This dependency on outside products expanded with the discovery of oil in the 1930s. Oil led to greater profits, but also growing needs in Qatar; workers were needed, new machinery and technology was needed, and the oil needed to be sold and transported. As money flowed into the country the dependency on foreign goods, and later foreign workers, increased and continues to increase today.
The locals and foreigners alike are reliant on imported foods, goods, and even water, but their economy can support these needs as long as oil continues to be drilled. Without this commodity, life in Qatar would be nearly impossible since it would be economically infeasible to afford importing nearly every item needed for survival. However, oil does exist so the population, wealth, and technology continue to improve and the culture in the country continues to reflect this lifestyle.
The different lifestyles between the local and foreign workers are in stark contradiction. The foreigners living in Qatar tend to live as they did in their home country, whatever country that may be. Conversely, the local citizens maintain some historic traditions, but also rely on modern technology and enjoy luxury goods to suite their improving lifestyles. The citizens are easy to spot as they maintain traditional dress and tend to live their lives according to the moral and ethical code of Islam.
It is Islam that perhaps best defines the historic culture in Qatar today as most aspects of the traditional cultures have been lost to time and technology. However, Islam remains at the heart of the local culture, affecting the way people dress, eat, and interact. This religion, which the people have followed for centuries, has rules that dictate what can, or cannot, be consumed, how people should dress, how people may date, and more. These beliefs and attitudes have permeated the culture and even today these religious rules strongly affect the people and culture.