MxY - right. see, there are ome ways to ask it without being too blunt and make the situation seem uncomfortable. offer your greetings and introduce yourself first -- isnt that the right way to do it? rather than asking "whats your name?" the first time you break the silence. and i never did mention that it only happens in Qatar.
btw, i do enter the lift with guys inside, provided there is a woman in there too.