| Part ofa series on the |
| Culture of Qatar |
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| History |
| Languages |
Traditions |
Mythology andfolklore |
| Cuisine |
Festivals |
| Religion |
| Music andperforming arts |
| Sport |
Monuments |
Theculture ofQatar is strongly influenced by traditionalBedouin culture, with less acute influence deriving fromIndia,East Africa, and elsewhere in thePersian Gulf. The peninsula'sarid climate compelled its population to place a particular emphasis on maritime activities within local culture.[1] Arts and literature themes are often related to sea-based activities, particularly inQatari folklore andmusic, withpearling trips serving as the main inspiration for music and traditional myths likeMay and Ghilân.[2]
Althoughvisual arts were historically unpopular due toIslam's stance ondepictions of sentient beings, in the mid-20th century, this field has increased in popularity due to increased prosperity fromoil exports.[3] During this period,Qatari art flourished due to the efforts of artists such asJassim Zaini andYousef Ahmad, as well as support from quasi-governmental institutions such as the Qatari Fine Arts Society, the National Council for Culture, Arts, and Heritage, and in contemporary times,Qatar Museums.[4] At the same time,Qatari literature saw the popularization of genres such asshort stories andnovels in the 1950s due to increasing educational opportunities. Qatari literature traces its origins to the 19th century, when the primary genre wasNabatipoetry.[5] Qatari women were particularly active in this field, breakingsocial norms, as women were historically less active in traditional forms of art.[6]
The country's traditions and customs are primarily rooted in its history as anArab-Islamic country.Nomadic pastoralism, principally of camels, and pearl fishing were once cornerstone livelihoods, with theBedouin andHadar (settled) communities each having distinct customs. Themajlis, a communal gathering space used for storytelling and social interactions, is an important part of the culture.[7] Cultural policies and affairs are regulated by theMinistry of Culture. The current minister isAbdulrahman bin Hamad bin Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani.[8]
The modern Qatari art movement emerged in the mid-20th century, largely in part due to the increased prosperity from oil exports. Traditionally,Islamic culture'saversion to depicting sentient beings restricted the advancement of the visual arts, with Qataris instead favoring art forms such ascalligraphy,architecture, andtextiles.[9] However, in the 1950s and 1960, the government, particularly theMinistry of Education increased funding and support to the visual arts, including artists such as Jassim Zaini,Yousef Ahmad, Salman Al Malik, Faraj Daham and Ali Hassan.[10] Institutions like the Qatari Fine Arts Society, established in 1980, and the National Council for Culture, Arts, and Heritage, established in 1998,[11] further reinforced the modern art scene.[12]
Qatar Museums was established in the early 2000s to centralize various museums and collections.[13] Following this was the inauguration of several more major art institutions like theMuseum of Islamic Art in 2008,[14]Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art in 2010,[15] and theNational Museum of Qatar in 2019.[16] Plans for additional museums were announced in 2022, including the Art Mill,Lusail Museum, and Qatar Auto Museum.[17]
For the last twenty years, several members of theAl Thani family have advanced Qatar's global involvement in the arts.[18] Qatar was revealed to be the world's biggest art buyer in 2011.[19] Figures like SheikhaAl-Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani,[20] SheikhaMoza bint Nasser andHassan bin Mohamed Al Thani have played significant roles in developing the country's art scene and its related institutions.[21]
Thearchitecture of Qatar is similar to other Persian Gulf nations, and influenced byIslamic traditions. Features such asarches,niches, and intricately carved plaster patterns, as well asgypsum screens andbattlements, are common. Thehot desert climate heavily influenced the choice of materials, with rough stones from hills or coastal areas, bound together byclay, serving as primary building materials. Over time, clay was replaced with gypsummortar, and wood, particularly forbeams, was incorporated. Limestone, sourced from nearby rocky hills, was occasionally used in construction.[22]
Qatari architecture is categorized into religious, civil, and military types.Religious architecture, mainlymosques, are typically unadorned, yet on rare occasions in urban areas, may feature intricate designs. Civil architecture includespalaces, houses, andmarketplaces. Military architecture consists offortresses anddefensive walls designed for protection, sometimes enclosing settlements.[23] Coastal architecture showsPersian influences, while inland styles reflectNajdi traditions.[24]
Traditional Qatarihouses are centered aroundcourtyards, which provide ventilation, sunlight, and private space for domestic activities. The houses are designed with the preservation of privacy in mind, and the layout of the houses segregates male visitors from family areas. Themajlis, a formal reception area, holds particular importance in social contexts.[24]
Several methods were used in traditional architecture to alleviate the country's harsh climate; for instance,windows were seldom used to reduce heat conduction.[25] Thebadgheer construction method allowed air to be channeled into houses for ventilation. Air was also channeled by horizontal air gaps in rooms, andparapets and vertical openings inwind towers calledhawaya which drew air into the courtyards. Such towers were historically present in coastal settlements such asAl Wakrah.[24]
