Culture

Qatar explicitly uses Sunni law as the basis of its government, and the vast majority of its citizens follow Hanbali Madhhab. Hanbali  is one of the four schools (Madhhabs) of Fiqh or religious law within Sunni Islam (The other three are Hanafi, Maliki and Shafii). Sunni Muslims believe that all four schools have "correct guidance", and the differences between them lie not in the fundamentals of faith, but in finer judgements and jurisprudence, which are a result of the independent reasoning of the imams and the scholars who followed them. Because their individual methodologies of interpretation and extraction from the primary sources (usul) were different, they came to different judgements on particular matters. Shi'as comprise less than 3% of the Muslim population, the vast majority of them foreigners mainly from Iran. Most of Qatar is Muslim.

Business Customs

U.S. citizens should expect to have meetings in the morning or evening. The ability to say a few Arabic greetings or words will impress Qatari contacts. Always use the right hand when shaking hands and eating. Do not show the palms of your hands or the soles of your feet/shoes. Be prepared for small talk and then business discussion. Always accept tea, coffee or other refreshments during meetings. Invitations to lunch, dinner, receptions and other hospitalities are normally offered and should always be accepted. Dress should be business attire. It is advisable to print business cards with one side in English and the other side in Arabic. It is advisable to have at least a temporary local or international mobile phone. Giving gifts depends on the closeness of the relationship but it is advisable to not give gifts during the first meeting.

Travel Advisory

The State Department Consular Information Sheet for Qatar is available at: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1003.html.

Visa Requirements

All travelers to Qatar should have passports valid for at least six months. It is best to obtain Qatari visas in advance from the Qatari Embassy in Washington, DC, the Qatari Consulate in Houston, Texas, and the Qatari Mission to the United Nations in New York. Qatari Embassies in other countries also provide this service to foreign nationals. Four passport-sized photographs, a visa application and a letter from the sponsor in Qatar should be submitted for this purpose. A sponsorship letter, however, is not always a basic requirement. This procedure usually takes at least four working days. The U.S. and the Qatari governments have a reciprocal arrangement by which Qatar issues U.S. businessmen a multiple-entry visa for 10 years. This type of entry visa does not entitle visitors and/or businessmen to work in Qatar, unless it is exchanged for a residence permit.

Citizens of certain countries, including the U.S., may obtain visas at the airport upon arrival for a fee of QR 55 (USD 15). These visas, which are valid for 14 days, may be extended for an additional 14-day stay. However, U.S. businessmen are advised to obtain a visa prior to arrival, since it will enable them to go through Qatari immigration more quickly.

U.S. Companies that require travel of foreign businesspersons to the United States should be advised that security options are handled via an interagency process. Visa applicants should go to the following links.

State Department Visa Website: http://travel.state.gov/visa/index.html
United States Visas.gov: http://www.unitedstatesvisas.gov/

Telecommunications

Qatar enjoys good local and international telecommunications facilities. Automatic telephone and fax dialing is available to more than 150 countries worldwide. Internal calls are free of charge if conducted through regular telephones. U.S. calling cards are not accepted in Qatar. Prepaid cellular (mobile) phones may be rented locally for a small fee. There are charges for all calls made to and from mobile telephones. “World phones” do not provide reliable local service. Qatar's Internet service is run by partially state-owned Qatar Telecom (Q-Tel). In 2003, Q-Tel introduced ADSL high-speed internet access. Most hotels offer in-room Internet access and there are a number of Internet cafes in Doha. In 2005, Q-Tel introduced wireless internet services. Hotspots are available in several hotels and trendy coffeeshops of Doha. VoIP service is not available in Qatar. Q-Tel, the Qatari Telecom monopoly is attempting to ban access to voice and video communication over the internet in an effort to regain market share lost due to widespread VoIP use. However, VoIP is becoming easier and should continue to grow over the coming years.

Transportation

Transportation options for business travelers are basically limited to car rentals or private taxi. Most major international rental firms are represented in Qatar, including Avis, Budget, Eurodollar, Hertz, Thrifty, etc. Private cars and drivers can be hired from a number of local firms. Orange and white private taxis can be hailed in high traffic areas. In 2005, Mowasalat (Transportation in Arabic), a wholly owned government entity, launched the first public bus service in Qatar. Mowasalat also has started to gradually replace gradually the well-worn orange-and-white private taxis with new high-quality green-and-grey vehicles. These are operated by a sister company called Karwa. The service is not always reliable or on time for pick-ups, and bookings should be made in advance (local number 458-8888). All 4 and 5 star hotels can also arrange transportation via private vehicle.

Language

Although Arabic is the official language in Qatar, English is widely spoken in business.

Health

Qatari nationals receive free State-provided medical care ranging from outpatient clinics to hospitalization. Medical fees for expatriate residents holding a government health card vary according to the type of service provided. While medicines are generally dispersed free of charge for Qatari patients, expatriates pay a nominal charge. Visitors to Qatar are required to pay for all medical services throughout their visit to Qatar. There are numerous private clinics and small hospitals, all licensed by the State through the National Health Authority (NHA).

Business Hours & Holidays

Qatar local time is GMT plus 3 hours. Qatar is 8 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time, except during Daylight Saving Time, when it is 7 hours ahead. The government of Qatar’s official working hours are 7: 00 AM to 2: 00 PM, Sunday through Thursday. Banking hours are 8: 00 AM to 1: 30 PM, Sunday through Thursday, while private sector hours are generally 8: 00 AM to 12: 30 PM and 4: 00 PM to 7: 30 PM, Saturday through Thursday. Friday, the Muslim holy day, is a day of rest for all sectors; however, shops and shopping malls are open on Friday evenings. The U.S. Embassy hours are 8: 00 AM to 4: 30 PM, Sunday through Thursday. Officially, Qatar uses the Gregorian calendar, with corresponding dates in the Hijra (Islamic) calendar. There are two major religious holidays that vary from year to year, as
they are based on the lunar calendar. Eid Al-Fitr marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan (during which business hours are restricted to 5 hours per day) and Eid Al- Adha marks the conclusion of the pilgrimage (Hajj) to Mecca. The exact dates of these holidays are determined by the government shortly in advance of their observance. Government ministries are generally closed for a longer period than private and partially private entities. The only fixed holiday is the Qatari Independence Day on September 3. The months from October through June are generally considered the best period for foreign business representatives to visit Qatar. Public and private sector officials usually vacation during some part of the period July to September. Business trips during the fasting month of Ramadan are not advisable as most Qatari businessmen focus on family and worship.

Temporary Entry of Materials & Personal Belongings

Most standard business equipment for individual use may be brought into Qatar temporarily without incurring customs duties. Exhibition materials may be imported for temporary use. However, if these items are sold in Qatar, customs duties will be applicable. Exhibition organizers generally appoint an exclusive local freight forwarder and clearing agent for specific events to assist foreign exhibitors with entry procedures. Communications, military or security equipment may require prior approval from the relevant authority in Qatar.