Doha, Qatar

Islamic Art Museum

Each year AES generously supports teachers attending professional development, including to other countries. When the NESA Winter Institute announced it would be in Doha, Qatar this year, I jumped at the chance to attend. I had never spent time in a middle-eastern country and my curiosity was piqued. Of course, I also wanted to attend a particular workshop called, "Engaging Deep Thinkers in Your Classroom" by John Almorade.

Women in abaya robes and bourgas (picture by Mohana Rajakumar)

Qatar is a very small kidney-shaped country on the Arabian Peninsula opposite Iran. Security in and out of the country was heightened. Qatar is also considered the wealthiest country in the world, as a result of its oil and gas reserves.

My first impression was of amazement of the  absolute cleanliness, outstanding modern architecture, and "whiteness". That is, except for the women dressed in their black abayas. The contrast from living in India was breath-taking, literally, as the air was clean and the sky blue!

Qatar is also considered a more contemporary Muslim country. Women are allowed to drive (unlike in Saudi Arabia), vote and run for elections. Women are well educated. However, it is still a highly patriarchal society.

Fellow male teachers buying a white thobe and gutra (robe and headdress).

Restaurant greeter at the Souq

The woman on the right, Violet, was from Greece and was searching for a glass of wine with dinner. When she asked this young man if the restaurant served wine he burst out laughing. There is no alcohol in Qatar except at hotels. Packing alcohol into the country or possession of drugs will land you in jail!

Damascus Restaurant

As in India, the locals wanted pictures with westerners. Notice behind me, the hookah pipes. Just about every restaurant had smoking of flavored tobaccos, shisha, using hookah pipes.

American School of Doha

The conference was held at the American School of Doha. Stunning school! Very open-air with a warm, happy feel. Kid art everywhere. The teachers that I talked with were very positive about working here. I could see why.

Some of the art in a hallway.

Overall I enjoyed my quick visit to Doha. Not sure I could live in a culture where women must cover themselves (not westerners). I consider myself quite accepting of all religions and practices, but the eye-slit bourgas are a bit too extreme for me. Eye contact is way too important to me.