Qatari folklore, known locally ashazzawi, was historically passed down orally between generations and is based mainly on maritime activities. One popularlegend, orhikaya, is that ofMay and Ghilân. Originating from theAl Muhannadi tribe ofAl Khor, the story narrates a struggle between two pearl fishers which results in the creation of thesail.[2] Another locally popular tale is theLord of the Sea, which revolves around a half-man half-fish monster named Bū Daryā who terrorizes sailors.[26]
Among the notablefolk heroes in Qatari folklore are individuals likeQatari ibn al-Fuja'a, a celebrated war poet from the 7th century,[27] andRahmah ibn Jabir Al Jalhami, an infamous pirate and ruler of Qatar in the 18th and 19th centuries.[28] Recurring motifs in Qatari folklore includedjinn,pearl diving, and the sea.[26]
With the advent of oil exploration and modernization, the tradition oforal storytelling gradually declined. Efforts by government ministries such as theMinistry of Culture, alongside local universities, have been made to preserve and transcribe these tales. Collaborative endeavors between government agencies and regional bodies like the GCC States Folklore Centre, headquartered inDoha, have helped preserve the local folklore.[29]
Qatariliterature as a field began in the 19th century, initially featuring written poetry, mainly thenabati form. In the mid-20th century, spurred by oil revenues,short stories andnovels emerged as popular literary forms. Poetry remained popular, but other literary genres became increasingly common as a result of a more educated population, and increasingly featured women writers.[30]
Qatari literature is broadly categorized into two periods, divided primarily by increasing economic prosperity andglobalization: pre-1950 and post-1950.[30]
In the 1970s, the popularization of short stories and novels provided both the opportunity for female writers to involve themselves in the arts, as well as an avenue to discuss societal problems.[6]Kaltham Jaber became the first Qatari female author to publish a collection of short stories,[31] and to publish a major work when she released her anthology of short stories, dating from 1973 to the year of its publishing, 1978.[32] Novels have become more popular in the 21st century; nearly a quarter of all existing Qatari-authored novels were published post-2014.[33] Efforts to preserve and document Qatari literature have been undertaken through initiatives like theQatar Digital Library and local publishing houses.[34]
Poetry has been an integral part of the culture since pre-Islamic times.[35]Qatari ibn al-Fuja'a, afolk hero dating to the seventh century, was renowned for writing poetry.[36] It was seen as a verbal art which fulfilled essential social functions. Having a renowned poet among its ranks was a source of pride for tribes; it was the primary way age-old traditions were passed down through generations. Poems composed by females primarily focused on the theme ofritha, to lament. This type of poetry served as anelegy.[35]
Nabati was the primary form of oral poetry.[37] In the nineteenth-century, SheikhJassim Al Thani composed influential Nabati poems on the political conditions in Qatar.[38] Nabati poems are broadcast on radio and televised in the country.[39]
Weaving anddyeing by women played a substantial role in Bedouin culture. Spinning sheep's and camel's wool to produce cloths was laborious. The wool was first disentangled and tied to a bobbin, serving as a core and keeping the fibers rigid. This was followed by spinning the wool by hand on a spindle known asnoul.[40] They were then placed on a verticalloom constructed from wood whereupon women would use a stick to beat theweft into place.[41]
The resulting cloths were used in rugs, carpets, and tents. Tents were usually made up of naturally colored cloths, whereas rugs and carpets used dyed cloths; mainly red and yellow.[41] The dyes were fashioned from desert herbs, with simple geometrical designs being employed. The art lost popularity in the 19th century as dyes and cloths were increasingly imported from other regions in Asia.[41]
A simple form ofembroidery practiced by Qatari women was known askurar. It involved four women, each carrying four threads, who would braid the threads on articles of clothing - mainlythawbs orabayas. The braids, varying in color, were sewn vertically. It was similar to heavychain stitch embroidery.[41] Gold threads, known aszari, were commonly used. They were usually imported fromIndia.[42]
Another type of embroidery involved the designing of caps calledgohfiahs. They were made from cotton and were pierced with thorns from palm trees to allow the women to sew between the holes. This form of embroidery declined in popularity after the country began importing the caps.[42]
Khiyat al madrasa, translated as 'school embroidery', involved stitching furnishings bysatin stitching. Prior to the stitching process, a skilled artist would draw a shape onto the fabric. The most common designs were birds and flowers.[43]
Thefolk music of Qatar is largely influenced bypearl fishing. Traditional dances, such as theardah andtanbura, are performed during festive occasions such as weddings or feasts and are accompanied bypercussion instruments likeal-ras andmirwas. Other commonly used folk instruments includestringed instruments such as theoud andrebaba, andwoodwind instruments like theney andsirttai.Clapping also played a major part in most folk music.[44]
Various forms of folk music are repurposed in modernKhaliji (Gulf) music. The Ministry of Culture has made efforts to preserve and document folk music,[44] alongside efforts to form an active music scene with the establishment of music institutions like the Qatar Music Academy and theQatar Philharmonic Orchestra.
