This class focuses on the study of influential fashion designers and their contributions to the evolution of fashion from the 19th century to the 21st century. Through lectures and the examination of museum clothing collections, students analyze the aesthetic principles and creative approaches that defined each designer’s work. The course highlights how historic fashion movements and styles have influenced contemporary trends and will continue to shape future fashion designs.

Geography

Qatar has an advantageous geographic location, and shares an interrelationship with  several countries which makes it easy to break into apparel markets. Qatar is a small, peninsular country located in the Arabian Gulf in the Middle East (Milipol, 2023). Its geographical location has played a significant role in the development of its textile and apparel industry. As a result the geographic location is within a strategic proximity to major textile and apparel markets, such as the  Middle East, Europe, and Asia. Qatar shares interrelationship with  Pakistan, Oman, Italy, Czechia, Singapore, Turkey and China. It prepares these countries to be great contenders in the world of apparel and textiles (Mofa, 2022). This makes Qatar a perfect country to do business with.

Qatar has unique land, on the map its location shows how differently people dress and culture. This shows the innovation of  Qatar, and how modernized this part of the region is becoming. There is a sizable tract of mangroves close to Al Khor on Qatar’s northeastern coast. The sea spills into the desert in the south of the nation in a place called Khor Al Adaid, which means “Inland Sea,” along with a sizable tidal embayment that surrounds it (WTG, 2021). Most of Qatar’s area is flat, low-lying desert, which rises from the east to a central limestone plateau (Anthony, 2023). Latitude and longitude coordinates are: 25.286106, 51.534817 and has one of the richest and most modern cities on the planet (LL, 2023). The latitude and longitude of Qatar affects the weather since it is close to the equator which in turn, affects the dress of Qatar’s people.

Fig 1- Map of Qatar (World Atlas, 2021).

Climate

Qatar’s weather affects the way people dress and the material that is used and puts them at risk due to climate change.The majority of the year in Qatar is extremely hot and dry, especially during the summer when temperatures can climb above 40°C (104°F). In order to be comfortable and aid in temperature regulation in this climate, lightweight, breathable materials must be produced and widely used (CCKP, 2020). Saudi Arabia is a region that is particularly vulnerable to climate change. By the end of this century, major areas of the region are anticipated to be uninhabitable due to temperatures that are already far higher than the global average (Dargin, 2023). Qatar’s intense desert sun prohibits  the use of clothes that provide UV radiation protection. To protect the skin from the sun’s harmful rays, lightweight long sleeves made of UV-resistant materials are frequently worn. Moisture management in garments is essential in hot climates. (Rohrig, 2022).

Qatar grows many fruits which are famous around the world. However, the climate puts Qatar at a risk, as a result studies show efforts to reverse the effects of climate change. The humid season lasts for 4.4 months, from May 12 to September 24, with an average daily high temperature above 99°F. The hottest month of the year in Qatar is July, with an average high of 106°F and low of 88°F (WS, 2023). This temperature produces fruits like date palm, figs and pomegranate (Mordor, 2022). Qatar is among the 10 countries that would be mostly impacted by sea level rise in terms of percentage of land area and wetlands affected (Al-Khater 2021). When Saudi Arabia upgraded its Paris Agreement commitment and declared a net zero aim for 2060 in October 2021, it demonstrated a stronger commitment to climate action within its own borders (CAT, 2021). It is not yet clear that climate will be a negative factor in the regional textile and apparel complex of Qatar. What can be taken away from this is that Qatar is staying in the game and making sure they are staying sustainable which makes them a perfect place to establish an apparel market.

