HELP PLEASE What should I wear/bring to Qatari home???
HELP PLEASE, what to wear/bring to Qatari home?
My family and I have been invited to the home of my husband's Qatari coworker. We are to arrive at around 11 am and will be staying into the evening for dinner. This is the family home and the parents and grandparents will be there so I have been encouraged to wear an abaya (which I am more than happy to do). Some Muslim friends took me shopping and helped me pick one out at a shop in Villaggio. The issue I'm having is that I'm unsure if the women may be separate at some point and might take off thier abayas. Not sure what I should wear underneath?? I know, "normal clothes" but should I be concerned that they cover everything and not be too tight or revealing? Also, from what I can tell, Qatari women are very stylish and seem to be more "dressed up" than what I might typically wear, should I be dressed formally for this gathering? I have already decided that high heals are probably in order but just not sure how fancy a family dinner might be.
I feel very honoured that they would have us in their home and I would like to bring a gift to show our appreciation. Any thoughts on what might b appropriate. I want to get something nice but have no clue what they might enjoy. thought about gourmet treats like Lauderee macaroons or something along those lines but not sure if that would b sufficient. My friend suggested a box of quality frankenscence but, ya, I would appreciate any thoughts
Thank you all for your advice. The gathering has been postponed as a work crisis arose, which both my husband and our host had to attend to. I was really looking forward to this event butI believe our new date will now correspond to the grandmother's birthday. This is a blessing and I no longer need to fret about what to wear as I'm certain this will b a "dress-up" occasion (wasn't sure about the family dinner as even in Canada, different families have different ideas about attire).
Will wear high heals, a long dress and abaya ( don't really know what a jalabiya is, sorry, but abaya is purchased and lovely and would b a shame not to wear it). Just to clarify though, if I'm wearing an abaya, should I be concerned about spaghetti straps on my dress ( it'll b covered up when men are around) ??
Should b a nice time. I haven't had much opportunity to interact with local people and I can't imagine a better way to learn about a place than to get to know the people :)
I'll update all when it's through.
We would appreciate if you tell us more about ur experience after the visit
You are doing a lot of efforts and they will be appreciated.
It all depends on the place you are invited to, ,,it might be home, beach house or to a farm,,,
As you mentioned from 11am till dinner, it means that you might have lunch and dinner. Wear something comfortable under the abbaya. Noting dressy, short or sleeveless,, it is not a wedding party. Why don't you wear a djalabiya? You will spend most of your time with the ladies and you will learn a lot from them. This is a lovely experience,, enjoy it.
Read about the do and don't do in Marhaba magazine, remember to receive whatever you are handed with right hand, give back with right hand and eat with your right hand,,
As for the gift,,, chocolates, sweets will be fine. But as our friend wrote, they are just happy to receive you.
Enjoy and write about your experience.
We normally bring sweets when we are invited by Qatari friends. With regards to dress, dress decently. If there is special occassion, you can wear long dress with a showl to cover your arms and shoulders. when you get there, there will be separate majilis for ladies where you can remove your cover.
When the women are alone anything goes but the Qatari women dress very elegantly. I'm no aficionado but I would suggest something elegant but not overdone. A semi formal evening dress with high heels and hair done up a bit. Remember that whatever you wear under the abaya has to be comfortable with the abaya on. As for something to take - don't feel pressured - the Qatari's are dear people and the gesture counts more than the price of the gift. Take something that you would appreciate receiving. Just relax - you'll enjoy it I'm sure.