Songs related to pearl fishing are the most popular genre of male folk music. Each song, varying in rhythm, narrates a different activity of the pearling trip, including spreading the sails, diving, and rowing the ships. Collective singing was an integral part of each pearling trip. Each ship had a designated singer, known locally asal naham.[45] A specific type of sea music, known asfijiri, features group performances accompanied by melodic singing, rhythmic palm-tapping on water jars (known asgalahs), and wave-like dance.[46] Qatari women sang primarily about daily activities, such as wheat grinding and cooking, in groups. Public performances by women were practiced only on two annual occasions:al-moradah andal-ashori.[47] Classical Qatari melodies share many similarities with their Gulf counterparts, and most of the same instruments are used.[48]
Theatre emerged in Qatar during the mid-20th century, with the establishment of thetroupes of the Qatari Theatrical Troupe in 1972 and the Al Sadd Theatrical Troupe in 1973.[49] The Doha Players, founded in 1954, stands as the oldest English-speaking amateur theatre club in Qatar.[50] By 1986, efforts to support theatrical endeavors culminated in the formation of the first company aimed at aiding troupes and actors in producingplays.[49] Venues include theQatar National Theater,[51]Katara Drama Theatre,[52] and Al Rayyan Theatre.[53]
While specific theatrical themes, such aspolygamy, marriage, family issues, and political discord have been subject to societal taboos, they have also served as popular subjects for theatre.[54] Plays likeOmmul Zain (1975) by Abdulrahman Al-Mannai addressed generational conflicts arising from Qatar's rapid development,[55] while others likeIbtisam in the Dock (1985) andGirls Market offer perspectives onarranged marriages and societal norms.[56] Furthermore, geopolitical events, such as theblockade imposed on Qatar in 2017, spurred an increase in politically-themed plays.[57]
Al Jazeera, Qatar's largest television network, was founded in 1996 and has since become the foundation of the media sector.[58] Initially launched as an Arabic news andcurrent affairs satellite TV channel, Al Jazeera has since expanded into a network with several outlets, including the internet andspecialtyTV channels in multiple languages. The 'Al Jazeera effect' refers to the global impact of theAl Jazeera Media Network, particularly on the politics of theArab world.[59]beIN Sports, a global network of sports channels, was launched in 2012.[60] It is an affiliate ofAl Jazeera Media Network.[61]
Qatar is home to seven newspapers, four in Arabic and three in English, along with nine magazines.[62][63] Radio broadcasting began in June 1968, and currently offers services in English, Arabic, French, and Urdu throughQatar Radio.[64] In a bid to enhance diversity, in 2020 the government granted licenses for private radio stations geared towards specific communities such asMalayalam andHindi speakers.[65]
Cinema in Qatar has developed rapidly in the 21st century, partially being developed as a means for Qatar to increase itssoft power through the arts.[66]Al-Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani's founding of theDoha Film Institute (DFI) has provided support to local and regional filmmakers through grants, workshops, and festivals;[67] for example, theDoha Tribeca Film Festival (DTFF) and Ajyal Film Festival.[68]
As Qatar is a highly arid country,[69] the traditional ways of life were confined either tonomadic pastoralism practiced by the Bedouins of the interior and to fishing andpearling engaged in by the settled coastal dwellers, calledhadar, who formed the majority of the population.[70] Both fishing and pearling were done mainly usingdhows, and the latter activity occasionally employed enslaved people. While pearl trading was a lucrative venture for traders and dealers of pearls, the pearlers would receive scant profits. The central fishing and pearling centers of Qatar throughout its history have beenFuwayrit,Al Huwaila, andAl Bidda.[71]
Pearling is an ancient practice in the Persian Gulf; with some historians stating the profession dates back to theDilmun civilization inBahrain 5,000 years ago, with which the inhabitants of Qatar came into contact at the time. Thecaptain of a pearling craft is callednoukhadha and is responsible for the most important tasks of a pearling trip, such as managing conflicts between the divers (al-fawwas) and the storage of pearls. Theal-muqaddim is responsible for all ship operations while theal-sakuni is the ship's driver.[72]
Historically, the season for pearl harvest was divided into three periods, with the primary pearl diving season, lasting from May to September.[73]Sambuk, a type ofdhow, was traditionally used for pearling trips. From the 18th to 20th centuries, most pearls were exported toMumbai, where they would be sent to European markets, with the remaining yield being sent to markets inBaghdad.[74] The importance of the pearl in Qatar is exemplified by a quote ofMohammed bin Thani, ruler of Qatar in the late 1800s, who in 1877 said "We are all from the highest to the lowest slaves of one master, Pearl."[75] After the introduction of thecultured pearl and theGreat Depression in the 20th century, pearling became a less economically viable profession.[76]
Despite only comprising about one-tenths of the Qatari population,Bedouin Qataris occupy a significant historical role in local culture.[77] Bedouin lifestyle was nomadic and consisted of frequent migration after either a water source had been used up or a grazing site was exhausted.[78] However, in Qatar, most Bedouins would only wander during the winter when the weather was suitable. Goats andcamels were the main livelihoods of Bedouins, with products from the former being used in trade and for sustenance and camels being used as a means of transportation and a source of milk. Every tribe had its own region, calleddirah in Arabic, but if the resources in theirdirah had become depleted, the tribe would be forced to migrate to another tribe'sdirah, potentially provoking conflicts.[71]
It was unusual for a tribe to remain at one location for a period exceeding ten days. The average daily distance traveled by Bedouins was not very long to preserve energy and resources, only being hastened by inclement weather or far-away distances between one pastureland and another. Women were responsible for making clothing, child rearing, and preparing food. Conversely, men would hunt for game with hawks and dogs during the winter months.[71]