Natural Resources

The energy sector, particularly its vast reserves of oil and natural gas, including the third-largest known natural gas reserve globally, made possible by its exclusive access to the North Field reserve. It’s a small island, 100 miles from north to south and 50 miles from west to east (Adegbamigbe, 2022). With the attached North field reserve, a reserve roughly equivalent in area to the size of Qatar, Qatar has exclusive access to some of Earth’s most essential natural resources in oil and gas. Qatar is fortunate to be the possessor of the third largest known reserve of natural gas in the world, behind only Russia and Iran, officially tapping into the offshore reserves in 1971 (ITA, 2023). The Persian Gulf provided fishes such as groupers (hamour), Spanish mackerel (kan’ad), rabbitfish (safi fish), tiger shrimp (rubiyan) and blue swimmer crabs along with pearls from oysters as resources available for trade (Ataullah, 2023). Qatar has since become an indispensable energy supplier with vast reserves and very low cost (Krauss, 2022). 

Qatar has increased its wealth as a result of its strategic focus on the gas industry, its shared North field reserve with Iran, and its transformation into a powerful energy supplier. The North field reserve is shared by Qatar and Iran, creating an interrelation and trading connection between not only these two countries, but also to easily accessible neighboring countries in Asia such as China, Japan, South Korea amongst others across the globe (Al- Tamimi, 2023).  Qatar benefits by providing an indispensable natural product to be outsourced/exported out the country with supply agreements to companies in countries that don’t have access to essential sources of energy (Danger, 2021). Qatar has developed and evolved its infrastructure and production of oil and gas to transform the potent energy supplier of the world it strived to be (Calabrese, 2023). Advanced strategic investments has allowed Qatar to rise from being one of the poorest nations in the world to now being one of the wealthiest, an essential contributor of the working international trade system.

Fig 2—North Field In Qatar (Dargin, 2021).

Population & Demographics

Due to a number of circumstances, Qatar’s population has seen significant growth and change in recent years. Qatar has developed into a desirable location for expats and professionals from all over the world, largely due to its booming economy and infrastructure development (BTI, 2022). The population has grown greatly as a result of this influx of foreign labor, which has also helped to diversify it and create a more global environment (Kabbani, 2022). Over 2.8 million people called Qatar home as of September 2021, with a sizable expatriate majority (AlNuaimi, 2023). The Qatari government has implemented strategies to manage population increase and ensure the welfare of both its people and expatriate residents as a result of this demographic shift.

 Qatar’s population statistics are evidence of its position as a world center with a distinctive demographic make-up. The population of the nation is made up of a variety of nations and cultural heritages, resulting in a beautiful tapestry of diversity (Unesco, 2022). Qataris only make up a small fraction of the population, but expatriates from many different nations make a substantial contribution to the labor force and the advancement of the country (HRW, 2022). To achieve this ratio’s balance and promote social cohesion among the country’s diverse people, the Qatari government has taken action. Among the efforts made are programs for cultural insertion and citizenship awards given to a select number of expatriates who have made remarkable achievements (QT, 2023). This diverse demographic environment helps to define Qatar’s position on the world stage as a modern, open-minded country where a peaceful coexistence of locals and foreigners is essential for long-term growth and success.

Technology & E-commerce

A prospective company would likely choose to invest in Qatar because its technology, ecommerce, and e-retailing have all had a positive relationship in recent times. In the real estate business specifically, the Technology Acceptance Model 3, the implementation and progress of new technologies in this industry, have had a “positive direct relationship” in its adoption (Abdallah 2018). The Arab community, including countries like Qatar, are making important strides toward digital marketing as well. Studies show that retailers like Amazon are taking notice and many of these companies are starting to incorporate Arabic in their websites (Singh 2019). One form of digital marketing is SEA (search engine advertising), which on the contrary, so far cannot be tested long term for its impact on sales (Yang, 2022).  Despite struggles in other areas, technology and ecommerce is a growing industry in Qatar and a prospective business would likely be fond of investing.

Qatar and the other countries in the surrounding area, all are trying to adjust to the innovation of technology in the industry of retail and commerce.  There are social media influencers that take advantage of this technology, however they do not promote online commerce websites (Al-Khalaf ,2020).  This is one influence that prevents Qatar from moving forward in mobile commerce specifically.  Qatar is one of the main markets of the Gulf area (Alwan, 2023).  In this market, there is a lack of trust when it comes to the purchasing of second-hand goods.  This can be shown in an official Qatar University quote that states that authenticity and counterfeiting are both issues within the second hand industry (Journal of Engineering, 2022). Despite its efforts, Qatar still has some ways to go in order to become a leader in e-commerce and e-retailing.

