This paper is an ethnography of the emirate of Qatar. The initial sections provide basic historical, economic, demographic and political background on the country. These data serve as a basis for the cultural issues discussed later in this paper.
Qatar is an independent state occupying the Qatar Peninsula, jutting into the Persian Gulf from the eastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula. On its southern side, the country of about 4427 square miles û about the combined area of Connecticut and Rhode Island û is bordered by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates but these boundaries are undemarcated, although a movement toward creating a more formal border is underway. (Parker, 1999, p. 7).
The land is stony and largely barren and extremely hot, arid climate prevails. Humidity is high during the summer (May to October), but the average annual rainfall is less than 5 inches. The major natural resources are petroleum and natural gas.
The population of Qatar (1996 estimate) was 499,115 and the capital, which is also the leading port, is Doha, with a population of 313,600. This population figure includes a large number of migrant laborers from neighboring states: In fact, about 80 percent of this population consists of (temporary) foreign workers. The ethnic breakdown of the country is 40 percent Arab, 18 percent Pakistani, 18 percent Indian, 10percent Iranian and 14 percent other foreign nationals (U.S. Department of State, 1997, p. 1).
Natives of the Arabian Peninsula, most Qataris are descended from a number of migratory tribes that came to Qatar in the 18th century to escape the harsh conditions of the neighboring areas of Nejd and Al-Hasa while some are descended from Omani tribes.
Qatar pursues a vigorous program of ôQatarizationö under which all joint venture industries and government departments strive to move Qatari nationals into positions of greater authority. Growing numbers of foreign-educated Qataris, includin...