In their latest Qtip, the I Love Qatar team tackles questions about looking directly into a Qatari woman’s eyes.
In response to online rumors, comedian Hamad Al-Amari sets the record straight, saying it’s not illegal to stare – but it is rude.
So whether we’re talking about a Qatari woman, a non-Qatari woman, or anyone else, “Just don’t stare – it’s very very uncomfortable,” he said.
The origins of the rumor could involve Qatar’s conservative culture, in which local men and women generally do not mix socially.
This stems from Islamic tradition in which modesty between genders is encouraged, to minimize extramarital relations, jealousy and other issues.
That said, Qatari law doesn’t prohibit people from interacting with each other – just keep it respectful.
Thoughts?
![[Getty]](https://dohanews.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/GettyImages-1763609272-560x420.jpg)
When I was a kid, staring, at anybody, was usually corrected by a good hard slap round the head courtesy of Mum/Dad, because it is rude!
4+ decades on, I still don’t stare, at anybody!
So, basically you are running around blindly. The question is: why did God give us eyes? I guess, to close them.
Um, unless you’re suggesting the opposite – that you walk around wide-eyed staring at everyone (a bit creep-eye that) – I suppose the basically is in fact a culturally mediated something in between.
SO just because you have a beef against Qatar and Qataris you want to justify staring. If the same happened in US, you would be the first to complain it. Hypocrite
Deleting for personal attack.
Not blind!
There is a huge difference between seeing, and staring. One is utilizing the gift of sight, the other is an act of belligerence and/or ignorance.
I assume that you already know that, and are merely pursuing a contrary line of self- embellishment for the purposes of pseudo-philosophy?
Also: why do you presume I believe in your/any god?
There’s a difference between staring and looking. I can mistakenly look at a lady’s eye or body (I hate to admit it), but its always rude when you stare (or look for a long time) at it.
You tell’em Qatari guy! You don’t stare at a Qatari girl, you casually slip a piece of paper with your number on it into her purse as you walk past her in the mall.
That’s old school. :p
Why would it be illegal? It’s not anywhere else
That’s why we answered the question. There were many people that were told that and then asked us if jt was true.
If you’re “staring into her eyes” isn’t she staring back?
Or are we talking about “staring at”? There is a difference. There’s also a difference about what is considered “staring”. It varies between cultures and individual people.
Yes for sure in a staring contest 🙂
If one is in conversation then he better make eye contact else it is plain rude – well I sure most do so.
A British travel expert has said staring was a national pastime in India.
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/staring-at-women-is-an-indian-pastime-even-nuns-get-stared-at-uk-travel-expert/article1-1227136.aspx
And we know who the main culprits are in Qatar as well. don’t we?
PS- MIMH will be right here trying to defend his countryman but I’ll pass on that.
Don’t know that much about India., sorry to disappoint you. On my first visit there I went to Goa and after taking the bus I saaw so many men holding hands. I though oh my god I’ve come to to the gay capital of India!
That happens in every town in India..
And the ME
ahahaha…..
It’s the national sport of Germany, grab a pils and stare at the passerby. India took it to another level.
Deleting for stereotyping.
When I talk to people I invariably establish eye contact. I do it unconsciously whether it’s to a man or a woman. Do Qatari women consider that I’m “staring” if I look at their eyes when talking? Am I also allowed to say that some Qatari women have the most beautiful eyes I’ve ever seen?
If you’re having a conversation then you have to stare at her eyes. This is more for people who just staring with laser eyes and not in conversation.
Yes but culturally is there anything that says you shouldn’t look into her eyes when you talk to her?
In western culture looking someone in the eye when you talk to them is a sign of respect. Most Qatari girls understand that as they have spent a lot of time in europe. In fact if you want to look Qatari girls in the eye, the nightclubs in London are a good place. Met many many saudi girls there as well as Emirates and Kuwait. These girls now how to have a good time.
Said the Atheist who has serious personal problem with Islam and the local culture.
I get it, you don’t like me. That’s coool.
I have no problem with fantasy, I quite like game of thrones.
what is your point?
Deleting for personal attack.
This isn’t about have conversations, this about general staring. People thought it was illegal to look at a Qatari woman in the eyes. We wanted to bust the myth
Not sure why you had to make a comment about nightclubs though. I didn’t see the purpose.
The purpose is trolling
I think the problem is so few expats work with Qataris, especially Qatari women. They spend their whole lives in Qatar working with fellow expats and just socialising with expats, no wonder rumours and myths start about the local community.
I guess you’re new to DN. Dont bother MIMH’s comments. He lives in his own bubble. Most of his comments Dont make much sense either.
Seriously?? This is a joke! You guys have nothing better to talk about. What kind of question is this? And why would it be illegal? You guys need to find something better to talk about.
No not a joke. Many people thought it was illegal and we created the video to share the truth.
It is silly to think it would be illegal but if the rumors are out there, then good to address. I am glad however he stated it’s rude not to just do it to Qatari women but ALL women!
Women, including Qatari women spent a lot of time and money on makeup so they are looked upon, particularly on the face. Most of the mandated loca hire Qatari women in my workplace wear a lot of makeup, makeup which would probably be classed as night time makeup, it’s not what i would say subtle or natural. They look beautiful and obviously take a lot of pride in their appearance, it’s cordinated with fancy nails, mile high bouffants and the craziest heels. Why go to all this trouble if not to be looked at by all?
There is a big difference between glancing momentarily at someone, and staring at them. Regardless of the makeup one might use, the manicure they might have, or the shoes they might be wearing a prolonged stare is rude.
Second this. Staring is uncomfortable and often times comes as rude regardless of your culture, background or even gender.
it’s rude to stare at anyone….basic behavior rule to be thought by parents! However, if in a conversation you look to the eyes when talking; it is actually rude to talk and look elsewhere. Common sense.
Actually in First Nations cultures in North America it would be considered rude to make eye contact with a person even during a conversation. It goes against their cultural norms which indicates that out of respect for the other person you do not make eye contact — so one can’t assume that the norms of their own culture fit those of every other culture.
yes I realize that. For North America cultures it would be too much! However, depending on the country of origin of the North Americans…
What about the other way round? 🙂 To me (expat woman) eye contact with a Qatari man feels a bit embarrassing. Maybe coming from a prejudice that he might misinterpret it.