Economy

Fig 1. Qatari Riyal (The Peninsular Newspaper, 2022)

The thriving force behind Qatar’s rise into one of the richest economies in the world can be accredited to its fortune of being geographically located next to large reserves of oil and natural gas, two of the most indispensable energy sources in the world. Although the peninsular nation is small in size, Qatari nationalist are some of the wealthiest individuals across the world today. With a per capita GDP of Qatari nationalist at $124,833, Qatar has soared to be the fourth richest country globally by GDP/PPP (Forbes, 2023). The State of Qatar is an independent state, a constitutional monarchy led by Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Al Thani. In terms of world currencies, Qatar’s currency is one of strongest in the world, with the Riyal being pegged to the US dollar at a fixed exchange rate of $1 USD = QR 3.14 (Barbuscia, 2021). The economic system in the state combines elements of market economy as well as planned economy, fostering a balance between state control and individual economic freedom (Montoya, 2023). The country’s wealth of oil and natural gas has propelled the nation while its stable currency and united government provides the foundation for continued growth. 

Through its sovereign wealth fund and the Qatar Investment Authority, the country has diversified its reliance on solely providing energy for the world. It has created government funds with focus on alternative revenue generating ventures for the country. The forward seeking government has launched the Qatar National Vision 2030, an initiative pursuing a more diversified, greener and educated economy (Humairah & Haley, 2023). Transforming Qatar into an advanced global location that provides high standards of living with great business and tourism appeals (Kabbani, 2022). Qatar was one of the few nations to handle the COVID-19 well and has already seen a recovery in their economy with the hosting of the FIFA World Cup in 2022 providing a surge of tourism and worldwide attention (IMF, 2022). Qatar has enacted reforms to incentivize and attract foreign investments, supporting international free trade and economic systems to further foster advancements and growth for the nation. Qatar’s economic journey epitomizes a nation that leveraged its natural resources to achieve remarkable prosperity with long term sustainability.

Import/Export Trade Policies

Qatar’s import and export trade practices and policies are liberal and welcoming, in that it stands as a free open economy with a significant reliance on oil and natural gas exports. In 2021, Qatar exported a total of $87B worth of products and services while importing $27.8B, equating to a trade balance surplus of $59.2B for the country (Asharq, 2022). Qatar, being a member of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), will apply a five percent value-added tax (VAT) on most goods and services in the near future attributing the delays to the customary tax to COVID-19 complications and inflation concerns. (Asquith, 2023). In accordance with its 2030 National Vision, Qatar has enacted an excise tax on consumer goods that are deemed harmful or detrimental to individuals or the environment. The law ratified in 2019, established up to a 100% tax rate or ‘sin tax’ on products such as tobacco, alcohol, special goods and even carbonated drinks (Ourashi, 2021). Qatar’s reliance on oil and gas exports creates a vulnerability for the country as it relies on unreliable global energy prices, but the government has taken the initiative to diversify by investing into other sectors such as tourism and into their industrialization and modernization.

While it’s a small country in size, Qatar’s nationalists are some of the wealthiest individuals per capita in the world, allowing for an influx of imports that the Qatari splurge on. Most products are allowed to be imported with the proper license, however only Qatari nationalist or Qatari government affiliates are allowed to apply for these licenses (ITA, 2022). Particular product import and export restrictions also exist, as the state owned Qatar Distribution Company holds exclusive rights to import and distribute religiously barred pork or alcohol within the country (Gambrell, 2022). The restriction of importing and exporting certain products are in line with the Islamic culture and values of Qatar. Establishing great bilateral relations with trading partners such as China, South Korea and Japan, they have essentially traded their oil resources for goods and services such as Automobiles and modern machinery for their industrialization (Deepak, 2022). Overall, Qatar’s import and export trade policies are representative of its economic growth, alluring investment opportunities and further development, given its participation in the World Trade Organization and the free trading system of the world.

