Your experience of culture shock in Qatar

Hi,

Living in a foreign country implies to discover its culture, to learn and master the cultural codes.

How did you deal with that? Share with us your culture shock stories where you experienced a funny or awkward moment in Qatar.

What is your advice regarding the don'ts and what would you recommend to avoid any mistake?

Thank you in advance for sharing your stories,

Christine

When coming to Qatar or any foreign country.
At the 1st instant get on the internet and type in questions related to the country your in.
every question you need to know can be answered on line.

It wasn't a major cultural shock for us since we came from Dubai where the culture is quiet similar in many ways. Yes! Something I can advice the foreigners is that don't take your earnings for granted. Spend within your means and stop borrowing credit to dine out and buy fancy cars. You have a salary today and you could lose it tomorrow, that's when the real trouble starts. As a country Qatar has and respects diverse cultures as long as they don't disrespect any religious beliefs or laws of the land. Yeah there are some online communities or social groups of certain nationalities here. All else is nothing shocking.

The only culture shock is the roads because not all country's drive the same,Beware!

Ask yourself what are you coming to the middle east for ? holiday or work?
If your coming for holiday respect the culture enjoy your time and the people spend some  money and go home .
If your coming for work respect the culture enjoy your time ,remember you are here for work as a professional  and save an then go home .
You are on borrowed time so make the best of your experience and don't go back  home  without achieving anything your goals  .Spend conservatively no need for big villas,boats or 4 wheel drives.etc
Dont buy furniture, rent a fully furnished apartment,to rent a car is less hassle, but if you buy a car for cash 76,000 QR  you will have paid for a hire car for 3 years and able to sell the car for some return cash.
I f you are single don't be stupid!
If you are with your partner it is good for your relationship to work as a team and achieve your Goals together.

Have no experience yet!! But I would say that every country has its own culture and when you are in a new country you have to respect their habits and their laws. It's that simple!