Doha - Post Report Question and Answers
What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Cover shoulders, chest and knees as a woman to get into the malls and some areas but you will see all kinds of dress. Definitely more conservative but I like it especially with the harsh sun on my skin. - Oct 2024
Out of the housing compounds, I (woman) tend to wear something that covers my knees and shoulders. While you will see all kinds of dress here, many malls have a dress code and I never want to be prevented from going in somewhere. Also, indoors tends to be chilly ,so I tend to layer. Men wear shorts and short sleeve shirts without issues from what I have seen. There is always "it depends" here as things can change without any warning (that is true for basically everything here). - Jun 2024
My spouse wears business casual or suits, depending upon the day. Dress in Qatar is conservative but not ultra conservative. Wearing pants that reach the ankle and shirts such as round neck and shoulder covering would be fine. Many places keep the air cool so a light cardigan would be wise. It can also be dusty so wearing sandals may not be the best choice, though I see women and men wearing them. Men wear shorts when exercising and women usually yoga pants that reach past the knee are acceptable. In the compound, shorts and tank tops are commonly seen. Just to be respectful of the culture and not draw attention to yourself is common sense, IMO. - Oct 2023
You will see people in suits all the way to jeans. In public dress more conservatively but I've seen men in shorts at the malls. Women should be mindful and dress appropriately. - Jul 2022
I try to do not wear shorts and so. but you can wear whatever here. It is pretty hot during the summer. - Apr 2021
It's an Islamic country, therefore modest female dress is expected pretty much at all times. Women need to cover their shoulders, knees and cleavage in public. Otherwise you'll get the occasional sneer or hiss from the older Qatari women. Though, my wife always covered appropriately and she got hissed at anyway, so what do I know.
Men can wear pretty much anything within reason. Shorts are acceptable at malls and such, but be sure they cover your knees. When going to a hotel bar, restaurant or brunch, you must wear long pants and close-toed shoes.
- May 2017
Dress is conservative, but not uncomfortably so. For ladies, as long as your knees, shoulders, and cleavage is covered, and your outfit is not skin-tight, that's usually good enough. Best to err on the side of more coverage if you have any doubts. For men, you can dress as you would in the States. (Unless your normal style of dress includes cutoff shorts and mesh tops.)
Formal dress will be required at some point. Qatari women go ALL OUT at weddings, and any events labeled "formal." For men, a nice suit will suffice. - May 2017
formal - May 2015
Conservative. Suits for work. Cover your knees and shoulders at a minimum (I never show legs at all, and mostly wear 3/4 length or long sleeves), no deep necklines. - Feb 2015
Slightly more casual when it's crazy hot. Just remember: Women should cover shoulders and knees. Just be respectful and you'll be fine. - Apr 2012
Formals, and decent casuals. Nothing revealing is allowed. - Mar 2012
Business dress at work. Men usually do not wear shorts unless going to the pool. Women are generally expected to dress conservatively in public (longer dresses/pants, no shoulders, no cleavage).This isn't Saudi Arabia though, and you will often run into people in the malls or hotels dressed rather scandalously. - Mar 2012
More formal in the moderate months. When it's stinking hot, things get more casual. There is a requirement for modest dress here. Women cover their shoulders and their knees-- nothing too low-cut or snug. Just be respectful. You're not in Miami. - Jan 2012
Conservative. - Oct 2010
Conservative, smart. - Dec 2009
Conservative, but there are always those who push the envelope. They say no tank tops, but you see them. They say no shorts, but you see them. The Qataris forgive an awful lot of boorish western behavior, but then, as I said the place would fall apart without the expats. - Sep 2008
