Ali Hamad Al Marri
In a nation celebrated for its wealth, architectural marvels, and technological innovation, one might assume that the Qatari way of life is synonymous with extravagance. But a quiet, meaningful shift is happening—one that reflects a deeper cultural and spiritual return to simplicity.
Qataris are increasingly choosing to reconnect with their roots through simple living. This movement is not a rejection of prosperity, but rather a conscious balance between tradition and modernity, between luxury and values. In recent years, many Qataris — particularly the youth — have embraced minimalism in their daily lives. In fashion, this is reflected in a return to traditional garments like the thobe and abaya, worn not just for formality but as a symbol of identity. In cuisine, families are turning away from imported, overly processed foods and returning to time-honoured dishes such as harees, machboos, and balaleet. There’s growing appreciation for farm-to-table experiences, local produce, and organic choices, which mirror the values of sustainability and self-sufficiency.
The rhythms of life in Qatar are shaped by the desert and the sea — both of which offer a timeless escape from urban bustle. More Qataris are spending weekends in the bar, camping under starlit skies with minimal technology, or exploring the coast through traditional dhow trips and pearl diving. These activities are not only recreational but restorative. They connect families and friends, foster intergenerational dialogue, and revive a sense of harmony with nature.
In these natural spaces, wealth is not measured in material possessions but in shared laughter, the warmth of a campfire, and the freedom of open horizons.
What’s unfolding in Qatar can be described as a form of “modern asceticism”— a lifestyle that appreciates abundance while choosing restraint. For many, the joy lies not in what can be bought, but in what can be experienced authentically. A simple walk by the Corniche at sunrise, a shared meal in a family majlis, or silence in the dunes holds more meaning than the latest gadget or designer brand. This is not a trend born out of economic necessity. It’s a deliberate re-centring of values: humility, gratitude, and connection over consumption. It echoes the Islamic philosophy of moderation (wasatiyyah), and the Bedouin wisdom that dignity comes not from wealth, but from integrity and generosity. In the age of global visibility, Qataris are crafting a narrative that surprises and inspires — a people who live in one of the richest nations on earth, yet seek fulfilment not just in luxury but in legacy. They are showing the world that in the heart of modernity, the soul of simplicity still thrives.
As Qatar prepares for its next chapter—beyond mega-events and grand investments—this cultural recalibration might just be its most powerful message yet: that true progress is not only about moving forward, but also about looking inward.
- Al Marri is an employee at the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Reserves and Wildlife Department.
Al Marri is an employee at the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change , Reserves and Wildlife Department.
