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Social Profile
Food & Drink: While the best food is generally found in hotels, Western, Chinese, Indian, Thai, Persian and US cuisine is also available. All the major hotels have good public restaurants and most offer outside catering of high quality; waiters, crockery and cutlery will be provided on request. There are a reasonable number of places to eat in Doha, including snack bars serving fast foods, as well as the traditional Levantine shawarma and Egyptian foul and taamiyeh. Restaurants are scarce outside the capital.
Alcohol is prohibited and should not be consumed in public, though some international hotels may serve alcohol.
Nightlife: Public entertainment is rather limited. Doha has a cinema showing English-language films, and there is also the National Theatre. Live entertainment is infrequent, but some international artists do perform in Qatar.
Shopping: There are several large modern malls, with cinemas, restaurants and other facilities as well as brand shops. The old souks remain popular for bargains. Shopping hours: Generally Sat-Thurs 0800-1200 and 1600-1900 or later, with the malls open until 2100 or 2200. Some shops close on Friday.
Social Conventions: The visitor should be fully aware of Muslim religious laws and customs. Women should always dress modestly. It is also worth noting that, while it is acceptable to cross legs, showing the sole of the foot or unknowingly pointing it at a person is considered an insult. At business and social functions, the traditional Qatari coffee, in tiny handleless cups, will invariably be served. This is a ritual of welcome with strict rules: guests are served in order of seniority – a few drops at first, then, after three or four others have been served, the server returns to fill the first cup; always hold the cup in the right hand; two cups are polite, but never take only one or more than three. It is also worth noting that catering staff are treated with the same respect as other employees. For more information, see the World of Islam appendix. Tipping: Taxi drivers do not expect a tip. A service charge is often added to bills in hotels and most restaurants, otherwise ten per cent is appropriate.
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