Dear Doha Diary

Now Yemenis are used to instability, unrest, continuous crises and generally life being a struggle.  But recent events in that crazy beautiful country signal an escalation in the battle for power with many fearing the onset of a fully blown civil war. Its clear that the situation in Yemen is incredibly complex, not least because of the number of different conflicting interests at play at so many levels…. Regionally, you have the influence of both Saudi Arabia and Iran with sectarian differences, Saudi Arabia concerned that Iran are expanding their Shia brand of Islam across the Middle East into Lebanon, Iraq, Syria and now Yemen with the Shia Houthis in control of much of the country now. Nationally you have an existing President Hadi (on the left) who has seemingly failed to inspire hope in the Yemeni people vs a former President Saleh (on the right) ousted from power in 2012 following a popular uprising inspired by the A...

So here's an interesting question….. A few days ago, when having dinner with a European colleague, I was describing my affinity with my arab friends and at times feeling more arab than English…. he then said "oh so that means you'll start wearing the hijab?".  Now I hadn't said I felt more Muslim than Christian…. but I was perplexed by his question.  It unsettled me a little and caused me to reflect deeply on this point….. and by the way, at the time, I was wearing the male head-covering - the keffiyeh/ghutra…. as is my habit when in the souq. So why do I wear the keffiyeh?… I dress like an arab man, not an arab woman, although I do own an abaya and hijab and have been known to wear it occasionally and certainly while I was in Yemen….as seen in this photo (it was a must).  I don't have an objection to wearing it and actually found it very comforting, although I did so out of choice of course. However, my preference is to wear the male hea...

Qatari nationals make up around 12% of the 2.3 million  population of Qatar, at around only 278,000. Much of the population are or originate from Bedouin tribes.   The term Bedouin translates to 'desert dweller' and in Qatar they remained living in desert dwellings until around 50 years ago when they started to move into urban dwellings in what is now Doha city and vicinity. There are few if any Bedouin who live in the desert now, but families continue to practice traditions, usually on weekends, spending time in desert camps, sitting around a fire, cooking traditional dishes and sleeping under the stars.   I have the incredible fortune to have Bedouin friends from both Yemen and Qatar and learning about their culture and traditions has been a fascinating discovery.  I was lucky enough to spend some time with them in the desert one recent weekend when I was invited along to their private camp by the sea in the very far North of Qatar, 90 minute...