Qatar Tips

So for any of you that managed to get on the World Trade Centre mission to Qatar or are even thinking about Qatar Joanne Dickinson has emailed me a list of tips for our networks! Joanne works as Employer Engagement Officer at the University of Leeds and has worked in Qatar. Here's what she had to say about it:

"I used to work in Qatar - one of the hottest, most friendly and up and coming ‘middle eastern countries’, Qatar used to be a pearl fishing kingdom, but now has large pots of money thanks to a massive offshore gas field and investing oil and gas companies.  Doha is the capital city and has a good modern: airport, some amazing buildings and shopping centres – one with an indoor ice rink.

If anyone wants to do business there….

1. It’s very important NOT to be seen to be ‘a pushy westerner’ - avoid sending anyone who might display these characteristics;
2. Lean the lingo for hello (Salaamu Alaykum; it actuallymeans peace be with you);
3. In reply you should say Wa `alaykum as-salām(this means and also with you); think there are slightly different versions depending on who you are talking to;
4. Be prepared to get to know the Qataris first on a personal basis before talking about business– this is very important;
5. Be prepared to do a few visits before getting down to business;
6. Respect local customs, e.g. dress, dining etiquette (not requesting pork products or getting drunk), as it’s a predominantly Muslim country;
7. Let folk offer to shake hands with you first rather than offering your hand;
8. Exchange business cards and read it, or leave it on the table in front of you before putting it away;
9. Remember that “enshalla” means God-willing – this is used a lot in business – start to get worried if folk start saying this it a lot as probably means there’s not been much if any progress or even that what you want might not happen, ever! (I have seen it said a lot to pushy westerners and then complete the same request for a non-pushy westerner or local!!!);
10. Women are greatly respected and can do business there if appropriately dressed (it is okay to wear western clothes but cover shoulders and knees at the very least);
11. Do not drive yourself as Qatar has one of the highest death rates on the road of any country in the world and it’s not what you do but often what others do!  Try to get a taxi or hire a recommended driver -  If you dare to drive – try to keep space around your vehicle at all times! Sounds stupid but saves lives!
12. For a more definitive list of advice please see http://www.qatarvisitor.com/index.php?cID=440&pID=1400

Thanks for the tips, Joanne. I've found the descriptions of Qatar to be fascinating and who knows, if you start engaging out there you might even be there when the World Cup is held!

Have a good weekend , everyone!