Leaders of Bedouin tribes, known assheikhs, were expected to provide charity to the poorer members of the tribe. The sheikh's wife was expected to help solve complaints brought to her by the female members of the tribe. Bedouins often lived very modestly, lacking a consistent source of income. Nonetheless, due to the cooperation and charity between tribe members, it was rare that one would go hungry except during exceptionally long droughts.[71] After the discovery of oil in Qatar, most Qataris moved to urban areas, and the Bedouin way of life gradually disappeared. Only a few tribes in Qatar continue this lifestyle.[79]
Tents (khaïmas) were the primary dwellings of Bedouins and are still used in the desert. In northern Qatar, the tents were mainly uniform, with all sides of the tent being enclosed for privacy. The tent's interior comprised distinct sections, delineated by woven walls or carpets, which could be compressed to create a single space. The sections included quarters for unmarried adult men, designated guest areas, and spaces for children and young animals. Furnishings were modest, typically consisting of beddings, seating mats, and essential utensils. Typically, the centralhearth served as the main gathering area for both family members and guests.[80]
Women predominantly managed domestic affairs within the tent, including cooking, dairy processing, and crafts such asweaving andsewing. Certain livestock animals were permitted in the tent, though dogs were excluded in most instances. Camps in southern Qatar typically comprised two to seven tents and were constructed with seasonal migration in mind, though were similar in appearance to those in the north.[80]
Bedouins have traditionally been reliant on therearing and grazing of livestock. In the north, despite the tribes leading more sedentary lives, animals such as camels, sheep, goats, cows and donkeys were commonly found. Poultry, and occasionally pigeons, were also present.Salukis were sometimes kept to hunt game. Camps consisted of 2 to 6 tents, with livestock influencing their size and arrangements; a typical tent looking after 30 to 40 animals. Livestock care, primarily the responsibility of men, included tasks such as marking, castration, and slaughtering. Women managed milking and dairy production. Camels were less prominent in the north, primarily housed by select families.[81]
Compared to their northern counterparts, Bedouins in southern Qatar relied more on camels; for instance, theAl Murrah tribe, which is dedicated almost exclusively to camel husbandry. While some groups kept sheep and goats for supplementary purposes, camels remained the most popular livestock.[81]
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Camels are regarded with high importance among Qatar's Bedouin tribes, having historically served as a means of transportation, as well as sources ofmilk, meat, and various materials. Men primarily oversee breeding and tasks like mating, castration, and branding for ownership identification. Women and children historically participated in loading and riding camels, particularly during migration periods.[82]
Hunting is a prominent Bedouin tradition. While wild game was once abundant in Qatar, it had become scarce by the 20th century, with historical accounts recalling hunting withflintlock guns; however, due to the scarcity in game, it had mostly become a marginal activity. However, it remained relatively popular in southern Qatar, where Bedouins were equipped with shotguns, rifles, and falcons, particularlywakris.[83] Hunting hounds, known assalukis, were also occasionally used for hunting to a lesser extent.[83]
Collection of natural resources, particularly during the truffle season in early spring, was another popular activity.Locusts, traditionally valued as food, were gathered during invasions, and natural resources likesea salt were collected from coastal cliffs. Firewood and shrubs were gathered for fuel prior to the advent of paraffin stoves. The salvaging offlotsam was also popular. Additionally, discarded materials from the oil industry and urban areas were systematically collected.[83]
Qatari cuisine reflects traditionalArab andLevantine cuisine,[84] with heavy influences byIranian andIndian cuisine.Seafood anddates are staple food items.[85] As Qatar followsShariah religious law, alcohol, and pork products cannot be brought into the country.[86] Traditional meals are usually served with guests seated on the floor, partaking of the food with their hands.[87]
Before the meal commences, it is customary to serveArabic coffee brewed in brass coffee pots infused withcardamom. Served in small porcelain cups, guests signal by gently shaking the cup when they have had their fill. Hottea, typically flavored withmint and sweetened with sugar, may also be served in small glass mugs.[87]
Thenational dish of Qatar ismachbous (also known askabsa),[88] which consists of rice cooked with Arabic spices and served mainly with lamb, but also with chicken or fish.[89] Other important dishes includemathruba, which is rice beaten with cardamom, milk, butter, and any choice of meat, until it turns into porridge form;[89]thareed, consists of bread soaked in vegetable, spices, and chicken/lamb stew;[90]harees, which is meat beaten with boiled ground wheat, until it turns into porridge form;[91] andbalaleet, a sweet and savory dish usually eaten for breakfast or as a dessert, which includes vermicelli cooked with sugar,rose water, cardamom, andsaffron, and topped with omelet eggs.[92]
Clothing laws punish and forbid wearing revealing or indecent clothes.[93] A government body enforces the dressing-code law called "Al-Adheed". In 2012, a QatariNGO organized a campaign of "public decency" after they deemed the government to be too lax in monitoring the wearing of revealing clothes, defining the latter as "not covering shoulders and knees, tight or transparent clothes".[93] The campaign targets foreigners who constitute the majority of Qatar's population.[93]
Qatari men wearthawbs (a long white shirt) over loose pants.[94] Aside from protecting the wearer against the dangers of the sun, it also serves as a symbol of affiliation. In previous decades, different types of thawbs were used depending on the occasion, though this is seldom the case in present-day.[95] They also wear a loose headdress, aghutra, which comes in white or red.[96] Around the ghutra is a black rope calledagal, which holds it in place.[94]
Qatari women generally wear customary dresses that include the black colored body covering known as theabaya together with the black scarf used for covering their heads known as theshayla.[94] Aburqa is sometimes worn to conceal their face.[96] It is thought that Qatari women began using face masks in the 19th century amid substantial immigration. As they had no practical ways of concealing their faces from foreigners, they began wearing the same face mask as their Persian counterparts.[97] Young girls wear abukhnoq, an embroidered cloth covering the hair and the upper section of the body, prior to the age of marriage.[95]
