Its really a matter of personal choice - I have lived in Qatar for 8 years and people are more relaxed about their choice in clothes than when I first arrived.

I guess by short pants you mean a pair of shorts - As long as they are not too short I cant see a problem.

Really its women that seem to feel more uncomfortable in what to wear here.

I personally have never had a problem wearing any of the clothes I have chosen to wear. Some women here chose to lose their own identity.......