This archive report was first published on 30 September 2019.
As I settled into my ten-day stay in Doha, Qatar, to cover the IAAF World Athletics Championships, I noticed a peculiar change in the way people greet each other. Gone were the days of handshakes; instead, a simple nod would suffice.
My last handshake was over four days ago at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, and it wasn't until I landed at the Hamadi International Airport that I realized shaking hands was no longer the norm.
According to local customs, a nod is enough to convey a message, and it's a practice that's deeply ingrained in the Qatari culture.
But that's not all that's unique about Qatar. The country's drinking habits are also quite fascinating. Unlike many countries where the sale of alcoholic beverages is limited to those above a certain age, Qatar has a different approach.
For those who want to enjoy a drink after work, the easiest way is to head to a five-star hotel, where a 300ml bottle can cost between Sh1,500 to Sh2,500. The prices are steep due to the high taxes applied (300 percent). Alternatively, one can apply for a one-year license, which comes with monthly limited points to check once intake of the frothy drinks.
With the 2022 FIFA World Cup just around the corner, the Qatari government has pulled out all the stops to ensure that facilities are ready in time. This has led to a construction boom, with major projects underway in Doha.
As I navigated the streets of Doha, I noticed that even the most familiar routes were being closed and diverted just 24 hours later. It's a testament to the country's commitment to hosting the biggest sporting extravaganza.
With no second-hand vehicles allowed in Qatar, abandoned vehicles are a common sight in parking places near shopping malls or less-used roads. Most vehicles are destroyed after use or abandoned in open grounds, especially when one decides to upgrade.