Qatar has been described as arentier state that has allocated a significant portion of its wealth from hydrocarbon exports towards the social welfare of its citizens, in a sense, "buying their loyalty". The rulingHouse of Thani uses such policies to maintain theirlegitimacy.[98]
In the state's early years, wealth distribution was often unequal, benefiting primarily members of the ruling family and those with governmental positions. The country's infrastructure and social services developed at a relatively slow pace, with the share of oil wealth being split between basic needs like electricity, water, healthcare, and education, and the ruler's personal treasury. However,protests during the reign ofAhmad bin Ali Al Thani (1960–1972) led to a more equitable distribution of oil revenues, known as the "quarter rule". His successor,Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani, furthered this trend by increasing social welfare, housing benefits, and salary increments.[99]
In addition to providing essential services like healthcare and education free of charge to citizens, there are no taxes and several state benefits, including land grants, interest-free loans, scholarships for students studying abroad, and guaranteed civil service jobs. As a result of these benefits, some political analysts have described Qatari citizens as "too rich to care" about disrupting the political system or questioning the legitimacy of its ruler.[100] Benefits and privileges afforded can vary depending on the social standing of a family.[101]
The Qatari population reflects its status as apearling hub and a rangeland for nomadic Arab tribes, with distinct separations between theBedouins, comprising approximately 10% of Qatar's native population, and thehadar, settled urban dwellers. Ethnic differences are rarely acknowledged or discussed in formal contexts.[102]
Bedouins mainly consist of nomadic tribes which migrated fromNajd andAl-Hasa in the 18th century, with some retaining Saudi or other Gulf states' citizenship. Comprising approximately 10% of Qataris, many are employed in theoil industry,police,army, and security services. The government launched initiatives to settle Bedouin families in the 1960s. Some Bedouins consider themselves as "pure" Arabs in contrast to the settled population (hadar), which they perceive as being influenced by urban andPersian elements.[102]
Thehadar is a term used to encompass settled Qataris, includingBaharna,Huwala,Ajam (Iranians), andAfro-Arabs. The Baharna, an Arab group native to Eastern Arabia and mostlyShia Muslim, sometimes face discrimination from theSunni majority. Huwala Arabs are Sunni Muslims who migrated through thePersian Gulf toPersia and back to Qatar, and have historically been wealthier and better-educated due to profits from pearl trading. The Ajam are ethnic Shia Persians who were historically active inboat building and still speakPersian. The country's Afro-Arab population descends from slaves brought fromEast Africa for the pearling industry. While some Arabs may view this group as "less" Qatari, most consider them full citizens. Intermarriage has increased over time, and Persian and African influences are evident in local culture.[102]
Foreigners constitute 85% to 90% of Qatar's population of 2.7 million, with migrant workers making up approximately 95% of the workforce. Most migrants originate fromSouth Asia andSoutheast Asia. There exists a degree of societal divisions based on nationality, with Europeans, North Americans, and Arabs typically securing better job opportunities and social privileges than sub-Saharan Africans and South Asians.[103] Barriers such as language and cultural differences limit the social opportunities between Qataris and foreigners.[101]
Thehuman rights of migrant workers is limited by the country'sKafala system, which stipulates a Qatari sponsor and restricts their entry and exit.[104] Migrant workers are often exploited by paying recruitment fees which surpass government-set limits, ranging from $600 to $5,000 and frequently placing workers into debt. Furthermore, some Qatari companies violate local labor laws, and some have been implicated in non-payment of or delay in wages, as well as incomplete pay slips which hinders remittances. Many employers also confiscate their employees' passports, which restricts their freedom of movement.[105]
Arabic is the official language of Qatar according to Article 1 of theConstitution.[106] Arabic in Qatar is the medium of official communication, legislation, and education. The government has instituted policies to reinforce the use of Arabic, including the Arabic Language Protection Law enacted in 2019, which mandates the use of Arabic in governmental and public functions and penalizes non-compliance. Arabic speakers constitute a minority of the 2.8 million population, at around 11%.[107]
Qatari Arabic, a dialect ofGulf Arabic, is the primary dialect spoken and the country'sprestige dialect. The vocabulary of Qatari Arabic incorporates many loanwords fromAramaic,Persian,Turkish, and more recently,English. Phonetically, it conserves manyclassical Arabic features such as emphatic consonants and interdental sounds, in contrast to other Arabic dialects which simplified these elements.[108] Due to the status of English as the prestigelingua franca in Qatar, some speakers of Qatari Arabic have incorporated English elements into their everyday speech, colloquially known asQatarese.[109] The practice of interchanging English and Arabic words is known ascode-switching and is mostly seen in urban areas and among the younger generation.[108]
English is the de facto second language of Qatar, and is very commonly used in business. Because of Qatar's multiethnic population, English has been recognized as the most convenient medium for people of different backgrounds to communicate with each other.[110] The most common Asian languages among Qatar's migrants areHindi,Urdu,Tagalog,Bengali,Tamil,Telugu andMalayalam. Hindi and Malayalam are particularly prevalent, with large communities of speakers fromIndia.[107]
Thestate religion inQatar isIslam.[111] Most Qataris belong to theSunni sect of Islam.[112][113][114]Shiites comprise around 10% of Qatar's Muslim population.[115] Religious policy is set by theMinistry of Islamic Affairs. Islamic instruction is compulsory for Muslims in all state-sponsored schools.[111] According to tradition, the inhabitants of Qatar converted to Islam in 628.[116] Prior to this, Qatar was part of a region with a largely Christian presence known asBeth Qaṭraye.[117]
