Editing Demographics of Qatar (section)

===Ethnic groups===
Qatar's population has been historically diverse due to its role as a trading center, a refuge for nomadic tribes, and a hub for the [[Pearl diving|pearling]] industry. Ethnic groups and the differences among them are considered sensitive topics in Qatari society and are rarely discussed in official contexts.<ref name="marine1">{{cite web|url=https://info.publicintelligence.net/MCIA-QatarCultureGuide.pdf|title=Qatar Cultural Field Guide|publisher=[[United States Marine Corps]]|location=[[Quantico, Virginia]]|pages=21–24|date=August 2010|accessdate=28 May 2024}}</ref>

[[Bedouin]]s, though constituting approximately 10 percent of the population, hold an outsized role in local culture. Many Qataris descend from tribes that migrated from [[Najd]] and [[Al-Ahsa Oasis|Al-Hasa]] in the 18th century. Commonly called the ''bedu'', they maintain ties, homes, and even passports in [[Saudi Arabia]] and other Gulf states. In the early 20th century, bedu migrated from the Arabian interior, with some traveling intermittently between Qatar and Bahrain. During the mid-20th century economic boom, many found work in the [[Energy in Qatar|oil industry]], [[Law enforcement in Qatar|police]], [[Army of Qatar|army]], and security services. The government settled Bedu families in the 1960s, discouraging the nomadic lifestyle. Today, many live in urban areas but return to the desert to stay connected to their roots. Many Bedu see themselves as noble and "pure" Arabs, often looking down on the settled population (hadar) as influenced by urban and [[Persian people|Persian]] elements. [[Interethnic marriage|Intermarriage]] between these groups is rare.<ref name="marine1"/>

The ''hadar'', a diverse group of settled Qatari citizens, includes [[Baharna]], [[Huwala people|Huwala]], [[Ajam]] (Iranians), and [[Afro-Arabs]]. Baharna Arabs, a group native to Qatar and often practicing [[Shia Islam|Shia Muslims]], sometimes face discrimination from the [[Sunni Islam|Sunni]] majority. Huwala Arabs, who are Sunni Muslims, migrated through the [[Persian Gulf]] to [[Persia]] and back to Qatar. Historically wealthier and better educated due to trade and pearling, their advantage has diminished as education became more accessible. The Ajam, ethnic Shia Persians, were active in [[boat building]] and still speak [[Persian language|Persian]]. Qatar’s Afro-Arab population descends from slaves brought from [[East Africa]] for the pearling industry. While some Arabs may view this group as "less" Qatari, most consider them full citizens. Despite occasional tensions, these groups are well integrated into Qatari society. Intermarriage is increasing, and Persian and African influences are evident in local culture.<ref name="marine1"/>