Is it fine for a western couple to live together in Qatar without being married?

It doesn't make any difference if you are a westerner or not if you live in a muslim country you have to live by their rules and respect their beliefs.
I am from the UK and living out here with my husband. We brought our wedding forward just so we could live together out here.
Open displays of affection are frowned upon even when you are married. If you cant keep your hands to yourself in public Qatar is not the place for you.
Alot of couple do co habit over here and are discreet about it but it is illegal and if you are caught you will be deported.

Do you both have jobs here in Qatar? You need to be sponsored to live here under a residency, if not you will only be limited in your stay here. BF cannot sponsor GF's

No its not OK ....jail

You will be deported. it happened to a colleague of mine. the girlfriend was jailed for 2 days and he got the 2 days to organize himself - then bye bye Qatar for both of them

marigold...like the others have said...its illegal. Yes, you COULD attempt to live together secretly, but is chancing getting caught and deported, worth it? Probably not.

Holding hands is becoming more and more prevalent, but I certainly wouldn't say it is anything like in the States or Europe. Kissing(on the mouth) in public is a definite no no. Hugs are a bit more acceptable, but only the ones that are the friendly kind..not the kind of hugs between boyfriend and girlfriend.

Think through this well before making the decision to move here and live with your boyfriend. You could always live with another flatmate and date your boyfriend. Or...if you guys are really serious, get married then move here.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

So holding hands, kissing in the night club etc, is not acceptable regardless of the fact that I am of a different religion? Geez, this is a bit strict....

Is the problem living with a boyfriend or having one? Maybe he and I could live apart but still have a relationship. What if he wants to hug me or give me a kiss on my cheek like how he does now in Europe? Or hold my hand?
This is beginning to scare me..

Oh goodness
I have accepted a job as an air hostess in Qatar. This is going to be more difficult than I thought. I can't believe the law is so strict there. So how do girls choose a husband to get married if having a boyfriend is such an offence? Do they not first date and then get married.

If you are a flight attendant for Qatar Airways I believe you will have an apartment with other F/A roommates AND a curfew! Not much chance for living with your boyfriend. When he comes to visit, or if he decides to get a job here, you can date certainly but just be discreet. And no, locals do not date in Qatar before marriage. Marriages are arranged. Couples will often date after the wedding and before living together.

If you are not married, you will not be able to get sponsorship from your partners company. Maybe you ought to think twice about coming out to a Muslim country, if their rules are too hard for you to live by!