The community is made up of Sunni and Shi’aMuslims,Christians,Hindus, and small groups ofBuddhists andBaha’is.[118]Muslims form 65.5% of the Qatari population, followed byChristians at 15.4%,Hindus at 14.2%,Buddhists at 3.3% and the rest 1.9% of the population follow other religions or are unaffiliated. Qatar is also home to numerous other religions mainly from theMiddle East andAsia.[119]
At the end of 2013, there were a total of 1,848 mosques recorded in the country.[120] The country's state mosque isImam Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab Mosque, which was named in honor of theSalafiMuhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab of theNajd.[121] Other important mosques are theKatara Mosque, theEducation City Mosque, and theFanar, Qatar Islamic Cultural Center.[122]
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Themajlis is ubiquitous in theArab states of the Persian Gulf and serves as a place where friends and neighbors discuss matters of mutual interest, customarily over cups ofArabic coffee. Historically, thedour, or spacious rooms designated for these gatherings, hosted seafarers between pearl fishing seasons, where they engaged inal-samra, evenings of song and dance, during weddings and other occasions for entertainment.[46]
Themajlis also historically served as a means of communal discussion andconflict resolution, prioritizing the authority of elder members. Themajlis also imparts moral and cultural values to its younger audience.[123]
On 4 December 2015, themajlis was inscribed onUNESCO's List of IntangibleCultural Heritage in a joint filing bySaudi Arabia,United Arab Emirates,Oman, and Qatar.[124]
As thenational fruit of Qatar, dates have both cultural and culinary importance, particularly duringRamadan, when they are consumed to breakfast. They are also considered a symbol ofhospitality, along withArabic coffee. Qatar's history in date cultivation is thought to date back thousands of years, and is represented in theQatari national emblem, which features two date palms alongside a traditionaldhow. They are celebrated annually during festivals, such as the annual Local Dates Festival held inSouq Waqif.[125]
Arabic coffee (gahwa) is among the most popular beverages in Qatar and is served in a coffee pot known as adallah.[126] The preparation of Arabic coffee typically involves the use of high-quality green coffee beans,saffron,cardamom, cloves, and other traditional ingredients, and are sometimes ground by hand.[127]
Oud, originating from a resin extracted from the agar (Aquilaria) tree, is commonly used in Qatari households and on ceremonial occasions.[7]Incense, known locally asbukhoor, is also frequently used. Made from fragrant woods, it is ignited within a specializedvessel called amabkhara, emitting smoke that fills the home and imbues clothing with its fragrance. Moreover, as a gesture of hospitality, guests are often encouraged to participate in the tradition of enveloping themselves in the smoke.[7]
Many of Qatar'sfolk beliefs are based on religion, with some beliefs aimed at invoking divine protection or warding off harm. For instance, the breaking of an object was interpreted as the removal of evil, while thecall to prayer occurring ahead of schedule prompted concerns of impending danger. A popular folk belief states that it is inadvisable to pass in front of someone who is praying, as this may sever their divine connection.[128]
Severalsuperstitions exist in local culture, most with the aim of avoiding perceived dangers. For example,funeral prayers were often recited for individuals believed to harbor envy, accompanied by discreetly sprinkling salt behind one's backs for protection. One superstition warned that open scissors could cause conflict between family members, while another warned that sleeping on one's back would cause nightmares due to theshaitan's (devil) presence during sleep.[128]
Cautionary tales included those that warn against gazing directly at lightning to prevent blindness, as well as avoiding displaying the bottom soles of shoes, as it was perceived as disrespectful toAllah. Othertaboos included sweeping floors at night, as this would disturb potentialdjinn residing in homes, and biting one's tongue during meals, as this was interpreted as sign of impending bad luck. Some folk beliefs were health-related, resulting in traditional remedies such as consuming specific foods likesenna blends orcrab meat and shrimp soup, which were thought to cure various ailments.[128]
Qatar's weekends are Friday and Saturday.[129] In 2009, Cabinet Decision No. 33 was passed by the Emir, decreeing the first Sunday in March as an official holiday for all financial institutions in Qatar.[130]
Ramadan, the ninth month of theIslamic calendar, is characterized by the obligatory observation offasting (sawm), wherein adherents abstain from consuming food and beverages from dawn until dusk. In Qatar, the beginning of Ramadan is determined by the Moon Sighting Committee, within theMinistry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, which observes thecrescent moon, signaling both the conclusion of Ramadan and the onset ofEid al-Fitr, the festival of breaking the fast.[131]
Prior to fasting, Qataris observe theSha'ban, the month prior to Ramadan, withAl-Nafla festivities. During these festivities, families share traditional meals such asharees andtharid with neighbors and the less fortunate.[131]
The daily fast begins at sunrise following the consumption ofsuhur, a meal intended to keep individuals nourished throughout the day. In the past,al-musaharati roamed thefarjan (neighborhoods) during Ramadan, beating his drum and reciting poetry to wake people up forsuhur.[132]Iftar, the meal marking the fast's conclusion at sunset, typically begins with the consumption ofdates. This is accompanied by the firing of aRamadan cannon, a tradition which is broadcast live onnational television and can be observed at locations such asSouq Waqif,Katara Cultural Village andImam Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab Mosque.[131]
Al Ghabqa, afeast that takes place at night during Ramadan following iftar andtarawih prayers, features various dishes such as grilled and fried fish, rice cooked withdate extract, andtharid. It also typically offers an assortment of sweets such asluqaimat andasida, alongside dates, tea, andArabic coffee.[133]
Garangao is celebrated on the 15th night of Ramadan. The name derives from the Arabic wordgarqaa, denoting a rattling or shaking motion. It is celebrated throughout the Middle East, with slight variations. On Garangao night, children wear colorful attire and visit homes, singing traditional songs and receiving sweets and gifts from residents. In contemporary times, Garangao is celebrated on a larger scale, with events taking place in shopping malls, mosques, and cultural organizations.[134]
The two Eid holidays, celebrated by all Muslims, areEid al-Fitr andEid al-Adha.
