Clothes for the Middle East

[LillethCrane]

This might be a niche topic, but I’m traveling to Qatar this summer for work. I’ll be there for a few days and I need to ensure I have suitable clothes.

I only wear dresses (trousers on my apple shape are uncomfortable for me). I’ve been advised no cleavage, shoulders or knees on display- but are elbows ok? I have some cotton midi dresses but they are short sleeved.

I usually wear open toed sandals in the summer; should I be looking for something closed toe?

I would appreciate any tips for people who have been to Qatar before, thanks.

Sandals are fine, apart from the dust! The local women will wear them though.
I’ve just had to cover up for a trip for work and I wore loose linen tops over my long dresses with short sleeves. You could also wear a thin cotton top underneath.
your elbow and knees to be covered definitely. A scarf is useful to cover your cleavage and neck.
Im an apple shape and there are some great elasticated waist and jersey trousers that are comfortable, but yoh would still need to cover your bum with a longer top then so I think your dresses will be fine.
the most important thing is that your Qatari colleagues can see you’ve made an effort.

Short sleeves will be fine, but you might be more comfortable with long. Partly because you’ll need to be careful of the sun every time you’re out, but also because it’s more in tune with local customs. Inside is often freezing aircon, so a cardi might be the answer, which I know sounds mad for a desert country.

No issues at all with open toe shoes.

Are you likely to be working with expats or (less likely) actual Qataris? If the latter I’d be a bit more conservative.

I'm always super-conservative when I'm there and wear loose long sleeved dresses with loose wide-legged trousers underneath. In my hotel, I'm a little more relaxed and might wear a sleeveless dress (but only if I'm staying in the hotel club etc) but still loose fitting and most definitely no cleavage (I don't even wear a V neck).

Thank you so much. I’ll be working with expats mostly rather than Qataris. I’ve looked at the company website and most women are wearing trouser suits but that just isn’t my style!

Great to know sandals will be fine. I planned to take a couple of light scarves in case I need to cover my hair.

Perhaps dresses, sandals and a cardigan will be the way to go?

Can I ask where you buy your loose long sleeved dresses from please?

Last time I went to the UAE I wore an abaya type cloak over my clothes - loose and comfy

I usually wear dresses from Issey Miyake Pleats Please. They're fabulous. Stylish but comfy. Don't crease. And you can just throw them in the washing machine.

So would this be ok: https://www.marksandspencer.com/pure-cotton-printed-midaxi-tiered-dress/p/clp60593137?intid=mobile_app_pdp_share

Yes but watch the split.
Everywhere inside will be chilly because if air conditioning so don't be afraid of jackets over the top.

I have a long layover in Doha later this year - can I get away with jeans and a t-shirt for just mooching about in touristy areas?

I’m also planning to go to the gym on this layover (found a nice exercise studio that teaches classes in English, so presumably frequented by expats) - can I wear shorts and a sleeveless top for the exercise class?

Good tip on the split! I’ll keep looking…

Linen cardigans rather than wool or cotton cardigans over your existing midi dresses would work well and save you buying more stuff?

Always pop a cardie in your bag - the aircon is chilly indoors, offices etc. I did a work trip to Dubai last year and had the same concerns as you. Thin cotton and silk type scarves were very handy to cover over with. Out of work I just wore flip flops. Clothes wise, long cotton maxis and I also had cotton all in one type trouser suits with white T-shirts underneath

I used to live in Qatar and mostly wore tunics with long sleeves and linen trousers or jeans. I don't think I ever wore skirts or t-shirts out in public, but that was just what I was comfortable wearing; other non-Qataris wear knee-length skirts and dresses. One of the reasons I liked being covered up was the strength of the sun in the summer, combined with the sandy wind. Sometimes being outside was like being sandblasted!

I never needed to cover my hair. And sandals will be fine.

Did you see women in t-shirts and jeans, or is it really rare? What about tourist women? (see my post above about layover in Doha).

Marks and Spencer's have a 'Modest' section.