Howdy! My name is Sarah Root, and I am a sophomore Supply Chain Management major. This is my second global business program with CIBS, and so far, it has been an incredibly enlightening experience. Before traveling to Qatar for this program, I had limited knowledge of the ways of life and customs in the country. Now, as I have explored Doha, listened to class presentations, and taken Arabic lessons, I feel as though I have gained a deeper understanding of Qatar’s rich culture and business environment. Doha, with its spectacular skyline and diverse cultural influences, has been a fascinating city to explore. The juxtaposition of tradition and innovation is evident in every corner, from the historic Souq Waqif to the futuristic architecture of Pearl Island.
One of my goals for this global experience was to gain practical insights into Qatar’s culture and business environment that go beyond what a textbook can offer. The first company visit to Qatfa Farm certainly helped in this regard. Qafta Farm is a local producer of agricultural products and is a subsidiary of the government-owned Hassad Food Company. They specialize in producing tomatoes and cucumbers and use a variety of methods, including hydroponics, open-air fields, and greenhouses, to produce these crops. Qafta Farm has a specific grading system for its crops to ensure that everything purchased by customers is of the highest quality.
The most significant cultural differences between the United States and Qatar seem to lie in language, social customs, and religion. In Qatar, Arabic is the official language, although much of the population understands English. Qatar has a much more conservative and modest approach towards clothing and behavior than the United States. Local Qataris were traditional thobes and abayas. While foreigners are not expected to wear these articles of clothing, they are expected to dress modestly and not show their shoulders, midriff, or upper legs. Religion plays a paramount role in the way Qatar’s society is run, as it is an Islamic State. Public behavior is expected to align with Islamic values, and the weekend days are Friday and Saturday to align with the Islamic day of rest.
Overall, these first five days of being in Qatar have provided me with an abundance of unique experiences that have enriched my understanding of the country’s culture and business environment. I am thrilled to further immerse myself in the local culture and visit more local companies in the effort of continuous learning and cultural exchange.