Eid al-Fitr, translating to the "festivity of breaking the fast", takes place on the first day of thetenth month. Designated a nationwide holiday in Qatar, educational institutions, offices, and commercial establishments are closed during this period. Many related events take place at shopping centers and public arenas.[135] Applyinghenna is customary for Qatari women during Eid al-Fitr.[136] The inaugural Eid Al-Fitr Festival, organized byQatar Tourism, was launched on 4 May 2022 and lasted for three days. Celebrations were held on theDoha Corniche featuring musical performances; it was estimated that about 10,000 to 15,000 spectators attended each day.[137]
Eid al-Adha, known as the "celebration of sacrifice", occurs during the conclusion ofHajj, thepilgrimage toMecca. This event is observed on the tenth day ofDhu al-Hijja (12th month), where families meet for prayers and feasts. Traditionally, donating meat to the less privileged is practiced during this day.[135]
Throughout Eid festivities, children in Qatar travel door-to-door singing folk songs and phrases to receive theirEidiyah, a customary monetary gift. Eid greetings like "Eid Mubarak" and "Eid Saeed" convey blessings and joy, while "Kul 'am wa enta bi-khair" conveys wishes for good health and prosperity.[135]
Qatar National Day is an annual celebration of the date thatJassim bin Mohammed Al Thani succeeded his fatherMohammed bin Thani as ruler of Qatar, uniting its tribes and earning the country additional autonomy.[138] In 2008, the date of the Qatar National Day was changed from 3 September to 18 December, to reflect the exact date of succession.[139]
Various activities and events mark the day.[140] The largest of these events is theQatar National Day Parade, which takes place along theDoha Corniche and includes the showcasing of military equipment, folk music and firework shows. Events also take place atSouq Waqif andKatara Cultural Village.[138]
In the days preceding Qatar National Day, the Darb Al Saai festival, organized by Qatar'sMinistry of Culture, is held inUmm Salal Mohammed.[141] Activities include the ceremonial flag-raising, military performances, and local musicians' live performances ofsea music. The event also features exhibitions and workshops on traditional crafts and folklore.[142]
Qatar'sNational Sports Day has been celebrated annually on the second Tuesday of February as a recognized holiday since its inaugural edition in 2012. It features activities promoting fitness and well-being.[143]
Various events take place at venues such asEducation City,Aspire Park, and theDoha Corniche. In collaboration with theQatar Olympic Committee and theMinistry of Sports and Youth, these events feature activities such as races, yoga, golf, team sports, and educational workshops, complemented by appearances from sports personalities.[143]
Historically in Qatar,invitations to the wedding were sent out in urban areas but not used among Bedouin tribes due to weddings being an intrinsically public affair. Thekhella, the room where the bride and groom spend their first night, undergo extensive preparation. They are furnished and decorated luxuriously, with the lower class families borrowing from relatives and friends, and the upperclass families being able to afford luxuries such as mirrors and scarce fabrics.[144]
Prior to a marriage, it was customary for women to undergo elaborate embellishment rituals, particularly the application ofhenna. Traditionally, women within the family undertook the task of henna preparation and application, using natural ingredients. In modern-day, many women visit professional henna artists and specialized salons which offer intricate designs and tattoo patterns. On occasion, semi-public ceremonies are held during the henna application.[144]
Football is the most popular sport in regards to registered player base.[145] Additionally,athletics,basketball,handball,volleyball,camel racing,horse racing,falconry,cricket andswimming are widely practiced.[146][147] There are currently 11 multi-sports clubs in the country, and 7 single-sports clubs.[145] Qatar hosted theAFC Asian Cup in1988,2011 and2023.[148] They won the competition for the first time in the2019 edition, after defeatingJapan 3–1 in thefinal.[149][150] Qatar would successfully retain their title on home soil, following a 3–1 victory againstJordan in the2023 final held inLusail.[151] Qatar hosted the2022 FIFA World Cup and is the first Arab nation to have done so.[152]
Aside from football, handball and basketball are the next two popular team sports. Handball was introduced to the country in 1968; however, Qatar did not join theInternational Handball Federation until the 1970s. TheQatar men's national handball team qualified for theIHF World Men's Handball Championship on four occasions, and automatically qualified for a fifth as host.[153] Qatar came runners-up toFrance in the2015 World Handball Championship held on home soil, however the tournament was marred by various controversies.[154] Qatar has won theAsian Men's Handball Championship title four times in a row in 2014, 2016, 2018 and 2020.[155][156]In April 2023,FIBA announced that Qatar will host the upcoming2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup.[157] This will make Qatar the first in theArab world to host the FIBA Basketball World Cup and the second Muslim country to host after the2010 edition inTurkey. The 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup will be the 20th tournament of theFIBA Basketball World Cup for men's national basketball teams.[158]
