Culture of Qatar

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 arid climate compelled its population to place an emphasis on maritime activities within local culture. Arts and literature themes are often related to sea-based activities, particularly in Qatari folklore and music, with pearling trips serving as the main inspiration for music and traditional myths like May and Ghilân.

Although visual arts were historically unpopular due to Islam's stance on depictions of sentient beings, in the mid-20th century, this field has increased in popularity due to increased prosperity from oil exports. During this period, Qatari art flourished due to the efforts of artists such as Jassim Zaini and Yousef Ahmad, as well as support from quasi-governmental institutions such as the Qatari Fine Arts Society, the National Council for Culture, Arts, and Heritage, and in contemporary times, Qatar Museums. At the same time, Qatari literature saw the popularization of genres such as short stories and novels in the 1950s due to increasing educational opportunities. Qatari literature traces its origins to the 19th century, when the primary genre was Nabati poetry. Qatari women were particularly active in this field, breaking social norms, as women were historically less active in traditional forms of art.

The country's traditions and customs are primarily rooted in its history as an Arab-Islamic country. Nomadic pastoralism, principally of camels, and pearl fishing were once cornerstone livelihoods, with the Bedouin and Hadar (settled) communities each having distinct customs. The majlis, a communal gathering space used for storytelling and social interactions, is an important part of the culture. Cultural policies and affairs are regulated by the Ministry of Culture. The current minister is Abdulrahman bin Hamad bin Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani.