Qatar plays a crucial part in the Middle East today. With the second greatest natural gas resources in the region, Qatar's economic clout is considerable. At the same time the Qatar story is replete with paradoxes: the state hosts the Al-Jazeera media network, an influential expression of Arab nationalism and anti-Americanism, while also hosting the principal US naval base in the region. Its leaders, like Saudi Arabia's, adhere to the Wahhabi form of Sunni Islam, yet Qatar eyes its Saudi neighbours with suspicion. It is a fervent champion of the Palestinian cause, yet welcomes the Israeli Foreign Minister to present the Jewish state's case in its capital, Doha. With this groundbreaking modern history, Allen Fromherz presents a full portrait which analyses these paradoxes and Qatar's growing regional influence within a broader historical context. Drawing on original sources in Arabic, English and French, as well as his own fieldwork in the Middle East, Fromherz offers a multi-faceted picture of the political, cultural, religious, social and economic make-up of modern Qatar, its significance within the GCC states and the wider region. Read more

As Muslims, we all know the importance of Salah.Salah is one of the five pillars of Islam. Performing Salah is compulsory for all Muslims past puberty. and It shows our gratitude to Allah. Salah is a gift for every believerThus, it is very important that we encourage our kids to form the habit of Salah by Giving them their own prayer mat, tasbeeh, hijab, or book so they can learn with passionFeatures:All 5 prayers step by stepSalah Tracker A nice large format (8 by 10 inch) Read more

A celebration of traditional heritage and architecture, Living Heritage explains the creation of the widely acclaimed four Msheireb Museums in Doha, Qatar, and their continuing value to Qataris and their communities. Presented here in a dual language English-Arabic edition, the stories that the Museums tell form part of the historic bedrock of Qatar s aspirations and development over the last century, conveying the individual characters of the Museums, their contents, and the continuing importance of traditional Qatari values in daily life. The creation of the Msheireb Museums in traditional courtyard buildings in the heart of Doha illuminates four important strands of Qatar s history the pioneering work of Qataris in the original oilfields, typical domestic life in the 20th century, the past and future of the Msheireb area, and regional and international slavery. The museums have given these histories a living future as part of the modern identity of Qatar, and have set a world-class benchmark in the way traditional buildings can be innovatively transformed to tell engrossing stories about the past. The Msheireb Museums generate what Qataris call thikayrat al makan - spirit of place. A meaningful sense of both the present and the fast-approaching future can only grow from an understanding of the past. For many Qataris and international visitors, that understanding will begin in the Msheireb Museums. Read more

Ten years after an attack on the US diplomatic mission in Benghazi killed Ambassador Christopher Stevens and three other Americans, cries of "Benghazi!" still echo across America. But instead of a landmark event to be taken seriously, it has become a punchline, an empty word, or a code for controversy and political theatre. In this thrilling retelling, Ethan Chorin reveals Benghazi as?a watershed moment in American history, one that helped create the world America lives in today: polarized, fearful, and dangerously unstable.Here, Benghazi is not a story contained in 13 hours, but a decades-long history beginning with the rise of Muammar Gaddafi, stretching through 9/11, the War on Terror, and the Arab Spring, and reaching into the present day, as the impact of the attack and ensuing controversy remain visible in America and around the world. Chorin draws on his own bone-chilling experience during the Benghazi attack, his expertise as a former diplomat and scholar of Libyan history, and new interviews with Libyan insiders, eyewitnesses, and key players like Hillary Clinton and Ben Rhodes. With this ambitious, engaging narrative, Chorin makes clear why Benghazi still matters so much ten years later-and why we can't afford to continue overlooking and misunderstanding it. Read more

CROSSING THE EMPTY QUARTER FROM OMAN TO QATAR WITH BERTRAM THOMAS IN THIS EPIC 1930 ADVENTUREIn 1930, British explorer Bertram Thomas set out from Oman to be the first non-Arab to traverse the formidable Rub Al Khali - Arabia's vast and unrelenting "Empty Quarter." Against all odds, he succeeded.Modern readers can venture with Thomas into uncharted territory to uncover:The gripping, true story of Thomas's grueling 1,500 mile quest and the winding road to make history.Fascinating insights into desert culture from a Westerner immersed in the Arabian way of life.Vivid descriptions of oasis towns and sweeping sand dunes captured in rare archival photos and illustrations.Thomas' key role in the romantic legend of finding Arabia's 'Atlantis of the Sands.'Modern Photography of Dhofar in Oman, and other stops on Thomas' journey adds understanding of the journey.Cross the Rub Al Khali through Thomas's eyes. With crucial context on this British trailblazer and his impact, rediscover the timeless allure of Arabia's empty quarter.This is a fascinating account of a groundbreaking expedition from Oman, through the Empty Quarter to Qatar and ideal for anyone interested in Arabia and its people - order today before the price changes. Read more

