Getting into the psyche of local Qatari’s.
Qataris are typical Arabs with a love of luxury and a wide-ranging soul. Even though the country keeps up with the times, erecting cyclopean skyscrapers, pouring artificial islands into the sea and actively introducing new technologies, ancient traditions and culture are sacredly honored.
Clothes. What to wear?
Here, the formal dressing style allows men not to wear a headdress, and women show off in long dresses with a modest neckline without a neckline. However, it is impossible to imagine that the locals would change the white long-sleeved shirt, abayas, and the Sheila that covers the hair and go out into the street in something else.
The fair sex in Qatar, unlike other countries of the Arab East, play a full role in the life of the country. Therefore, tourists, especially those travelling alone, do not have to worry – there are no particular restrictions regarding behavior and clothing for them.
Shopping! Where to go and what to bring from Qatar?
Doha has many fantastic shopping destinations. One of the best is the Villaggio shopping center with a massive selection of shops, cafes and restaurants. Those who like to shop will enjoy the largest mall in the capital City Center. Here you can find exciting shoes, world-class clothing, locally produced goods and stylish home accessories.
Jewellery is incredibly well represented. Another kingdom of jewellery awaits at the Gold Bazaar, where many beautiful things are sold for both young ladies and men. For designer clothes, head to Pearl Qatar, where you will find many luxury shops.
If you want to bring a memorable Qatari-style souvenir, then you need to keep on your way to the Souk Waqif bazaar. Take a closer look here at the Arabian oil perfumes, whose fragrances are countless. Besides, in specialized shops, you can create your own unique composition. Caskets, dishes and mirrors decorated with artistic embossing will be a good gift. Various lamps made of copper, glass and leather are also popular with tourists.
Local kitchen. What to try?
The basis of modern cuisine in Qatar is meat with all kinds of side dishes. The dishes abound in aromatic spices, their taste is bright, but not at all spicy. Pork is not eaten here (religion does not allow), preferring chicken and lamb.
The show stopper was definitely a local dish; meat on a skewer and cooked without oil – so it turns out to be very soft and has a crust that retains juice. Fruits and nuts are often added to food during the cooking phase to add flavor to the food.
Snacks: It is an integral part of the local meal. As a snack, olives, cheeses, rice in Warak Enab grape leaves, vegetable pates, among which hummus – a paste made from Arab peas and sesame seeds – and eggplant mutable, can be used.
Main dishes: Consider that you have not been to Qatar if you have not tried Kusi – lamb on a spit with raisins and nuts. Another favorite dish is kusa Makshi (zucchini stuffed with meat, mint and garlic). Matruba – a stew of beans, chicken or fish – Qatar people prefer to feast on in Ramadan, but tourists can feel all the facets of this gastronomic masterpiece’s taste at any time of the year.
Desserts: In addition to the delicious dates used in Qatar’s various forms, tourists will find very colorful sweets. The puddings are worth trying: mehalabia with flower water and pistachios and sago flavored with saffron and cardamom. As a sweet dish, ballet noodles “marinated” in sugar and spices are served. The Arabian cheesecake tastes excellent too.
The drinks: At the forefront of the country is coffee, which, like in other eastern countries, is brewed according to unique recipes. The Qatari way of cooking involves the addition of cardamom, saffron and often milk. The Arabic version is also popular when this drink is drunk with cardamom and without sugar. Tea, juices, fruit cocktails can be ordered everywhere.
That’s cool, but how do I get around?
Getting around in the capital of Qatar is very easy. A few options we recommend are:
- City buses;
- Taxis (very easy to spot since they’re in blue);
- Car/van rental companies.
If you are on a budget and still want your trip to be glamorous enough to be insta-worthy, cheap transportation is highly encouraged. If you are travelling in a large group, you can use services like bus hire with driver to keep your pockets comparatively fuller.
