Qatar Dress Code: What To Wear During Your Trip

Qatar Dress Code For Visitors

Qatar attracts travelers from all over the world, and knowing what to wear can make exploring the country much easier. Below is a brief overview of what women and men should consider wearing.

Dress Code For Tourist Women In Qatar

Before my trip, I read a lot of online advice about how women should dress in Qatar, but after visiting myself, I can confidently say that much of that information feels outdated and doesn’t match the reality on the ground.

I visited Qatar in October 2025, and in my opinion the country is quite liberal. In Doha, you’ll see women wearing short dresses, shorts, and spaghetti-strap tops, and no one pays any attention. It’s a diverse city with residents from many different backgrounds, which naturally creates more relaxed clothing norms.

If you want to feel comfortable and appropriate in different situations, choose lightweight, comfortable clothing that isn’t overly revealing. This works perfectly for strolling around Souq Waqif or visiting museums and shopping malls.

More revealing outfits (very short skirts, bikinis, sheer fabrics) fit best at beaches or private hotel areas. Swimwear is completely normal at hotel pools and beaches. Just throw on a light dress or tunic when you move through shared spaces.

Mosques follow stricter dress rules. You need to wear long, loose clothing that covers your arms and legs, and you also need to cover your head with a scarf. When I travel in Muslim countries, I usually wear my own abaya when visiting mosques, but most mosques in Qatar that welcome women offer suitable clothing at the entrance for free. Some even provide headscarves, so even if you don’t have one with you, you’ll still be prepared for your visit.

Dress Code For Tourist Men In Qatar

Qatar is modern and cosmopolitan, so men don’t have to worry about strict clothing rules in everyday situations. T-shirts, shorts, and lightweight trousers work perfectly when you’re walking around the city, visiting cafes, or shopping.

Some restaurants switch to a smart-casual dress code in the evenings. Not all of them do, but where they do, it’s safer to choose long trousers or jeans and a shirt with sleeves. Many places simply won’t let you in if you’re wearing shorts.

At hotel pools and private beaches, swim shorts are completely fine. When you move into shared areas, just slip on a shirt and proper footwear.

If you plan to visit mosques, make sure you wear long trousers. If you don’t have any with you, mosques that welcome tourists often provide coverings at the entrance. Short-sleeved T-shirts are fine as long as they cover your shoulders. Before stepping into the prayer area, take off your shoes and remove any headwear as a sign of respect.

While exploring Qatar, avoid clothing with provocative or offensive text or imagery. Even harmless-looking slogans can be misunderstood. Simple, neutral clothing always works well — whether you’re out in the city or relaxing in your free time.

What Do Locals Wear In Qatar

Local clothing can look unfamiliar to those who haven’t visited Muslim-majority countries before, and at first it may seem quite different from what we’re used to.

In everyday life, Qatari men usually wear a thobe — a long, lightweight shirt-like garment that reaches the ankles. Most men choose a white thobe made from thin cotton that lets the skin breathe, and in the cooler season you’ll notice cream or darker shades as well. They complete the look with a ghutra (a white or white-and-red scarf) held in place with a black agal. For celebrations or formal events, men often put on a bisht, a light cloak that adds a ceremonial touch.

Many Qatari women choose an abaya for their daily outfit. It is a long, flowing outer layer worn over regular clothes. Black remains the most popular color, though you’ll sometimes spot abayas in subtle shades or textured fabrics. Women usually pair the abaya with a shayla, a light scarf that sometimes comes attached to the abaya itself. Some women also wear a niqab, a full-face covering that’s different from the abaya.

This clothing style aims to provide modesty and comfort in the heat, but I still struggle to imagine how black fabrics feel in 35°C or even 40°C temperatures. Honestly, I doubt I’d last a full day dressed like that. Still, when you grow up in such a climate, your body is likely to adapt, and dealing with the heat becomes much easier.

What Are Children Expected To Wear In Qatar

If you’re traveling to Qatar with children, you don’t need to worry about strict dress codes. Younger kids can wear their usual summer clothes — shorts, dresses, T-shirts. Teenagers can follow the same guidelines as adults: neat, comfortable outfits that aren’t too revealing. What matters most is that their clothing is practical and suitable for the heat.

Swimwear works perfectly at the beach and by the pool, but once you leave these areas, make sure your child puts on regular clothing and proper footwear. Many hotels and pools ask for swim diapers for babies and toddlers, so it’s useful to pack a few.

When you visit mosques, dress your children in clothes that cover their shoulders and knees. Boys can wear long trousers or knee-length shorts with shirts that have sleeves. Girls can wear dresses or trousers that reach the knees, along with tops that cover the shoulders. Some mosques may also ask girls to cover their heads, so keeping a light scarf in your bag makes things simple.