Dwelling to gleaming skyscrapers and luxurious procuring 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 useful if you happen to’re planning to go to.
Listed here are a few 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 ladies, it’s best to attend for them to take the lead earlier than reaching for a handshake. Some choose to keep away from bodily contact with members of the other intercourse, typically for spiritual causes. By the identical token, Qatari males won’t all the time supply a handshake when assembly ladies.
As an alternative of a handshake, Qataris typically 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 prevented. Holding arms, nonetheless, is usually accepted.
Whereas use of English is ubiquitous in a rustic that’s 90 p.c expat, a data of fundamental Arabic greetings and expressions of gratitude is drastically appreciated by Qataris.
Sneakers off
In case you are fortunate sufficient to be invited right into a Qatari residence, keep in mind to take off your shoes earlier than coming into the home. When sitting together with your legs crossed — in any setting — it’s thought-about impolite if the soles of the ft are going through 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 it is very important settle for choices by Qatari hosts, as turning them down might 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 sometimes 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 visitors, it’s customary for hosts to attempt the espresso first, to check for style.
Company should all the time drink with their proper hand. The coffee keeps coming till you wave your cup to sign you have got had your fill.
This story was revealed through AFP Relaxnews
(Primary picture: Ivan Pisarenko/ AFP; Featured picture: Micha Brandli/ Unsplash)
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