The culture of Qatar is strongly influenced by traditional Bedouin culture, with less acute influence deriving from India, East Africa, and elsewhere in the Persian Gulf. The peninsula's harsh climate has historically shaped the lifestyle of its inhabitants, driving a reliance on the sea for sustenance and fostering a distinct emphasis on maritime activities within local culture.[1] Arts and literature themes are often related to sea-based activities. Qatari folklore and music best enshrine the state's marine tradition, with pearling trips serving as the main inspiration for music and traditional Qatari myths like Mai and Ghilân being centered around the sea.[2]
Although visual arts were historically unpopular due to Islam's stance on depictions of sentient beings, the mid-20th century heralded a transformative era in Qatari arts, catalyzed by newfound prosperity from oil exports.[3] This period witnessed the emergence of the modern Qatari art movement, with figures like Jassim Zaini and Yousef Ahmad playing pivotal roles in this transition to a vibrant contemporary art scene supported by government and institutions like the Qatari Fine Arts Society, the National Council for Culture, Arts, and Heritage, and in contemporary times, Qatar Museums.[4] Parallel to Qatar's artistic renaissance, its literary tradition underwent a renaissance of its own. Originating in the 19th century, Qatari literature evolved in response to Qatar's social and economic development. While Nabati poetry initially held sway,[5] the post-1950 era saw a proliferation of literary genres like short stories and novels, reflecting increasing educational opportunities. Notably, the mass participation of Qatari women in the modern literature movement broke social norms, as women were historically less active in traditional forms of art.[6]
Beyond arts and literature, Qatari society is characterized by rich traditions and customs deeply rooted in its history as an Arab-Islamic country. Nomadic pastoralism, principally of camels, and pearl fishing were once cornerstone livelihoods, embodying a way of life shaped by both the harsh desert environment and the sea's bounties. The Bedouin and Hadar (settled) communities each contributed unique customs and social structures, fostering resilience and communal cohesion. Central to Qatari social life is the majlis, a communal gathering space where traditions, storytelling, and social interactions converge. Family values, community ties, and hospitality are among the most essential values in local society.[7] Cultural policies and affairs are regulated by the Ministry of Culture. The current minister is Abdulrahman bin Hamad bin Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani.[8]
^Abu Saud, Abeer (1984). Qatari Women: Past and Present. Longman Group United Kingdom. p. 133. ISBN 978-0582783720.
^Cite error: The named reference mayghilan was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
^Abu Saud (1984), p. 134
^"رحلة الفن التشكيلي بدولة قطر أ.د. ليلي حسن علام". Aljasra Culture Magazine. 16 June 2010. Retrieved 30 July 2015.
^Hassan Tawfiq (1 May 2015). "الشعر في قطر علي امتداد مائة سنة" (in Arabic). Al Jasra Cultural and Social Club. Retrieved 26 August 2018.
^Rebecca L. Torstrick; Elizabeth Faier (2009). Culture and Customs of the Arab Gulf States. Greenwood. p. 49. ISBN 978-0313336591.
^Cite error: The named reference visitqatartraditions was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
^"Minister of Culture opens 'Saber' exhibition at Qatar Photography Center". thepeninsulaqatar.com. 2023-02-07. Retrieved 2023-02-09.
The cultureofQatar is strongly influenced by traditional Bedouin culture, with less acute influence deriving from India, East Africa, and elsewhere in...
The music ofQatar is based on sea folk poetry, song and dance. The historical importance of pearl fishing have deeply resonated within the region's artistic...
Qatar, officially the State ofQatar, is a country in West Asia. It occupies the Qatar Peninsula on the northeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula in...
cooperation with the Ministry ofCulture, Arts and Heritage. Qatar Museums is one of the organizations carrying out Qatar's National Vision 2030 program...
1980 to promote the works of Qatari artists. In 1998, the National Council for Culture, Arts and Heritage was established. Qatar Museums was established...
cuisine is made up of traditional Arab cuisine. Machbūs, a meal consisting of rice, meat, and vegetables, is the national dish in Qatar, typically made with...
The political system ofQatar runs under an authoritarian semi-constitutional monarchy with the emir as head of state and chief executive, and the prime...
national emblem ofQatar (Arabic: شعار قطر) is one of the official symbols of the state ofQatar (Arabic: دولة قطر, romanized: Dawlat Qatar). The emblem...
The National Museum ofQatar is a national museum in Doha, Qatar. The current building opened to the public on 28 March 2019, replacing the previous building...
The history ofQatar spans from its first duration of human occupation to its formation as a modern state. Human occupation ofQatar dates back to 50,000...
Foreign relations ofQatar is conducted through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Arab states were among the first to recognize Qatar, and the country gained...
financial hub ofQatar. Located on the Persian Gulf coast in the east of the country, north of Al Wakrah and south of Al Khor, it is home to most of the country's...
venues. The Qatar National Convention Centre accommodates a 2,300-seat theatre. Qatar National Theater, which is owned by the Ministry ofCulture, Arts and...
Natives of the Arabian Peninsula, many Qataris (Arabic: قطريون) are descended from a number of migratory Arab tribes that came to Qatar in the 18th century...
representative or otherwise characteristic of Qatar and of its culture. "National Anthem ofQatar". Royal Thai Embassy, Doha (in Thai). Retrieved 10 January...
Women's rights in Qatar are restricted by the country's male guardianship law - currently the only remaining country in the Gulf region with such laws...
Cinema in Qatar is a relatively young industry that evolved as part of the country’s plans to develop different local sectors with the aim of accumulating...
mass media in Qatar relays information and data in Qatar by means of television, radio, cinema, newspapers, magazines and the internet. Qatar has established...
Qatar University (Arabic: جامعة قطر; transliterated: Jami'at Qatar) is a public research university located on the northern outskirts of Doha, Qatar. It...
Sport in Qatar is primarily centred on football in terms of participation and spectators. Additionally, athletics, basketball, handball, volleyball, camel...
Village, also called Katara, is a cultural and commercial complex in Doha, Qatar, located on the eastern coast between West Bay and the Pearl. It was soft-opened...
community of Indians in Qatar includes Indian expatriates in Qatar, as well as people of Indian origin born in Qatar. Qatar has a total population of 2,740...
Originally, written poetry was the most common form of expression, but poetry later fell out of favor after Qatar began reaping the profits from oil exports in...
the LGBT community, as well as Qatar's climate, lack of a strong football culture, scheduling changes, and allegations of bribery for hosting rights and...
organized by Qatar's Ministry ofCulture, is held annually in early December. The event runs daily for several days until the commencement ofQatar National...
Qatar is a Muslim-majority country with Islam as the state religion. Salafi version of Islam is the state sponsored brand of Sunni Islam in the country...