Culture

When contrasted with other Arab states (Saudi Arabia, for example), Qatar has comparatively liberal laws, but is still not as liberal as some of its neighbours such as UAE or Bahrain. For example, women can drive in Qatar, whereas they may not legally drive in Saudi Arabia.

The country has undergone a period of liberalisation and modernisation after the current Emir of Qatar, Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, came to power. For example, women can dress mostly as they please in public (although in practice local Qatari women generally don the black abaya). Before the liberalisation, it was taboo for men to wear shorts in public.

The laws of Qatar tolerate alcohol to a certain extent. However, public bars and nightclubs in Qatar operate only in expensive hotels, much like the emirates and Bahrain, though the number of establishments has yet to equal that of UAE.

Music, Song and Dance

Qatar's culture is based on Bedouin poetry, song and dance. Traditional dances in Doha are performed on Friday afternoons; one such dance is the Ardah, a stylised martial dance performed by two rows of dancers who are accompanied by an array of percussion instruments, including al-ras (a large drum whose leather is heated by an open fire), tambourine and cymbals, along with small drums. Other instruments played in Qatar include the oud and rebaba, both string instruments, as well as the Arabian flute.

Most Qataris also enjoy listening to Khaliji music in the style of the traditional Bedouin music. This music dominates the airwaves in the capital Doha as well as in the rest of the country.