Today, Qatar is among the world’s wealthiest countries. Its rich hydrocarbon resources have transformed this small Gulf state into an energy powerhouse, funded its outsized global ambitions, and allowed it to forge an identity separate from those of its large and powerful neighbors.Drawing on Michael D. Tusiani’s firsthand accounts and deep personal experience in the energy sector and Anne-Marie Johnson’s years of reporting, this book explores how Qatar became a major player in the global energy market. It follows the twists and turns of Qatar’s road to riches, from the first interest by British and American oil companies in the 1920s to the decades it took to develop the North field―the world’s largest gas field―following its discovery in 1971 through the country’s emergence as one of the world’s leading exporters of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in the 2000s.From Black Gold to Frozen Gas details the technical, financial, and political challenges involved in getting Qatar’s first LNG projects off the ground. It shows how, despite missteps and setbacks, the foundations of today’s Qatar were laid over many decades. And it chronicles epic rivalries within the ruling Al Thani family, among oil companies, and in the geopolitics of the energy landscape.Part historical analysis, part in-the-room narrative, From Black Gold to Frozen Gas is the definitive account of oil and gas development in Qatar. Read more

The Gulf state of Qatar tops the Forbes list of the world's richest countries. In 2010, the country had the world's highest GDP per capita, and its reserves of oil and natural gas are vast. It has been estimated that Qatar will invest more than $120 billion in the energy sector over the next ten years. Yet Qatar has climbed to this pinnacle of wealth and influence in a remarkably short time, and from a starting point of obscurity and insignificance. This astonishing transition is the direct result of the efforts nearly 200 years ago of one visionary man - Jassim bin Muhammad Bin Thani, known as 'the Leader'. Qatar in the 1830s was a fragmented region, a desert peninsula without security or borders, where coastal communities depended on pearling for survival, while constantly at the mercy of tribal raiders. Jassim's background in this precarious environment led to his understanding that the gap between tribal settled peoples must be bridged, and then to his harnessing of regional conflicts to create a unified Qatari state. Skilfully allying with Ottoman forces to fend off the British, Jassim established power in the newly rebuilt capital, Doha, eventually becoming the first leader of the new country.Little known outside Qatar, Jassim's extraordinary achievement cannot be understated. By the time of his death on the eve of the First World War, both the Ottomans and the British had recognised Qatar's autonomy, and the way was open for the country he had created to move steadily forward to its enviable economic position today. Read more

Kriss Kross ( Criss Cross ) is a great way to have fun and develop your mental skills. Classic words will open up, along with interesting puzzles and answers on the last pages. Features:300 Puzzles for every day.Over 6000+ words specially selected.Best Large Book size - 8.5 on 11 inch (analog A4).Answers in the last pages.Ideal for adults!Strengthen your memory and develop your intelligence with the "Brainstorming Master". Read more

The Military and Police Forces of the Gulf States, Volume 3, covers the military, police, and selected para-military services of Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar from early 20th Century until 1980.Great Britain and these three states have had various mutual defence treaties since centuries. This resulted in establishment of very close ties between the British and the Sultan of Oman’s armed forces. Since 1920s, the British seconded and contract personnel served with the latter services through forming, leading, advising and training them. Read more

DISCOVER QATAR IN 2024 with this comprehensive travel guide, filled with location specific photographs by the author, and 26 maps in its 270 pages.It helps you navigate your journey from Doha airport to the city with transport recommendations, catering to every taste and budget.The guide helps you discover hidden gems like the bisht supplier for Messi in vibrant Souq Waqif, the cultural haven of Katara, and the spellbinding dunes of Khor Al Udaid's 'inland sea'.The breathtaking Museum of Islamic Art is included as is the National Museum - both are ‘must sees’ as you explore Doha – a modern city like no other.Understand the culture of Qatari coffee etiquette or saunter along the picturesque Corniche, as you marvel at the kaleidoscopic skyline of Doha's West Bay at twilight.A section in the guide leads along Qatar's remote west coast and uncovers the UNESCO World Heritage site of Al Zubarah, along with abandoned historic ghost villages.If you want to dig deeper into Qatar - there is a comprehensive history chapter and cultural insights will immerse you in the rich tapestry of Qatari life.Buy your 270+ page guide, with Black & White interior photos & maps, to help you plan your 2024 Qatari adventure! Read more

What role does Qatar play in the Middle East and how does it differ from the other Gulf states? How has the Al-Thani tribe shaped the history of modern Qatar? And how is a traditional tribal society adapting to its status as a burgeoning economic superpower? Qatar plays a crucial part in the Middle East today. With the second greatest natural gas resources in the region, Qatar's economic clout is considerable. At the same time the Qatar story is replete with paradoxes: the state hosts the Al-Jazeera media network, an influential expression of Arab nationalism and anti-Americanism, while also hosting the principal US naval base in the region. Its leaders, like Saudi Arabia's, adhere to the Wahhabi form of Sunni Islam, yet Qatar eyes its Saudi neighbours with suspicion. It is a fervent champion of the Palestinian cause, yet welcomes the Israeli Foreign Minister to present the Jewish state's case in its capital, Doha. With this groundbreaking modern history, Allen Fromherz presents a full portrait which analyses these paradoxes and Qatar's growing regional influence within a broader historical context. Drawing on original sources in Arabic, English and French, as well as his own fieldwork in the Middle East, Fromherz offers a multi-faceted picture of the political, cultural, religious, social and economic make-up of modern Qatar, its significance within the GCC states and the wider region. Read more

