weaving etc. have come to hold the position of being novelties to attract tourists rather than being an actual industry.
Sports
Sports are an important part of the Qatari culture, and Qatar has been host to a number of international sporting events over the years. It is slated to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup and development plans to facilitate the same are in full swing at present.