Sunday, January 02, 2005

Doha Diary

It's a land where petrol is cheaper than water

Where the Arab male reigns supreme and women hide their Zara and Mango clothes under their black robes

Where the largely South Asian and Eastern European workforce slog under the watchful eyes of their local bosses,

Where only white expatriates, who enjoy tax-free income and large mansions, are accorded grudging respect from their Arab paymasters, who view themselves as divine descendants.

Where the Emir has the final say

But

It's also a place of peace and tranquility

An alluring place of breath-taking desert beauty

A place of fine service and warm hospitality

A place with a rich cultural heritage, where East meets West

A place of enchanting tales and
fond memories

Welcome to Arabia.