The Doyle Engaging Difference Program - Georgetown University

Moving to Qatar marks my second time living abroad. Before coming here, I spent two years at a boarding school in Singapore, where I had the opportunity to immerse myself in new cultures and learn from friends who brought their unique identities from various parts of the world to our school. That experience instilled in me the importance of an open mind and a deep appreciation for the beauty of individual differences, whether in culture, language, or perspective. It prepared me to embrace diversity and learn continuously. However, coming to Qatar as a non-Muslim has brought entirely new dimensions to my learning journey. Every day offers me an opportunity to understand the culture, society, and religion of this country, whether through interactions with colleagues at my university or casual conversations with strangers I encounter in my daily life.

As a Muslim country, Qatar’s society is deeply rooted in Islamic principles, which influence daily interactions, customs, and traditions. For example, greetings often reflect Islamic values: As-salaamu alaykum (peace be upon you) is a common greeting phrase exchanged between people, with “Wa-alaikum-salaam” (and peace be upon you) serving as the response to one another. Among close friends and family of the same gender, cheek kisses are commonly exchanged, depending on the level of familiarity. Handshakes remain a usual practice, but what I notice is that placing the right hand over the chest after a handshake or as a greeting gesture is also common here, which shows a sign of welcome and respect to each other.

Notably, the city is also well-equipped to accommodate Islamic religious practices, with many public spaces, from malls to government buildings, featuring designated prayer rooms and ablution facilities. The architectural design of different areas and buildings across the city also demonstrates a blend of modern architectural design and local (Qatari) architectural design. Additionally, the cultural practices extend to clothing customs, where a white thobe is common among men and an abaya is typically worn by women. This practice is sometimes also seen among foreigners who work or study here as a means of appreciation and respect for the local culture. Through these observations, I feel that Qatar balances modernity while preserving tradition - something that is commendable.

Being amongst the few Lao in the region—if not the only one in Qatar—where the nearest embassy is in Kuwait, a country that is 800 kilometers away, makes me barely speak my mother tongue in my daily life except when speaking with my family over a phone call every other day. However, the Southeast Asian community is quite big, which I could easily interact with. I always went to Thai restaurants to have some Isaan (North Eastern Thai) food, which is similar to Lao food and often helped me to satisfy my appetite for Lao food. In addition, the availability of such a big community, restaurants, and food has reminded me of how diverse Qatar is and the fact that many people from diverse backgrounds call it a second home.

Despite being physically distant from Laos, I carry my Lao identity proudly and often share it with friends and colleagues. Lao people are often stereotyped as easygoing and friendly. However, cultural differences occasionally lead to humorous misunderstandings. For instance, when dining out with my local Arab friends, settling the bill often becomes a lighthearted challenge. In Arab culture, inviting someone for a meal typically means the host covers the expense as a gesture of hospitality and respect. In contrast, in Lao tradition, splitting or at least a minimal contribution to the bill is considered polite and reflective of mutual respect, even when one person extends the invitation. These different practices sometimes lead to playful debates over who should pay. Often, we find a compromise, if one friend insists on covering the meal, the other will take responsibility for desserts or hot coffee/karak afterward. These moments, while seemingly minor, reflect the beauty of cultural exchange and the mutual respect that emerges from understanding and adapting to one another’s traditions.

Living in Qatar was a transformative experience, offering a profound understanding of cultural awareness and adaptability. From the warm hospitality of its people to the seamless blending of tradition and modernity, the country continued to inspire me daily. While I remain deeply connected to my Lao roots, my time there enriched my worldview, allowing me to celebrate the diversity that defines human connection. Whether through a shared meal, a respectful greeting, or simply learning from the experiences of others, Qatar has taught me the value of embracing differences while cherishing the common threads that unite us all.