Alcohol is available in hotel and club restaurants and bars. However, restaurants outside the hotels are not permitted to serve alcoholic beverages.
Business Hours
In Qatar, the workweek runs from Sunday to Thursday, with Friday and Saturday off. Some businesses close only half-day on Thursday, while government offices operate from 6 am to 2 pm. Commercial offices have two shifts: 7:30 am to 12 noon and 3:30 pm to 7:30 pm.
Clothing
Lightweight clothing suits most of the year, with sweaters for cool winter evenings. Qatar’s dress code is relaxed but avoid revealing outfits. Swimwear is fine at pools and beaches. Sunglasses and head protection are recommended.
Photography
Tourist photography is fine, but avoid photographing local women and ask permission before photographing men. Don’t take photos of government or military sites.
Useful Tips
In Ramadan, never eat, drink or smoke in public during daylight hours. Do not take photographs of military installations or national women. Never drink alcohol in public.
Holidays, Festivals and Important Dates in Qatar
Qatar's holidays are mostly Islamic, with dates based on the lunar calendar. They are often announced the night before, including Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha, Lailat Al Qadr, and Mawlid An-Nabi.
Currency
The currency in Qatar is the Qatari Riyal (QAR), divided into 100 dirhams. It is pegged to the IMF’s Special Drawing Right and has been stable against the US dollar since 1980, with a rate of approximately US$1 = QAR3.66.
Language & Religion
The official language of Qatar is Arabic, but English is widely spoken and used in business. Islam is the state religion, and there are many mosques, but other religions are respected and Christian churches are also present.
Local Time
The State of Qatar is three hours ahead of GMT.
Credit Cards
American Express, Diners Club, Visa, MasterCard, etc. are generally accepted in the main hotels and larger shops but some retailers offer beer bargains for cash.
Climate
Qatar has a sunny, arid climate. Summers are very hot (up to 40ºC), while winters are cooler with occasional rain. Spring and autumn are warm, with temperatures from 25ºC to 35ºC by day and 15ºC to 22ºC at night.
National Day
Qatar celebrates National Day on December 18th, marking the 1878 succession of Shaikh Jasim, the founder of Qatar, as ruler. The day honors the nation's identity, history, and the visionaries who shaped the country.
