Qatar

Hosting guests for shared meals is a fundamental part of Qatari culture, with dining together a foundation of family and social life. A key tip to remember is that locals will only pass food with their right hand. Following this tradition will impress Qatari hosts. One of the best places for a traditional Qatari meal is Shay Al Shoomos, located within the Souq Waqif. Guests can sample a range of local specialties including margoga, small pieces of bread mixed with sauce and cooked vegetables, and regag, a traditional Arabic crêpe.

Tourists can enjoy their favourite beverage in hotel restaurants across the country, of which there are plenty. For a special evening, it’s worth visiting Nobu Doha, which overlooks the Arabian Sea and the capital’s skyline, making it the perfect setting at sunset. Alternatively, La Cigale, voted the leading dining and entertainment experience in both Qatar and the Middle East, has a rooftop terrace to enjoy the Doha skyline by sunshine or starlight, located on the 15th floor.

Ramadan takes place for 30 days every year and begins and ends depending on the sighting of the Moon. The holy month is observed by Muslims in Qatar and around the world and is used as a time of prayer, community and fasting. When the month ends, all come together for Eid al-Fitr – a period of celebration filled with feasting, storytelling and games. Ramadan and its fasting is one of the five pillars of the Islamic faith and it’s respectful for those not observing it to be mindful of worship and fasting times. Should a visit to Qatar fall at this time, it’s worth checking the fasting times so you can celebrate breaking the fast with the locals each night!

Qatar is relatively relaxed around dress, although it’s recommended for both men and women to cover their shoulders and knees. For those wanting to hop into a swimsuit and catch some rays, there are plenty of places to do so, at one of the many private hotel pools or beaches. These include the Aleph Doha Residences by Hilton, which features Doha’s highest swimming pool, or the St Regis Doha, with its pristine white sand private beach.

Halfway through Ramadan, on the 14th day, Qataris celebrate Garangao, a fun tradition for children to recognise their fasting efforts. During Garangao, after the sunset prayer, children dress up in traditional clothes, carry a decorated bag, and visit their neighbourhoods singing Garangao songs, and collect treats, such as sweets or nuts. For those visiting Qatar with children during this time, there are ways to get involved with celebrations held across the country, including at the National Museum of Qatar or the Mall of Qatar.

Falconry plays a vital role in the region’s history and is recognised by UNESCO as a living human heritage. The birds are trained to hunt and follow the commands of their handlers — the Bedouins. Travellers can visit the Falcon Souq, where these elegant birds sit on perches. There is an annual Qatar Falconry Festival, which is an unmissable event held in January, if you are lucky enough to be visiting at that time.