General Information » Culture & Lifestyle » National Dress

On the whole, the national population always wear their traditional dress in public. For men this is the dishdash(a) (or khandura, or thobe) – a white full length shirt dress, which is worn with a white, or red and white checked, headdress called a gutra. This is secured with a black cord (agal). Sheikhs and important businessmen may also wear a further robe with fine embroidery called a bisht, or mishlah, over their dishdasha at important events. Qatar has a tradition of producing quality embroidered textiles and clothing.

In public, women wear the black abaya – a long, loose black robe that covers their normal clothes – plus a headscarf called the sheyla. The abaya is often of very sheer, flowing fabric and may be open at the front. Some women also wear a thin black veil hiding their face and/or gloves, and older women sometimes still wear a leather mask, known as a burkha, which covers the nose, brow and cheekbones. Underneath the abaya, women traditionally wear a long tunic over loose, flowing trousers (sirwall), which are often heavily embroidered and fitted at the wrists and ankles. However, these are used more by the older generation and modern women will often wear the latest fashions from international stores underneath.



xxxxxx tip box xxxxxxxxx

Dress Code

Qatar is a Muslim country, and as such you should respect the local customs by dressing conservatively whenever out in public. Skirts or shorts above the knee should be avoided, as should sleeveless tops that expose the shoulders or upper arms. Very tight or revealing clothing is a no-no (for men and women!). It's not that you'll get into heaps of trouble, you'll just attract a lot of unwelcome attention and possibly some remarks. The best bet is to cover up.