Qataris are proud of their hospitality, and you will almost certainly be offered refreshments when doing business or socialising.
Turning down these refreshments is rude.
Unfortunately, Qataris also have a sweet tooth.
Much of the food you are offered is likely to be sugary drinks, donuts and cakes.
I'm always dodging these foods when I can, and sometimes sneak sugary cans into my bag when I am left alone. There are times, though, when it is not possible to avoid them.
It's a shame, because while most Qataris are a jolly and friendly people, they also suffer from a very high level of diabetes. And it was when a Qatar acquantaince recently got gangrene from complications arising from diabetes that I remembered just why I was so fussy about my diet.
