Qatar's culture is very much based on Islamic tradition. Islam is more than just a religion, it is a way of life that influences day to day living, from the clothes Muslims wear to what they eat and drink. In parts of the world, Islamic fundamentalism has unfortunately shrouded the Muslim religion in negativity. However, in contrast to this image Qatar is a fairly tolerant and welcoming country, with few restrictions placed on foreigners living or visiting here. Women are able to drive and walk around unescorted, and alcohol is available in licensed hotels. Among the most highly prized virtues of Islam are courtesy and hospitality, and visitors are sure to be charmed by the genuine warmth and friendliness of the local people.

The official language in Qatar is of course Arabic. It is used by locals and the relatively big Arab community residing here. The Arabic dialect used in Qatar is commonly dubbed as the 'Khaleeji' accent in reference to the Gulf or Al Khaleej.

English is widely spoken in everyday life in Qatar and most road signs are written in both English and Arabic. English is also used in the work place, especially at private companies which are capable of completing transactions and services in English. English is also widely used in tourist areas, hotels and malls.

You might get by using English in governmental buildings, but you may find it a struggle so if possible an interpreter will help to make sure that you grasp fully the ins and outs of the bureaucf2jc system here. Also all official documents such as visa and resident permits should be translated into Arabic. Urdu and Hindi are also commonly used languages in Qatar due to the huge community of Asian workers.

For Qatar's, Islam is more than just a religion, it is a way of life. Qatari's in general are conservative and almost all practice their religion. The basis or Islam is that there is only one God and that Prophet Mohammed is the messenger of God. Islam is based on five pillars: profession of faith or Al-Shahada, praying, fasting, pilgrimage to Mecca (or Makkah) in Saudi Arabia, and giving charity or Zakat. Muslims' holy book is the Quran.

Islam requires believers to pray five times a day. Locals and residents pray at home, at work or at a mosque. Calls to prayer, which are reminders of the prayer times, are broadcast from loudspeakers installed on the minarets of mosques. Mosques can be found almost everywhere in Qatar, which is a way of making sure Muslims do not miss the prayer time. Praying must be preceded by ritual cleansing, thus washing facilities can be found in buildings and public places. There are two main forms of Islam: Sunni and Shia. Almost 90% of Qatari's are Sunni Muslims.

Women are not obliged to cover up in public, however, they are expected to dress conservatively, especially during the fasting month of Ramadan. Public displays of affection are considered immoral and thus are not allowed. Friday is the holy day of the week. Mosques are usually packed with mostly male worshippers on a Friday, when they get to listen to a sermon or 'Khotbeh' given by a preacher or imam.

Fasting is observed for a whole month during Ramadan, which is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and determined by the moon. Believers are required to fast from dawn until dusk.

Eating in public is prohibited during the fasting period. Restaurants Are closed, except for some in major hotels. Alcohol is never served or sold during the holy month. A religious celebration, Eid al Fitr, follows the month of fasting. Around seventy days after Eid al Fitr, Muslims celebrate Eid al Adha, which translates as the festivity of sacrifice, in which Muslims slaughter sheep and distribute part of their meat to the poor.

Qatar is a fairly tolerant country. Christian churches are not yet officially sanctioned in the country, but there are resident chaplains and priests who hold regular services.

On the whole, the national population always wears their traditional dress in public. For men this is the dishdash(a) (or khandura, or thobe) - a white full length shirt dress, which is worn with a white, or red and white checked, headdress called a gutra. This is secured with a black cord (aga!). Sheikhs and important businessmen may also wear a further robe with fine embroidery called a bisht, or mishlah, over their dishdasha at important events. Qatar has a tradition of producing quality embroidered textiles and clothing.

In public, women wear the black abaya - a long, loose black robe that covers their normal clothes - plus a headscarf called the sheyla. The abaya is often of very sheer, flowing fabric and may be open at the front. Some women also wear a thin black veil hiding their face and/or gloves, and older women sometimes still wear a leather mask, known as a burkha, which covers the nose, brow and cheekbones. Underneath the abaya, women traditionally wear a long tunic over loose, flowing trousers (sirwall), which are often heavily embroidered and fitted at the wrists and ankles. However, these are used more by the older generation and modern women will often wear the latest fashions from international stores underneath.

Culinary styles from all around the world have made their way to Qatar to cater to the tastes of the cosmopolitan society. The most sophisticated restaurants are all located in hotels (and therefore able to sell alcohol), but there are also some really good (and cheap!) meals to be had from the many street cafes around town. Good or bad, every major fast food brand in the world has also found a home in Qatar.

Arabic Cuisine
Any time spent in this region is the ideal opportunity to familiar yourself with Arabic cuisine. Street restaurants selling shawarma, falafel, tabbouleh, hummus and fresh fruit cocktails are a good place to start. Of course, these are just some of the standard Arabic dishes, and there are plenty of other, more exotic tastes waiting to be explored. Early traders introduced new spices and flavors that subsequently have become essential ingredients in Arabic cooking. Cinnamon, saffron, turmeric, nuts (especially almonds and pistachios), limes and dried fruits all add interesting flavors to many well-known Arabic dishes.

Arabic Coffee
Coffee in this part of the world is more than just a quick shot of caffeine, in fact it is an important ritual of hospitality. Traditional coffee (or 'gahwa') is mild with a distinctive taste of cardamom and saffron. It is served black without sugar, although dates are served at the same time to sweeten the palate. It is polite to drink about three cups if offered (the cups are very small, so it's similar to drinking a shot of espresso). To refuse the coffee is seen as a refusal of the host's generosity, although if you have had your fill you can shake the cup as a sign that you don't want another refill.

Pork
Muslims do not consume pork and you won't see it used at all in local cooking. Pork is outlawed in Qatar, so cannot be bought anywhere, and it is illegal to bring into the country. Pork aside, Muslims are forbidden to eat the meat of an animal that has not been slaughtered in the correct manner. The meat of animals killed in accordance with the Islamic code is known as halaal.

Alcohol
You won't be able to get a beer in a shopping mall or street cafe, or anywhere that is not attached to or inside a hotel or sports club. Residents can get a licence to buy alcohol for home consumption but don't expect to find a dedicated aisle in your local supermarket. Instead you will have to visit the special liquor store.

Shisha
Smoking a shisha pipe is an important part of socializing for locals. It is often savoured in some local cafe while chatting with friends. They are filled with water and the tobacco is a special molasses, which is available in different flavors such as apple, strawberry, grape and even coffee! Even if you don't smoke cigarettes or cigars, you should try shisha at least once; the smoke is 'smoothed' by the water, creating a much milder effect.