Labor & Employment Practices

Qatar has implemented quotas such as rent control quotas with effort to stabilize rental prices and ensure affordable housing for its citizens ( Bizimungu, 2022). Salaries and incomes in retail for Qatar citizens currently stands as of 2022 is QR15,700 for monthly salary (Sergon, 2023). Customs duties and tariffs, Qatar maintains a customs duty system depending on the type of products that are being imported from other countries. Barriers of trade this is related to product standards and  technical regulation that can affect that importation of goods. Trade barriers are intended to safeguard its domestic industries, protect public health and safety which ensures that products meet specific standards. These barriers are planned to bridge the balance between promoting economic growth, protecting national interests, and international trade commitments (Hubbard, 2018).

Qatar is an islamic country and shares cultural barriers such as religion, dress code, Ramadan, the use of the left hand, gender segregation & public behavior. Although this country is generally open and welcoming to foreigners, understanding and adhering to cultural sensitivities makes it an harmonious experience (Camacho, 2023). Qatar used the standard  to expand their international markets to capitalize its large-scale format that includes Souqs, luxury boutiques, & online retailers ( Paramo, 2022).Factors of production, capital resources are stronger in Qatar. These funds are used for domestic infrastructure development (Kabbani, 2022).

Fiber, Fabric & Apparel Production/4 Factors of Production

Qatar’s determination to diversify its economy beyond oil and gas is seen in the country’s rapid rise in recent years in the manufacturing of fiber, fabric, and garments. The construction of cutting-edge facilities is the result of significant government investment in the modernization and expansion of the textile and apparel sector (UN, 2021). Notably, Qatar has been attempting to increase its domestic fiber production. Cotton cultivation is becoming more popular in the country’s dry climate thanks to cutting-edge irrigation techniques (Davey, 2022). As a reflection of the region’s rich cultural past and in response to consumer demand, fabrics made in Qatar frequently contain traditional Middle Eastern design motifs. In addition, the apparel industry has been rapidly expanding, with premium clothing being produced for both domestic and international markets (Merenda, 2022). This increase in the production of fiber, fabric, and clothing supports Qatar’s efforts to diversify its economy and strengthens its standing as a center for textile production and design on a global scale. The industry is predicted to offer great potential for innovation, trade, and investment in the years to come as it continues to develop (ITA, 2022).

Four crucial production elements influence the textile and garment sector in Qatar. Natural resources are abundant and offer a dependable source of energy and raw materials, especially oil and gas (EIA, 2023). A well-educated staff guarantees high-quality output. Modern infrastructure and technology have been made possible by capital investments, increasing global competitiveness (BTI, 2021). In addition, Qatar’s innovative mindset and entrepreneurial spirit fuel the growth of cutting-edge textile technologies and innovative designs (Hassen, 2022). Together, these four elements contribute to the industry’s success, setting it up for a successful future within Qatar’s economy.

Culture

Fig 1.  (The evolution of the abaya)

Qatari culture combines deep-rooted traditions with modernization. Qatar is a heterogeneous muslim majority country that’s heavily influenced by Islamic values, such as generosity, hospitality and respect for elders.  Strong family bonds and respect for traditional dress and language are evident (Camacho, 2023). Food plays an important role in Qatar’s society, allowing for connecting with family and friends, inviting hospitality and in celebrating special occasions.  Islam plays a central role, and hospitality is a cherished value(Ahmed, 2023). The nation’s rapid economic development has attracted a diverse expatriate population, enriching the cultural landscape (Al-Hammadi, 2021). Qatar also has great value attached to time, business hours are Sunday through Thursdays, 8:30-9AM until 5:30-6PM and the Qatari’s are very punctual individuals, considering it rude culturally to be late to appointments or meetings. Qatar’s commitment to preserving its heritage while embracing globalization creates a dynamic and evolving cultural tapestry.

