The Politics of Gulf Studies
So those of you on the blogosphere have heard and shared several stories about the difficulties and special considerations surrounding doing research and teaching in the Gulf. I feel like as a researcher I self-censor way more than I would while in the states and that I am constantly looking over my shoulder. These paranoias are actually more self-
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The guy I met, I might be able to go back and look at my old schedules and figure out who he is, if you need an interview subject in a pinch!
At the moment, though, I don't remember his name. But this was the story he told me on the jumpseat, minutes before landing back in Dubai...
His nationality was Indian, but he told me his UAE nationality was pending and would come through within the month!
His father came to Dubai several decades ago, to work in the gold trade. When he got off the boat, he found himself welcomed by the royal family!
After some time, he fell in love with an Emirati girl, and they decided to get married. He showed up at his finacee's house, and had a large shotgun pulled on him by her ex-military father. He was Hindu, after all, and was completely out of line in asking for her hand.
So they eloped! They were in love, and didn't expect the other to change who they were in order to start their new life. They had to live in India for a few years, but when they finally came back, her family had agreed to accept their union, especially since they had a child (my colleague) on the way!
It's like a movie, huh?
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