Dress code

Brit please dont forget the pink thongs under that :)

Here I tell you it is prefered a descent dress but no one will force you.

The best thing is look at the two type of westerns here in Qatar, one type is dressed in way which is not as our tradition here and it very close to some western style American or European, and at the same time they are for us considered acceptable and normal 100%.

The other type is again close to some western style American or European and not acceptable for us and for some western people.

Respectable dress is welcomed in any country in the world.

Some women with short skirts do not have a big deal if they sit some were in a mall and 65 % percent of their leg is shown, and what is above the knee can be seen.

Now that winter is here, will it be Ok for me to wear a woolen sarong and socks with my flip flops ?

Indeed a super cool Qatari...good response. Where have you been hiding?

@ Isolda

I guess as a Qatari, my assurance will put u more at ease with it all, so let me give u the local's prospective if I may.

Depending on ur lifestyle, which sounds rather modern and upbeat like my own, u'll probably run into more expats than locals anyways, and usually they don't judge ur attire and consider it more of an occasion/weather thing. Having said that, certain establishments that r frequent by locals of a certain background tend to be more conservative, and will place some rules that apply within the establishment, but they tend to be monitored loosely anyways, which explains the facebook pics ur seeing. Those spots that tend to be more conservative u'll find out as u go along, they're not difficult to spot. other spots will be no different than where u come from. It's not actually against the law to dress in say daisy dukes or mini skirts or anything of a kind, but tolerance to that attire is more of "venue/location" based thing just like any city in the world where going to a shopping mall in the suburbs means meeting more conservative ppl vs shopping at mall in downtown area.

what u do get sometimes r a couple of stares, from ppl u don't know and will never know, so I just pay them no mind cuz they don't matter. I'm a Qatari who lived most of his life abroad, so I know I don't represent a typical Qatari, but I also know that I never ever had to ask my wife to tone it down and she's quite into fashion and trends all the time.

Hope this helps

Troll alert methinks....

Yes trousers and jeans are fine and a scarf to cover shoulders/back is perfectly acceptable. generally, sleeveless tops are ok too just not spaghetti straps or strapless without a scarf or cardigan. I still wear my shorter dresses too; I just pair them with skinny jeans or slim capris. Low cut tops can be remedied with a little tank top underneath. Same thing for anything too sheer. Hotel clubs and bars tend to be more relaxed so you can dress as you would at home but cover up on your way to and from.

Qatar is not really strict. No one will tell you what to wear unless you are in a restaraunt with a dress code or something. I just find, with everyone walking around completely covered, I feel a bit exposed in some of the things I wouldn't have thought twice about back home. Don't do a bunch of shopping though. I bought several tunic type tops and long skirts before I came and I NEVER wear the tops anymore. I like the skirts but there are plenty available here if u find u need to augment ur wardrobe.

Don't worry, the fact that ur putting a little thought into this, shows that ur conscientious enough not to be offensive to anyone. It will take a few extra minutes to get dressed in the morning but, eventually, u'll find what ur comfortable with and u won't have to think about it anymore.

Another thing: if a dress doesn't cover the shoulders, is it enough to cover them with a large scarf or toile? That's crazy, I've been to Tunesia, an arabic country as well, but never had any problems with my dress code... Looks like in Qatar they are more strict...

Thanks for your experience. Nobody said anything about trouses. I hope we can wear trouses??? I really don't have any floor length skirts and all my long dresses have an open back and shoulders... Will need to invest in clothing :)

Thank you, everytbody! I'll try to sort out all that is said. The only thing that I don't like is the advise to wear my very feminine dresses at home :) They cost a fortune and it is a pitty to keep them closed in a wardrobe :)

Here's my experience, for the first few months I was very self concious about my wardrobe. It took forever to decide what to wear. After one year here, I feel, I've internalized some of the expectations toward modesty. You will see some westerners showing more skin than is recommended. Personally, I would not recommend following suit. Just because some people do it, does not mean it is appropriate. When out in malls or any public place locals frequent, I wear full length skirts and my shoulders are covered. I've experimented with calf length skirts and found that in some places, I felt out of place in these. I don't feel I'm being inappropriate in a knee length skirt and leggings but, if there are many women in elaborate abayas and ten inch heels, I definitely feel under dressed, if not, a bit on the trashy side. At the compound, which is predominantly westerners, I will wear a casual knee-length sundress that bears the shoulders and feel ok. Unless I pass our Muslim friends on the way to the mosque. Then, I always feel kinda busted ;) Many women on the compound wear short shorts or dresses and, for the most part, it's ok. I just don't want to draw attention to myself so I keep it ultra conservative. Bikini in the pool however and lululemon at the gym ;) I won't become a total prude.

Even when I am accompagnied by my husband?

I know how you feel...It's sad to say that in this place, to show off even a lil skin makes men excited. But better if you keep yourself fully clothed, and say not tight clothes. Coz if you don't want men to be lurking around you, then better to be unseen by the hungry eyes...

Will you shop with knee length pencil dress and high heels in your own country? Not easy to run after 2 naughty kids in a family restaurant in this outfit. Dress casual, in non provocative manners, follow the dress code. Once you have settled down you can judge by yourself what is the most appropriate clothes to wear. You can always bring your very feminine dresses and wear them at home or when you go out for parties.

ROFL

Yep, but wear something. It would be for your own safety...:)

Wear what you want. They're only guidelines, not laws.

there are specific places for each kind of dress, e.g. there are some shopping malls where u can wear short skirt, but in other malls u will find it improper to wear the same.

most probably nobody is gonna prevent u, but u will not feel comfortable.

I dont think you will have any issues. There are many women dressed in western clothes in all the malls here.

Qatar Dress Code

Things to remember…

It is very important to be sensitive to the dress code in Qatar and although tourists are not expected to cover up completely there are a few things all WSDC participants should be conscious of.

• Girls/Women

The most important thing to remember is that shoulders and knees must be covered and low cut tops should be particularly avoided.

It is not necessary to cover the lower part of the leg but girls may choose to wear dark or opaque tights or leggings underneath their skirts if they are concerned and crop trousers are perfectly acceptable. Again there is no problem showing the lower part of the arm but the shoulder must be fully covered and preferably not with material which is partly or fully see through. The best way to cover up is to bring a light jacket or simply wrap a scarf/pashmina around the shoulders.

• Boys/Men

Shorts/trousers should cover the knee and clothes in general should be respectful and not have rude or inappropriate slogans or images viable. As with girls, shirts and T-shirts should cover the upper arm.

• In General

Sandals are perfectly acceptable for both men and women.

Both men and women can wear their normal bathing suits etc to the pool or on the beach but they should be fully clothed when walking through the hotel.

Although the temperatures in Qatar may be warmer that other countries in February, it is still winter so evenings are cooler and on occasions so is the day. There is air conditioning in nearly every building which can often be on very high, making the temperature very cold inside, so it is worth while bringing some warmer clothes to take off the chill.

There will be an organised excursion to the desert and it will be cold after the sun sets.

This dress code applies to all events including the opening and closing ceremonies and the break night party.

Thank you for your cooperation.