... but locals are obliged to wear it. I was told at work that they even get an allowance to wear the costume (not sure from the company or the state). They are not supposed to wear anything else while in Qatar. It is sort displaying that you belong to a certain race when you're in a minority situation, and i'm not going into the VIP territory again.
As for western women wearing it, as long as you're not walking "alone", it should be OK. At the least you should be walking with another woman, preferably wearing the same. If you two get into a Landcruiser at the end of your walk, that's even better :)
... but locals are obliged to wear it. I was told at work that they even get an allowance to wear the costume (not sure from the company or the state). They are not supposed to wear anything else while in Qatar. It is sort displaying that you belong to a certain race when you're in a minority situation, and i'm not going into the VIP territory again.
As for western women wearing it, as long as you're not walking "alone", it should be OK. At the least you should be walking with another woman, preferably wearing the same. If you two get into a Landcruiser at the end of your walk, that's even better :)
Moudir