The greeting area in Dubai
Friend in Abaya and Niqab, originally uploaded by Ian (yes, another one).
Almost a week ago, I made my way out of the Dubai International airport building and into the greeting area. To my right, was a small enclosure marked "Ladies Greeting Area" with a scattering of modestly dressed women. After them, were crowded ranks of men from the subcontinent, four or five deep. I looked for my friend amongst the scattering of western faces.
The woman in the photo touched my arm and said hello. Not expecting this, I could not work out why a Muslim woman was approaching a stranger - until my friend starting calling me by name.