Cyborlink · International Business Etiquette
Middle East · Country Profile

Doing business in Qatar

A working reference on Qatari business etiquette, culture, and cross-cultural communication — updated for the contemporary workplace.

QatarCapital: Doha
Language: Arabic
Currency: Riyal (QAR)
§ 01 — Orientation

Introduction

Qatar is a small but extraordinarily wealthy peninsula nation on the Arabian Gulf with a population of approximately 2.9 million — of whom only about 380,000 are Qatari citizens. The vast majority of residents are expatriate workers from South Asia, Southeast Asia, and other Arab countries. Arabic is the official language; English is widely spoken in business. Doha, the capital, is a modern, gleaming city that has been built largely within the last two decades.

Qatar possesses the world’s third-largest natural gas reserves (behind Russia and Iran) and is the world’s largest exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG). This single resource has given Qatar the highest GDP per capita in the world. The country has leveraged its wealth into global influence through Al Jazeera (the most watched Arabic-language news network), the Qatar Investment Authority (one of the world’s largest sovereign wealth funds, with holdings including Harrods, Volkswagen, and Paris Saint-Germain), and the hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup — the first in the Middle East.

Qatar’s business culture is Arab and Islamic in foundation but increasingly international in practice. Doha’s business environment blends Gulf Arab tradition with the cosmopolitan influence of its massive expatriate professional community. Personal relationships, trust, and patience are essential for success. The ruling Al Thani family exercises significant influence over the economy.

Fun Fact

Only about 13% of Qatar’s residents are Qatari citizens. The remaining 87% are expatriate workers and professionals from around the world — creating one of the most internationally diverse business environments on earth. In a typical Doha office tower, your meeting might include a Qatari decision-maker, a British consultant, an Indian engineer, and a Filipino administrator — all conducting business in English while navigating multiple cultural expectations simultaneously.

§ 02 — Cultural Analysis

Hofstede Analysis

Qatar — Six-Dimension Scores
Power Distance
93
Individualism
25
Masculinity
55
Uncertainty Avoidance
80
Long-Term Orientation
N/A
Indulgence
N/A
Source: Hofstede Insights. Scores on a 0–100 scale. LTO and IND data not available for Qatar.

Qatar’s Hofstede profile reflects the broader Arab cultural framework. Very high Power Distance (93) indicates a deeply hierarchical society where authority, family status, and social position command deference. Decision-making power is concentrated at the top, and the ruling family’s influence extends throughout the business environment.

Low Individualism (25) reflects a strongly collectivist culture where family, tribal, and group loyalty are paramount. High Uncertainty Avoidance (80) drives a preference for rules, formal procedures, and carefully structured business processes. Moderate Masculinity (55) suggests a balance between achievement orientation and relationship values.

Read the full Hofstede framework →

Religion.  Islam is the state religion of Qatar. The majority of Qatari citizens are Sunni Muslim (Wahhabi tradition). The large expatriate population practices diverse faiths including Hinduism, Christianity, and Buddhism. Qatar is generally more tolerant of other religions than some neighboring countries — churches and temples exist in Doha — but Islamic customs and laws govern public behavior. During Ramadan, eating, drinking, and smoking in public during daylight hours is prohibited for everyone. Friday is the day of rest; the business week runs Sunday through Thursday.

§ 03 — Dress & Presence

Appearance

Dress, clothing,
body language
& gestures
  1. Dress formally and conservatively. Men should wear suits and ties for business meetings. Qatari men wear the traditional white thobe and gutra (head covering); do not adopt native dress as a foreigner.
  2. Women should wear conservative professional attire with covered shoulders, arms, and knees. Modest dress signals respect. A headscarf is not required for non-Muslim women in business settings but should be available for mosque visits.
  3. Use the right hand for greetings and passing objects. The left hand is considered unclean.
  4. Do not show the soles of your feet or shoes to anyone.
  5. Do not point with your index finger — use an open hand.
  6. Public displays of affection are inappropriate.
§ 04 — Conduct

Behavior

Dining, gifts,
meetings &
general conduct
  1. Relationships and trust come first. Qataris prefer to do business with people they know. Introductions through mutual contacts are invaluable. Expect multiple meetings before any deal is discussed.
  2. Meetings often begin with Arabic coffee (gahwa) and dates — accepting these is a sign of respect and the beginning of hospitality. Small talk about family, health, and general topics precedes business discussion.
  3. Qatari decision-making can be slow by Western standards. Decisions are made at the top and may require consultation with family or advisors. Patience is essential.
  4. Meetings may be interrupted by phone calls, visitors, or prayer times. This is normal and not a sign of disinterest.
  5. The business week is Sunday through Thursday. Friday is the holy day; Saturday is a rest day.
  6. Alcohol is available in licensed hotel restaurants and bars but is not served in Qatari homes or at business functions hosted by Qataris. Never offer alcohol as a gift.
  7. Gifts are appreciated but should not be lavish enough to appear as a bribe. Quality items from your home country are appropriate. Do not give pork products, alcohol, perfumes containing alcohol, or pigskin items.
  8. If invited to a Qatari home — a significant honor — remove shoes if your host does, eat with the right hand, and accept all food and drink offered.
  9. Do not discuss the subject of women in personal terms, and do not inquire about a counterpart’s wife or daughters.
§ 05 — Communication

Communication

Greetings,
introductions &
conversation
  1. Arabic is the official language. English is widely used in business, particularly with international companies and the expatriate professional community.
  2. The standard greeting is Assalamu Alaikum (“Peace be upon you”). Men shake hands with men; do not offer a handshake to a Qatari woman unless she extends her hand first.
  3. Between men who know each other, greetings may include touching noses or cheeks — follow your counterpart’s lead.
  4. Use titles and family names. “Sheikh” is used for members of the ruling family and other distinguished figures. Learn the correct form of address for your counterpart before the meeting.
  5. Communication tends to be indirect. “Inshallah” (“God willing”) is used frequently and may indicate genuine intent, polite deflection, or uncertainty. Context matters.
  6. Good conversational topics include Qatari development and vision, sports (particularly football and the 2022 World Cup legacy), falconry, and travel. Avoid discussing Israel, the blockade by neighboring countries (2017–2021), and regional politics.
  7. Business cards should be presented with the right hand or both hands. Having one side in Arabic is a sign of respect.
§ 06 — Further Reading

Resources

Government & Data

News & Culture

Cultural Framework