Muslim Friendly Tourism (MFT):
Understanding the Supply and Demand Sides
In the OIC Member Countries
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Sayed, Head of Food Monitoring at Doha Municipality, mentioned that operators will be fined,
if standards are not maintained.
b) Prayer Facilities
In general, there is no issue to find a place to pray. Qatar has totally 1,227 mosques, more than
any other GCC country.
c) Ramadhan Services
Doha is a lively city during the fasting month of Ramadan. As a Muslim majority country the
whole work and lifestyle schedule switches to alternative timings for the month. Restaurants,
malls, sightseeing places will operate on a different time. Food is available for Iftar and Suhoor
in major restaurants. Some of the tourist places open during the night. All Masjids will have
many individual and collective activities.
d) Water friendly Washroom
Most hotels are equipped with bathrooms that are water friendly.
e) No Non-Halal Activities
Qatar is a Muslim-majority country with Islam as the state religion. The local population, made
up of Qataris, are all Muslims although there are high numbers of foreign workers in Qatar.
Sharia law is the main source of Qatari legislation according to Qatar's Constitution. In practice,
Qatar's legal system is a mixture of civil law and Sharia law. As such most facilities including
Hotels do not serve alcohol nor have night clubs.
f) Recreational facilities and facilities with privacy
Muslim tourists that seek recreational facilities providing privacy for males and females may
find this in a few selected hotels. These hotels could have different timing for example in the
use of their gym facility.
In 2014, Qatar launched a modesty campaign to remind tourists of the modest dress code.
Female tourists are advised not to wear leggings, miniskirts, sleeveless dresses and short or
tight clothing in public. Men are advised against wearing only shorts and singlets.
Nasser Al Maliki, Public Relations Officer for Doha commented that the amount of immodest
clothing is growing in public places, especially shopping malls. Such foreigner behavior conflicts
with our traditions. Hence, modesty in dress needs to be observed strictly in Qatar.
Demand Side Analysis
a) Leisure Travel
This is the largest segment of travel. Under the five-year development plan of the Qatar
Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (QTEA), the government aims to increase tourism. With the