Is there anything that women aren't allowed to do in Qatar that they would in a Western Country?

you need permission to come to Qatar, a sponsor. You need his permission to leave, change jobs, buy a car or a house, take a loan. Be very sure about the sponsor. There are many people here who are not paid promptly, and others who cannot change jobs because of the sponsor's policies. OK working for an international company, you have some place outside Qatar to kick up a fuss if needed. By and large the majority of us don't have problems here, I've been here twelve years and cannot complain too much, but it did take me 9 months to change jobs last time as the sponsor delayed giving permission.

as a single western woman you will be asked all sorts of personal questions and can get some unwelcome attention but in general life is safer here than other places. You will appreciate the good aspects of the lifestyle when you come.

Hi Miss X

Don't worry too much about what has been posted so far. I am a western woman have been living here in Doha for 18 months. First a few of the things that have been posted so far, what you wear is not a huge issue you can technically wear whatever you like but out of respect for the beliefs of the people here we usually don't and if you do you may just get a few "strange" looks. In certain places like the souks etc it is recommended that you cover your shoulders and knee length things are fine. Out shopping I have seen people wear whatever they like but I don't just from what I mentioned above. You are allowed to go to a bar by yourself and at these places we wear whatever you like. If you are here with you boyfriend or whatever it is probably best to mention he is your husband but I am guessing you are working for a western company anyway and then we just don't talk about your personal life. Touching in public is frowned upon and if you are maybe in an extreme PDA you may be asked by the police to stop. Honestly life here is great you can go out drink, have fun but just remember that you are in a Muslim country and respect their beliefs.

Dear MissX, I was not scaring you or discouraging you. but tell you what has been appearing in newspaper. It is reported policemen often take custody of those lovers , who do not abide by the country's customs ( whatever it means !! ,, LOL )

Your Qatari friend is not correct. Lovers DO NOT kiss in public, I can assure you. Those Qatari men who pretend to be "modern" and even sometime talks against the hardcore fundamentalist....pls ask them, what they do at home ? whom they are going to marry ? will they do such public kissing in public ?----- they have two different rules - one to show in front of the western women to get their friendship and other to show at their own society.

You need NOT worry in coming to Qatar. There are lots of Western people in Qatar.. US , Canada, UK, Australia.... I think all are living happily, though may not be 100% happy , but still going on .

Now friendship requests / sending PMs....yes, u can expect these in Qatar. This is just because you are a western women.... but all are non-venomous snakes...LOL..dont worry

Sorry about your spam, that's not a very welcoming gesture on the part of some QLers. Ignore the idiots. I'm an American and haven't had any problem with any legalities whatsoever. But I'd be careful on pushing any dress or male/female issues. The thing about the Gulf is that some laws are not written much less written in stone. What is fine today for one person may be a problem for another tomorrow. So come and look around and be guided by what you see and hear.

you can also ask for multiple exit/entry visa from your employeer. I have that and I do not need my sponcer's permission to leave everytime. I just come and go as i please for the duration of my contract.

A few people mentioned customs, kissing in public and things like that. I was more concerned about being a woman and what legal limitations that might imply.

However I will add, that just because I am from the West does not mean I will run around half naked and acting however I feel like. In fact the majority of Westerners wouldn't. The thing about strict Muslims countries is that you are not allowed to do certain things. Whereas in a Western country, you are allowed to do those things, however most people make the choice not to. The difference lies in the freedom to choose.

Someone above mentioned a few things I have some questions about. They said that women are not allowed to wear short dresses or kiss their boyfriend in public. However my Qatari friend (who often goes to various places in his boxer shorts) assures me that people do do those things and although frowned upon by strict muslims, is not illegal and is acceptable to most others. What is the truth? I am just trying to get an idea of what Qatar is really like so I am prepared when I arrive there.

Btw, do other people get spammed by others in private messages to be their friend, or is it the fact that I mentioned I am a woman?

remember qatar is a muslim country which means that you have to respect the cultures and values of islam. one example is the way of dressing for a woman. i dont think its appropriate to walk aorund in the street with only a very transparent or very short dress( you know what i mean!).

Easy answer the country is modern

The legal system is Sharia....

Thus a theocratic system is very different to all Western countries... the underpinning social and legal aspects should be always considered.

Discretion is advised and a little prudence in behaviour and you should be fine. If in doubt dont do it.

There is a big different between living on a 100% Western compound than a random flat in a neighbourhood.

Ditto the company you work for.

I am not someone, who supports what is happening in Qatar in terms of liberty of women and Employees.

but labelling onself "I am a Western woman" and expecting to do what you have been doing in Western world ... is also not a right thing.

You will not be allowed to stay with yoiur boyfriend, to kiss him in public, to drink & drive, to go alone in a Pub, roamign around a boxer shorts in a supermarkt ....etc.etc..... if you think these are the great things one "western" woman should do.

There are lots of westerners in Qatar who enjoy their life in a low profile mannaer and also in their own gathering may be in high profile. They came here for business or employment. When they get good money, they dont complain about the curtailment of freedom, but try to adopt with the culture of the country.

Good luck

Hi,

When I used to live in Qatar 4 years ago you had to get a letter from your sponsor allowing you to buy a car so that you can register it in your name! may be this has changed but bare it in mind.

Kind regards

Of course in Qatar some of your rights are restricted. You cannot live together with your boyfriend. In most of the cases, You cannot be admitted to the hotel with the man who is not your husband. You cannot smoke in the street. You cannot drive the car with any level of alcohol in your blood, except of ‘zero'. you cannot have an extra part time job

I am sure you normally take for granted the freedom of leaving the country any time you want... forget about it in Qatar… you will need your sponsor’s permission for it..

I would re-phrase your statement: Qatar is a modern country when it comes to…towers and other construction creatures…

Laws? I doubt it.

in my openion qatar is modren country but it is so change from Dubai is that clear also if you want to go to hotel and bar or want to book room you can but that should not be like prostitue or anything like that i mean a lot of people do a lot of other things they are not allowed to do but once they get catch they are in trouble. also if you want to business in Qatar but you have to join qatar like partner and the retio of your business will be 51:49 51 would be for Qatari and 49 will be for you

here is my personal email [email protected] if you wish you can ask asnything you want i hope my answer helpfull for you in my email you just write mr_uddin in yahoothere is no -a -t ok

have a nice time

http://www.qatarliving.com/qatar-guide

You shall find all the required information on the above link. Good luck and welcome to Qatar.

Modern generally means something that is "up-to-date", "new", or from the present time.

you have heard it right about Qatar. being a woman would not restrict you your freedom of being a human being. but as required in any modern world , being a respectful guest you are required to value the traditions of the country.

welcome to Doha