Are you visiting Qatar soon and wondering what clothes to bring and wear?
Though Qatar is a very welcoming country, when you're here, you’re expected to observe dressing etiquettes with respect to Qatari culture and traditions.
As per Visit Qatar,
"Attitudes towards dress in Qatar are relaxed, but visitors (men as well as women) are expected to show respect for local culture by avoiding excessively revealing clothing in public. It is generally recommended for men and women to ensure their shoulders and knees are covered."
Most Qatari women wear traditional dress—which is the abaya and shayla—as a symbol of their culture and heritage. By saying this, female visitors are also expected to be in ‘modest attire’, which means skipping overly short skirts, shorts and revealing tops.
Do you have to wear an abaya in Qatar? No, it’s not compulsory for tourists to dress like the locals. But as a visitor, can you wear an abaya? Yes, all ladies are welcome to wear abayas, and they don't have to be black.
READ: A guide to buying an abaya in Qatar
When visiting mosques or government buildings, wearing shorts, skirts above the knees and sleeveless/ short sleeves are prohibited. You will also need to cover your hair when entering mosques.
Can women wear bikinis? Yes, but only when in a hotel swimming pool or a private beach. Otherwise, shorts and shirts are required in theme parks and public beaches.
Pants and T-shirts are acceptable for men but do not take off your shirts as it’s prohibited. Men should keep their shirts on unless they're at the beach or in a private pool, and if they wear shorts, they should cover the knees.
Can men wear trunks? Yes, but only when in a hotel swimming pool or a private beach. Otherwise, shorts and shirts are required in theme parks and public beaches.
For government buildings and most religious places, tight shirts/ sleeveless shirts and shorts are not allowed. Men are required to enter premises with covered shoulders and legs. Also, avoid slogan t-shirts that may in any way be offensive.
Thinking of wearing thobes? Why not? Qataris will feel honoured that you want to try their national dress and embrace the Qatari culture. So, yes, male visitors and expats are allowed to wear thobes.
Fans and spectators need not worry as weather and temperatures are pleasant in November and December, thanks to the cool desert breeze.
Typical daytime temperatures reach around 24 degrees Celsius and about 18 degrees Celsius during the night. It’s best to carry light jackets and cardigans, and it won’t harm if you keep a bonnet and pair of gloves when you’re out and about in Qatar during these times.
Read more: What's the weather like in Qatar?
And there are plenty of shopping malls in Qatar where you can buy just about everything and anything you need particularly clothes to wear for your entire stay.
So, when are you travelling to Qatar? Will it be in the summer or wintertime? Did you find this guide useful? Let us know in the comments section below, and please share this article with family and friends — it keeps us going!
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