The tradition of hunting for game in the desert uses mainly falcons. However,saluki dogs are also used for hunting in the desert, primarily because of their great speeds.[159] Their main prey in the desert aregazelles and rabbits.[160]
Falconry has been a popular cultural practice in Qatar for centuries.[161][162] On average, a falcon can go for anywhere from $4,000 to $10,000; a price of $250,000 was even recorded at an auction in 2022. Due to the high prices of hunting falcons, it is mainly practiced by upper-class citizens able to afford the investment.[163] The only falconry association is Al Gannas, which was founded in 2008 in theKatara Cultural Village and which hosts the Annual Falconry Festival, also known as S'hail.[164] Hunting season extends from October to April.[165]
Falconers are often required to be well-versed in matters suchavian anatomy and behavior, as the selection of an efficient hunting falcon is dependent on several physical factors which are not immediately apparent to the layperson, such as feathers and coloration. Furthermore, falconers typically require adequate transportation means to traverse the desert, as they typically travel great distances in search of game, with the plains ofSaudi Arabia,Sudan andPakistan being popular destinations.[162] The most popular local venue for falconry is the Falcon Souq atSouq Waqif in Doha. Among the activities that take place here are auctions for expensive birds, the process oftaming, and veterinary care for falcons, which is usually provided at the Souq Waqif Falcon Hospital.[166]
Camel racing is a historically important sport in the country, and is considered a tradition among Qatar'sBedouin tribes, occurring during special occasions such as weddings.[167] The Qatari government has invested heavily in the sport through initiatives implemented by the Camel Racing Organizing Committee (Hejan), such as inaugurating the Al-Shahaniya Arena in 1990, which has modern facilities such as illuminated tracks for nighttime races. The committee has also implemented modern registration systems, such as electronic services for camel owners.[168]
As a competitive sport, camel racing dates back to 1973 when the first camel race was organized in Al-Farra, an area located 9 km west ofAl-Shahaniya, featuring 300 camels. Subsequently, new racetracks were inaugurated, such as Al Rayyan Square and Libraqa Square, which hosted races until the late 1980s; these tracks were eventually replaced by the Al-Shahaniya Camel Racetrack in 1990. The two main camel types used for racing in Qatar are Omani camels, known for their robust build and endurance, and the Sudanese camels, known for their speed. Typically, camel racing season takes place from September to March.[169] Approximately 22,000 racing camels are used in competitions which are mainly held at the Al-Shahaniya Camel Racetrack and attended by thousands of spectators. The average distance of such races is usually 4 to 8 km, depending on several factors. The races typically feature large monetary awards for winners, including cars appraised at values upwards of $200,000.[170]
Over the years, the Qatari government organized additional camel racing competitions such as the Grand Annual Festival to showcase camels from Qatar and neighboringGulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. The government has also sponsored efforts to technologically advance the sport as a whole, such as introducingrobot jockeys in 2005.[171]
Prior to the introduction of football, children played traditional games, includingal dahroi,al sabbah, andtaq taq taqiyyah for boys, andal kunatb,al laqfah andnat al habl for girls. Two of the most popular board games werea’ailah andal haluwsah.[172]Damah, a variant ofcheckers, has had a resurgence in popularity in recent years.[173]
Depending on the location, a game could be a sea game or an urban game; furthermore, most games were gender exclusive. Typically, boys' games would be more physical. One such game was calledtnumba, in which two teams would attempt to redirect an airborne ball toward the others' hand-dug pit, which served as a goal. Another similar game was calledmatoua and involved taking turns using a makeshifttennis racket to keep a ball suspended in the air, the winner being who can keep it in the air for the longest time.Farrarah was the name used for agyroscope, which boys would often compete with each other over the length of time they could keep it spinning for. All of these are categorized as urban games. An example of a sea game, which was less common, was releasing hand-made miniature boats into the water and racing them to a prespecified landmark.[174]
Shakaha was a popular girls' game. It involved two girls prone on the ground, oriented towards each other, with a third girl attempting to pass by jumping over them. As the game progressed, the girls on the ground would become increasingly outstretched, making it more difficult for the third girl to pass. One game shared by both boys and girls was calledzlalwah, and involved the person whose turn it is throwing a stone at the shadow of one of the participants, with the game ending once the targeted person chases and catches one of the others.[174]
