The Culture, Traditions, and Heritage of Qatar

The culture in Qatar is almost virtually alike with its other Arab neighbors in the Persian Gulf. But the emirate can boast of its arts and crafts which are quite famous, like jewelry making. The Al mirtaesha is a necklace that covers the wearer from chest to waist. Bracelets called Al kaff and Al tasa, a head jewelry are also made. All of these are made of gold. In embroidery, gold threads are used to make women's clothing that will be used for special ceremonies. There is Sadew, a process of coloring and weaving items like bed covers, carpets or saddle bags. There is also the process of weaving baskets using palm leaves and cane called Al-safaf.

Every day the Qataris wear their traditional clothes with pride. The women used a head covering known as hijab or khemaar. Many of the females wear the thobe, a long flowing dress. Women also wear the abbayah, a cloak which covers the wearer from head to toe. For the men, they wear a cloak and ghutra, a cloth folded and placed on the head. To complete the wear, the ogaal which is a rope like coil either black or brown in color is placed on top of the ghutra.

Qatari music is composed of Bedouin dance, poetry and song. One of these dances is the Ardah, a stylized martial dance; another is Fann at-Tanbura, a spiritual music and dance ritual. Today the country's airwaves is dominated by khaliji music, sung or performed in the style of Bedouin traditional music.