Is it fine for a western couple to live together in Qatar without being married?

Marigold
By Marigold
By saudisandie• 4 Nov 2008 18:46
Rating: 2/5
saudisandie

If you are not married, you will not be able to get sponsorship from your partners company. Maybe you ought to think twice about coming out to a Muslim country, if their rules are too hard for you to live by!

By dancing12• 4 Nov 2008 18:35
Rating: 3/5
dancing12

what a person r u ????

to ask ppl to give you an advice how to enjoy with your girlfriend (which will leave her country & come with you here) without getting married here !!! what else you need from her as a prove of love more than that, you better leave her if you can`t support her while she can do it for you.hurry up & marry her, give her a save & respectful life face your fear of face off.

By Mandilulur• 4 Nov 2008 18:15
Rating: 3/5
Mandilulur

If you are a flight attendant for Qatar Airways I believe you will have an apartment with other F/A roommates AND a curfew! Not much chance for living with your boyfriend. When he comes to visit, or if he decides to get a job here, you can date certainly but just be discreet. And no, locals do not date in Qatar before marriage. Marriages are arranged. Couples will often date after the wedding and before living together.

By Marigold• 4 Nov 2008 17:56
Marigold

Oh goodness

I have accepted a job as an air hostess in Qatar. This is going to be more difficult than I thought. I can't believe the law is so strict there. So how do girls choose a husband to get married if having a boyfriend is such an offence? Do they not first date and then get married.

By kamranhassan• 4 Nov 2008 00:42
kamranhassan

BE MARRY!!!& THATS ALL

LIVE HAPPILY IN QATAR

IS THERE ANY ISSUE TO GET MARRY WITH YOU GIRL FRIEND?

By Scarlett• 3 Nov 2008 20:27
Rating: 4/5
Scarlett

marigold...like the others have said...its illegal. Yes, you COULD attempt to live together secretly, but is chancing getting caught and deported, worth it? Probably not.

Holding hands is becoming more and more prevalent, but I certainly wouldn't say it is anything like in the States or Europe. Kissing(on the mouth) in public is a definite no no. Hugs are a bit more acceptable, but only the ones that are the friendly kind..not the kind of hugs between boyfriend and girlfriend.

Think through this well before making the decision to move here and live with your boyfriend. You could always live with another flatmate and date your boyfriend. Or...if you guys are really serious, get married then move here.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

By Boss_99• 3 Nov 2008 19:51
Boss_99

MrsJacko gave u the Idea..

thanx to her

By MidoElkon• 3 Nov 2008 19:45
Rating: 5/5
MidoElkon

No its not OK ....jail

By anonymous• 3 Nov 2008 19:35
Rating: 3/5
anonymous

You will be deported. it happened to a colleague of mine. the girlfriend was jailed for 2 days and he got the 2 days to organize himself - then bye bye Qatar for both of them

By brotherjoe• 3 Nov 2008 18:53
Rating: 2/5
brotherjoe

No. Don't even think of it. Islam (as I understand) prohibits a woman and a man to "be" togather if they are not related to each other. Unfortunately, it doesn't recognise friendship between the sexes as a legal relationship. I knew a live-in couple who were both jailed for 8months and then deported - they were Asian. For westerners, the jail sentence may be avoided but I don't think its worth a shot!!

By deepoo• 3 Nov 2008 18:26
deepoo

no, if caught, u wil b jailed

By Amoud• 3 Nov 2008 18:19
Amoud

Do you both have jobs here in Qatar? You need to be sponsored to live here under a residency, if not you will only be limited in your stay here. BF cannot sponsor GF's

By MrsJacko• 3 Nov 2008 18:00
Rating: 2/5
MrsJacko

It doesn't make any difference if you are a westerner or not if you live in a muslim country you have to live by their rules and respect their beliefs.

I am from the UK and living out here with my husband. We brought our wedding forward just so we could live together out here.

Open displays of affection are frowned upon even when you are married. If you cant keep your hands to yourself in public Qatar is not the place for you.

Alot of couple do co habit over here and are discreet about it but it is illegal and if you are caught you will be deported.

By King29• 3 Nov 2008 18:00
King29

risky incase of child birth....

By Marigold• 3 Nov 2008 17:51
Marigold

Is the problem living with a boyfriend or having one? Maybe he and I could live apart but still have a relationship. What if he wants to hug me or give me a kiss on my cheek like how he does now in Europe? Or hold my hand?

This is beginning to scare me..

By cherukkan• 3 Nov 2008 17:46
Rating: 4/5
cherukkan

If you are caught then that will be the end of your stay in Qatar. It is illegal to stay like that. You might be able to stay without noticing it but is risky if someone notice you and get a doubt about your partner.

By Marigold• 3 Nov 2008 17:46
Marigold

So holding hands, kissing in the night club etc, is not acceptable regardless of the fact that I am of a different religion? Geez, this is a bit strict....

By sxnair• 3 Nov 2008 17:41
Rating: 4/5
sxnair

As long as you dont annouce it in the public and do not make disturbance to the neighbours even though it is illegal (if I am right!).

Log in or register to post comments

More from Qatar Living

Qatar’s top beaches for water sports thrills

Qatar’s top beaches for water sports thrills

Let's dive into the best beaches in Qatar, where you can have a blast with water activities, sports and all around fun times.
Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part Two

Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part Two

This guide brings you the top apps that will simplify the use of government services in Qatar.
Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part One

Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part One

this guide presents the top must-have Qatar-based apps to help you navigate, dine, explore, access government services, and more in the country.
Winter is coming – Qatar’s seasonal adventures await!

Winter is coming – Qatar’s seasonal adventures await!

Qatar's winter months are brimming with unmissable experiences, from the AFC Asian Cup 2023 to the World Aquatics Championships Doha 2024 and a variety of outdoor adventures and cultural delights.
7 Days of Fun: One-Week Activity Plan for Kids

7 Days of Fun: One-Week Activity Plan for Kids

Stuck with a week-long holiday and bored kids? We've got a one week activity plan for fun, learning, and lasting memories.
Wallet-friendly Mango Sticky Rice restaurants that are delightful on a budget

Wallet-friendly Mango Sticky Rice restaurants that are delightful on a budget

Fasten your seatbelts and get ready for a sweet escape into the world of budget-friendly Mango Sticky Rice that's sure to satisfy both your cravings and your budget!
Places to enjoy Mango Sticky Rice in  high-end elegance

Places to enjoy Mango Sticky Rice in high-end elegance

Delve into a world of culinary luxury as we explore the upmarket hotels and fine dining restaurants serving exquisite Mango Sticky Rice.
Where to celebrate World Vegan Day in Qatar

Where to celebrate World Vegan Day in Qatar

Celebrate World Vegan Day with our list of vegan food outlets offering an array of delectable options, spanning from colorful salads to savory shawarma and indulgent desserts.