From Souqs to Sand Dunes: My Qatar Notes

Mosque in Old Doha Port

I’ve been living in the Middle East since 2017, but I still remember the rush of stepping into Dubai after years of sun-soaked beaches in Sri Lanka. Everything felt different, new, almost uncanny — and I couldn’t stop jotting down little notes about the surprises around me.

That habit stuck. When I first arrived in Qatar, I did the same. I spent four months there preparing for the FIFA World Cup, and at first, it felt so close to the UAE that I sometimes forgot I was in a different country. But the details kept reminding me — tiny things that caught my eye then and still captivate me today.

After FIFA World Cup, life carried me across multiple countries, yet Qatar remained one of them. Each visit adds new entries to my collection of notes: curious traditions, everyday moments, little quirks that make this place unforgettable.

Living in Qatar is full of surprises — small, quirky, and sometimes downright fascinating. Here’s a glimpse into what makes this desert nation so unique:

Old Doha Port (Mina Port)

• Ramadan Rhythms: Work hours shrink during Ramadan, usually to around six hours a day, but the timing changes across sectors. Offices can be strict or flexible, but the real challenge? Shopping malls, museums, and salons that close midday and reopen in the evening. If Ramadan falls in summer, daytime can feel like a quiet ghost town.

  
  

• Temperature Extremes: Summer can scorch past 50°C, making air-conditioning a lifesaver. Winter, on the other hand, brings pleasant 19°C days and chilly nights that call for jackets.

  
  

• A Nation of Expats: Qatari nationals make up only around 10–12% of the population. The rest? Expats from all over the world with majority of people from India, Pakistan, the Philippines, Egypt & Nepal.

Qatari Desert Dunes

• Weekend Twist: Unlike the West, weekends fall on Friday and Saturday, with Sunday as a regular workday — it takes a little getting used to.

  
  

• No Tax, High Salaries: Qatar doesn’t charge income tax, making it attractive for expats. But beware — housing, schooling, and daily living can be pricey.

  
  

• One of the Safest Countries: Qatar consistently ranks among the safest countries in the world, with extremely low crime rates.

  
  

• Desert Getaways: Both locals and expats love heading to the desert for camping, BBQs, and dune-bashing — especially when the weather cools down.

  
  

• Gas-Rich, Not Oil-Rich: Unlike Saudi Arabia or the UAE, Qatar’s wealth comes from natural gas, holding the third-largest reserves in the world.

  
  

• Strict Alcohol Rules: Alcohol is only available in licensed bars and few liquor stores (QDCs) for non-Muslims with a permit. Drinking in public? Illegal. During a Holy month no alcohol available even in licensed places.

  
  

• Vape Ban: Vapes are forbidden — confiscated at the airport if you try to bring them in. Cigarettes are fine, but vapes? Strictly off-limits. Some people pay a huge markup via Instagram sellers if they really want one.

  
  

• Fancy Number Plates: Qataris love personalized plates — some auctioned for millions of riyals!

  
  

  

  Source: Qmotor

  
  

• Arabic Coffee & Dates Everywhere: Hospitality is woven into daily life — qahwa (Arabic coffee) and dates are offered in homes, offices, and even some government buildings.

  
  

• Malls as Social Hubs: When the heat hits, malls transform into entertainment havens — with ice rinks, cinemas, indoor theme parks, and luxury dining.

  
  

• Lush Green Parks in the Desert: Aspire Park and Oxygen Park provide serene green spaces in the middle of the arid landscape — proof that life can flourish anywhere.

  
  

• Limited Public Transport: Unlike Dubai, taxis and ride-hailing apps dominate. The Doha Metro is modern and efficient, but outside the city, a car is essential.

Old fishermen spot in Corniche

• Pearling Over Oil: Before gas wealth, Qatar thrived on pearl diving — once among the best in the world.

  
  

• Hyper-Luxurious Lifestyle Meets Calm Tradition: Supercars, designer brands, and lavish dining are common — yet the country also offers quiet beaches, family-friendly parks, and peaceful retreats.

  
  

• Hayya Card System: Since FIFA 2022, the Hayya Card has made visa-free travel during events smoother for visitors. Read more here

  
  

• PDA & Dress Codes: Public displays of affection are prohibited, and modest dress is expected — though Qatar is generally more relaxed than some of its Gulf neighbors.

  
  

Cultural Village

If you have any memorable insights or experiences from your visit to Qatar, please share them in the comments below — I’d love to read about them!