Traditions of Islam in Qatar

Since a majority of Qatari are Muslims, the traditions that are practiced relate to Islam. Most Arab women cover most their body when going outside. “The traditional black overgarment (abaya) is ankle length with long sleeves and a high neckline, and the hair is covered” (“People and Culture”). It depends on how strict the husbands are and how much the women want to cover up. Men are encouraged to wear a “thobe, a loose, ankle-length robe made from fine white cotton (“People and Culture”). Their culture is based on Bedouin poetry, song and dance and they do traditional dances called Ardah. Ardah is "a stylized martial dance performed by two rows of dancers who are accompanied by an array of percussion instruments, including al-ras (a large drum whose leather is heated by an open fire), tambourine and cymbals, along with small drums (“People and Culture”). Other than this, they have two main religious holiday that they celebrate Eid Al Fitr, which follows Ramadan and Eid Al Adha, which is 40 days after Eid Al Fitr.

@llo’ Expat. “People and Culture”. AlloExpat.com. http://www.qatar.alloexpat.com/qatar_information/culture_qatar.php (accesed on May 26,2009).