An important part of Qatar’s history and identity is its traditional clothing. With a clear emphasis on comfort in the dry desert conditions, traditional Qatari clothing displays a fascinating fusion of cultures and practicality (WCM, 2023). The “thobe,” a long, light-weight white robe with elaborate embroidery along the neckline, is a part of the customary male attire. The “agal,” a black cord used to secure the “ghutra,” a headscarf with white or red and white checkered patterns, is frequently worn (LOC, 2022). The “abaya” is a flowing black cloak that ladies wear over their clothes and can decorate with elaborate patterns and decorations. Depending on personal preference, the head and face may be covered with the “niqab” or “hijab” (OU, 2023). The Qatari people’s cultural values and religious convictions are reflected in these traditional clothes, which are more than just articles of apparel. The Qatari culture is rich and strong, in giving Qataris a way to connect with their heritage and to each other.

Distribution & Consumption

Distribution: 

The contemporary logistics system in Qatar is particularly efficient when it comes to the distribution of commodities. The country’s advantageous Middle Eastern position, coupled with its vast seaports and well-connected transportation infrastructure, enables the seamless transportation of products. (Khawandi, 2022). To guarantee prompt delivery of goods, the government of Qatar aggressively invests in state-of-the-art technology and logistics management. (MI, 2023).Additionally, the nation mostly depends on international trade agreements and air freight, which makes a large range of goods easily accessible. (UN, 2022). Qatar’s distribution network is strong despite its modest size, guaranteeing that customers may access a wide variety of goods.

Consumption: 

A flourishing consumer culture has been fostered in Qatar by high levels of disposable money and a growing expatriate population. The nation’s tendency for luxury products is seen in its purchasing patterns, which place a high value on imported goods and brands (Farrag, 2021). The demand for exclusivity and a high standard of living are the driving forces behind this trend. Qatari consumers have a taste for extravagance and a propensity for technology, high-end clothing, and imported cars (MR, 2022). Modern shopping centers and other retail infrastructure, funded by the government, are examples of how the government supports thriving consumer spending and a retail industry that serves the wide range of requirements and tastes of Qatari citizens (Gordon, 2023).

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Product

Step into a realm where tradition meets modern elegance with our Al-Sadu inspired mats. Traditional weaving and embroidery are integral parts of Qatar’s cultural identity, one of the most popular forms of traditional weaving and tapestry in Qatar is called “Al-Sadu.() Each mat is meticulously crafted using the finest natural resources of Qatar such as goat hair, wild silk and wool as well as natural dyes extracted from pomegranate and henna to create beautiful works of art, that not only become beautiful home décor but also fulfills religious practice purposes (Norquist, 2023). Our artisans, guided by generations of knowledge and tradition, transform these raw fibers into intricate patterns and motifs, each element infused with symbolic meaning. The colors used in these designs are typically earthy and natural, reflecting the country’s desert landscape, the deep reds and browns evoke the warmth of the desert sands (Al-Kudair, 2021). Our traditional and timeless Al-Sadu weavings capture the elegance and culture richness of the art skill while ensuring to keep the tradition alive. 

Sustainable Practices and Shipping Options

Our commitment to sustainability extends to our shipping practices. We source our materials locally and employ traditional Al Sadu weaving techniques, ensuring the authenticity and cultural significance of our products. We offer a variety of shipping options, including air freight, sea freight, and express courier services, through services providers DHL, FEDEX UPS, Maersk Line & MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company ensuring that your Al-Sadu inspired mat reaches you safely and efficiently.() The designs used in these crafts often have symbolic meanings and tell the story of the country’s culture and heritage (Al-Sulaiti, 2022). Whether you’re seeking the timeless elegance of traditional Al Sadu mats or the contemporary flair of modern interpretations, our collection offers a piece of Qatar’s rich heritage for your home.