International Focus Magazine Vol. 2, #11 | Page 37

3. What are some of the Qatari
contributions to American culture?
• Qatar is a Muslim country with
an Arabic culture both in the U.S.
and in Qatar.
• The Qatari culture is conservative
and respectful requiring social be-
havior that respects family privacy,
hospitality, and separation of genders.
• Education is highly regarded.
Qataris can attend kindergarten
through university for free in Qa-
tar. Students who qualify can ob-
tain scholarships for study abroad
including tuition, travel, and living
expenses.
• Dress for both men and women is
modest ensuring the body is cov-
ered.
• Handshakes are commonly used
for greeting with focus on shaking
hands with the most senior person
first.
• As great conversationalists, they
can be lengthy in meetings. It is
important to be patient. Pressure
tactics or rushing the conversa-
tion can be perceived as aggressive.
Verbal commitment can be more
important than a written cont ract
based on the Arabic culture.
• Traditionally, gifts such as perfume
are of high value and other items
should avoid alcohol or pigskin.
• Business relationships are based on
trust and reciprocity. Negotiations
are conducted slowly.
• Although Arabic is the Qatari na-
tional language, English is widely
spoken which enables doing busi-
ness and conducting classes in
English.
• For more information, refer to
http://www.expatfocus.com/ex-
patriate-qatar-business-culture.
4. Texas A&M University at Qa-
tar has offered Bachelor of Science
degrees in chemical engineering,
mechanical engineering, electrical
engineering, and petroleum engineer-
ing since the fall of 2003. It also
offers two graduate degrees in chemi-
cal engineering: Master of Science
(M.S.) and Master of Engineering
(M.Eng.). The curriculum offered in
Qatar are identical to those offered in
the main campus at College Station.
• Courses are taught in English in a
co-educational setting.
• The reputation for excellence and
commitment to training engineers
equipped to lead the next genera-
tion.
• The university also offers Bache-
lors degrees in science, mathemat-
ics, liberal arts and the humanities.
• To learn more about Texas A&M
University at Qatar, refer to
https://www.qatar.tamu.edu/
about/.
This month, we celebrate with ap-
preciation the many contributions of
our Qatari community.
The Rothschild Corporation is ex-
perienced in facilitating meetings,
change management, team build-
ing workshops, consulting and soft
skills training to help organizations
maximize teamwork and effective
communications. They listen to your
needs to focus the outcomes on your
target goals.
Written by:
Susanne Rothschild,
MBA, PMP
President, The
Rothschild Corporation
iF Magazine | www.iFMagazine.net
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