Qatari Festivals & Traditions
There are many holidays and festivals celebrated in Qatar. Some of these come from Bedu (Bedouin) traditions. Some of them are religious holidays.
Qatar National Day
Many of the Bedu (Bedouin) traditions are celebrated during Qatar National Day.
Many of the Bedu (Bedouin) traditions are celebrated during Qatar National Day.
Children often get dressed up in the Qatari colours for National Day.
Henna
Kohl
Folk Music & Dance
Qataris of the past were very dependent on the sea for their livelihood. Many songs relate to activities such as pearl fishing. They men sang together as they worked. Folk dances are performed by two rows of men opposite each other. Sometimes they danced with swords. The women sang about the work that they did at home.
These songs and dances are often performed at festivals such as the festival which is held in Souq Waqif every year.
Qataris of the past were very dependent on the sea for their livelihood. Many songs relate to activities such as pearl fishing. They men sang together as they worked. Folk dances are performed by two rows of men opposite each other. Sometimes they danced with swords. The women sang about the work that they did at home.
These songs and dances are often performed at festivals such as the festival which is held in Souq Waqif every year.
Eid
The Arabic word for festival is Eid. There are some important religious festivals celebrated every year in Qatar.
The Arabic word for festival is Eid. There are some important religious festivals celebrated every year in Qatar.
Click on the photograph if you want to learn about Eid in Qatar:
Traditions
Qataris have very interesting traditions. Read about some of them below.
Qataris have very interesting traditions. Read about some of them below.
Arabic Names
One of these traditions is similar to one found in Ireland. Family ties are very important in Qatar. Men are known by their own name, their father's name and their surnames, for example: Majid bin Hamad Al Mansouri or Majid ibn Hamad Al Mansouri (Maajid son of Hamad Al Mansouri). Women are known by their own name, their father's name and their surnames, for example: Reem bint Ibrahim Al Mansouri. Sometimes the grandfather's name is also included.
Another tradition is that a man or a woman may be known as the father of his eldest son, e.g. Abu Saif (father of Saif) and Uum Saif (mother of Saif).
People's first names are traditionally used: Dr. Abdullah, Mr. Osama, Miss Hajer.
One of these traditions is similar to one found in Ireland. Family ties are very important in Qatar. Men are known by their own name, their father's name and their surnames, for example: Majid bin Hamad Al Mansouri or Majid ibn Hamad Al Mansouri (Maajid son of Hamad Al Mansouri). Women are known by their own name, their father's name and their surnames, for example: Reem bint Ibrahim Al Mansouri. Sometimes the grandfather's name is also included.
Another tradition is that a man or a woman may be known as the father of his eldest son, e.g. Abu Saif (father of Saif) and Uum Saif (mother of Saif).
People's first names are traditionally used: Dr. Abdullah, Mr. Osama, Miss Hajer.
Hospitality
Being courteous, hospitable and behaving honourably are very important in Qatar. People are made welcome when they visit someone's home. They are treated as an honoured guest.
Being courteous, hospitable and behaving honourably are very important in Qatar. People are made welcome when they visit someone's home. They are treated as an honoured guest.
There are some traditions that Qatari children enjoy. Click on the photograph if you want to learn about Garangao:
The Dhow
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The Dhow was the boat that was used when men went fishing or pearl fishing. |
The Sheikh Faisal Museum has a collection of the equipment the men used when pearl diving. It has has a collection of model dhows.
Source: Sheikh Faisal Museum
Camels
Camels have always been very important in Qatar. During the winter months camel races are held. This traditions has been going on for hundreds of years. Now they no longer have people riding the camels but instead have mechanical jockeys on their backs which are controlled by the owners who race around after the camels in their cars.
Falconry