Social Norms and Practices:
- Gender Roles: Saudi Arabia has stricter gender segregation and more conservative social norms compared to Qatar. In Qatar, women have more freedom of movement and participation in public life, including driving, working, and pursuing education.
- Dress Code: While modesty in dress is important in both countries, Qatar tends to be more relaxed compared to Saudi Arabia. Women in Qatar generally have more options in terms of clothing choices and can wear less conservative attire, as long as it's deemed respectful.
- Entertainment and Leisure: Cultural events, concerts, and exhibitions are relatively more liberal and common in Qatar. Saudi Arabia has been traditionally conservative in this regard, but is gradually introducing changes and opening up to more forms of entertainment.
Religious Observance:
- Religious Tolerance: Qatar is generally more tolerant of other religions and cultures. Expats and non-Muslims are permitted to practice their faith privately, although public display of religious symbols is regulated. Saudi Arabia is an Islamic state and non-Muslims are not allowed to publicly practice their religions or establish non-Muslim houses of worship.
- Religious Police: Saudi Arabia has the religious police, known as the "Mutaween," who are responsible for enforcing religious norms. They have broad powers to monitor public behavior, enforce dress codes, and address violations of religious laws. Qatar has no such formal religious police.
Political Environment:
- Political System: Qatar is an absolute monarchy, with the power concentrated in the hands of the ruling Al Thani family. Saudi Arabia is also a monarchy, but the power structure is more decentralized, involving the monarch, members of the royal family, religious scholars, and tribal leaders.
- Press Freedom: Qatar has more media freedom compared to Saudi Arabia. The media environment in Qatar is more diverse and allows for critical voices and discussions. Saudi Arabia strictly controls the media and journalism, and critical opinions or dissent can be met with suppression or legal consequences.
Legal System:
- Family Law: Saudi Arabia's family law follows a strict Islamic interpretation, heavily influenced by traditional male dominance and guardianship systems. Women have fewer legal rights compared to men in matters such as marriage, divorce, and child custody. Qatar has introduced reforms that have broadened women's rights and made the family law more gender-equitable.
- Criminal Justice: The criminal justice system in Saudi Arabia is based on Islamic law, while Qatar's legal system combines Islamic law and civil laws inspired by Western legal systems. Saudi Arabia implements corporal punishments, amputations, and executions for certain offenses. Qatar's legal system generally adheres to international standards of human rights and due process.
Despite these cultural differences, Qatar and Saudi Arabia share many commonalities, such as their Islamic faith, traditional values, the Arabic language, and a reliance on oil and gas for economic prosperity. Both countries continue to evolve and undergo social and cultural changes, each at their own pace and in their own way.
