How to Dress Suitably in Doha - Tips for Travellers on Being Culturally Sensitive

You will find that the dress code when it comes to tourists exploring the city of Doha isn’t very restrictive in comparison to some other nations in the region. The nation’s capital, Doha, features a large number of expatriate workers and tourists which means that the locals are fairly accustomed to different styles of dress. 

However, it is still important to dress modestly as you explore Doha as a conservative Islamic culture still prevails in the city and the country as a whole. This means that it is unacceptable to be seen in public wearing skimpy or revealing clothing. By dressing according to the accepted norms (more details on this aspect are found below), you will be able to enjoy a pleasant and hassle-free visit. 

Generally, women visiting Qatar would be expected to cover their shoulders and attire themselves in dresses, skirts or pants that extend past the knees. On the other hand, foreign women don't need to cover their hair or wear an abaya (the black robe worn by local women). 

Suitable clothing for women will include a skirt or trousers that reach past the knee paired with a top which conceals the cleavage and shoulders. Jeans with a relaxed fit and other varieties of loose trousers will also be suitable attire in Doha. You should look to also don clothes composed of light cotton, light linen and silk which would be comfortable in the warm local climate. On the other hand, clothing made from materials such as polyester could feel heavy and sweaty in the climate of Qatar. Although it wouldn’t be unacceptable to wear shorts when out in public, if you do so, they should extend at least to above the knees; similarly you should complement them with a fairly conservative top to respect the local culture. 

Foreign men are also expected to dress conservatively, although modest summer wear will generally be acceptable. Whilst a T-shirt and a pair of shorts would be satisfactory, the shorts should preferably be of knee length and one should avoid wearing vest tops.

Local men would avoid donning vest tops in public settings and expatriate workers too, generally wouldn’t attire themselves in this manner. On the other hand, a regular T-shirt wouldn’t raise eyebrows when worn by tourists wandering around the city. 

Naturally, you may desire to visit a mosque to experience the local religious culture during your visit to the Qatari capital. However, you will find that the dress code for visiting mosques happens to be strict and you will be denied entry if you are inappropriately dressed. 

Women will be expected to wear loose-fitting clothes that cover the entirety of their bodies such as ankle-length skirts or pants, and a high-necked, long-sleeved top. Clothing must not be transparent, tight or revealing. Additionally, they will also be obliged to cover their hair.

Meanwhile, men should avoid sleeveless tops and shorts when visiting mosques. Full-length trousers may be regarded as an acceptable choice of attire. Both men and women must remove footwear when entering such a sacred site. When seeking the_ best hotel deals in Doha_, an accommodation choice to consider from which you could visit local mosques would be Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels by Tivoli. At such private hotels, there will be a more relaxed dress code as well.

When it comes to beaches at resort hotels you may don swimwear like bikinis; on the other hand at public beaches, you must dress more modestly and both women and men must refrain from showing too much skin.