Gulf societies are often described as being intensely tribal. However, in discussions of state building and national identity, the role of tribalism and tribal identity is often overlooked. This book analyses the political role of tribes in Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE aiming to understand the degree to which tribes hinder or advance popular participation in government and to what extent they exert domestic political power. The research traces the historical relationship between ruling elites and nomadic tribes, and, by constructing political histories of these states and analysing the role of tribes in domestic political life and social hierarchies, reveals how they serve as major political actors in the Gulf.A key focus of the book is understanding the extent to which societies in the Gulf have become ‘re-bedouinised’ in the modern era and how this has shaped these states’ political processes and institutions. The book explores the roles that tribes play in the development of "progressive" citizenship regimes and policymaking today, and how they are likely to be influential in the future within rentier environments. Read more

Qatar is a country of spectacular contrasts: from pearl fishing, its main industry until the 1930s, to gas and oil, which generate immense wealth today; it has famously been at the centre of both triumph and controversy in recent years for hosting the 2022 fifa World Cup. Almost a lifetime since he grew up in Qatar, Michael Quentin Morton writes about the country's colourful past and its astonishing present. The book is filled with stories about the people of this land: the tribes and the travellers, the seafarers and slaves - as much a part of Qatar's history as its rulers and their wealth.The opaque Arabian world guards its secrets well, but Masters of the Pearl penetrates the veil to shed light on a country that until now has defied explanation. Read more

Land of Frankincense: Unveiling the Secrets of Oman's Ancient Treasure in 2024Travel back from 2024 through time on the ancient incense routes and discover the captivating history, enthralling biology, and stunning UNESCO World Heritage sites of Dhofar, Oman. This comprehensive guide unlocks the mysteries of this precious resin, revered for centuries for its fragrance, medicinal properties, and cultural significance.Inside you'll find:Intriguing history: Unearth the fascinating story of frankincense, from its mythical origins to its role in ancient civilizations and religious ceremonies.Expert insights: Delve into the science behind the Boswellia sacra tree, exploring its unique biology and the delicate process of harvesting the precious resin.Unforgettable destinations: Visit iconic UNESCO sites like the legendary "Atlantis of the Sands" at Ubar and the Frankincense groves of Wadi Dawkah.Hidden gems: Explore lesser-known treasures like the Khawr Rawri & Samharam UNESCO sites, offering breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife.Practical travel tips: Navigate with ease using detailed descriptions, insightful recommendations, and advice for each location.Beyond the resin: Immerse yourself in the rich culture and traditions of Dhofar, uncovering the people, customs, and stories that make this region unique.Whether you're a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply curious about this ancient treasure, Land of Frankincense offers an unforgettable adventure.Black & White photographs by the author add to your insight about each site. Read more

In 2017, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the UAE and Egypt severed diplomatic ties with Qatar, launching an economic blockade by land, air and sea. The self-proclaimed 'Anti-Terror Quartet' offered maximalist demands: thirteen 'conditions' recalling Austria-Hungary's 1914 ultimatum to Serbia. They may even have intended military action. Well into its second year, the standoff in the Gulf has no realistic end in sight. With the Bahraini and Emirati criminalisation of expressing support for Qatar, and the Saudi labelling of detainees as 'traitors' for their alleged Qatari links, bitterness has been stoked between deeply interconnected peoples. The adviser to the Saudi crown prince advocating a moat to physically separate Qatar from the Arabian Peninsula illustrates the ongoing intensity--and irrationality--of the crisis.Most reporting and analysis of these developments has focused on questions of regional geopolitics, and framed the standoff in terms of its impact on (largely) Western interests. Lost in this thicket of commentary is consideration of how the Qatari leadership and population have responded to the blockade. As the 2022 FIFA World Cup draws closer, the ongoing Qatar crisis becomes increasingly important to understand. Ulrichsen offers an authoritative study of this international standoff, from both sides. Read more

The 1970s saw the emergence and subsequent proliferation across the Arabian Peninsula of ‘national museums’, institutions aimed at creating social cohesion and affiliation to the state within a disparate population. Representing the Nation examines the wide-ranging use of exhibitionary forms of national identity projection via consideration of their motivations, implications (current and future), possible historical backgrounds, official and unofficial meanings, and meanings for both the user/visitor and the multiple creators. The book responds to, due to the importance placed on tradition, heritage and national identity across all the states of the Peninsula, and the growth of re-imagined and new museums, the need for far greater discussion and research in these areas. Read more

A cultural study of modern Qatar and how it navigates change and tradition Qatar, an ambitious country in the Arabian Gulf, grabbed headlines as the first Middle Eastern nation selected to host the FIFA World Cup. As the wealthiest country in the world―and one of the fastest-growing―it is known for its capital, Doha, which boasts a striking, futuristic skyline. In Changing Qatar, Geoff Harkness takes us beyond the headlines, providing a fresh perspective on modern-day life in the increasingly visible Gulf. Drawing on three years of immersive fieldwork and more than a hundred interviews, he describes a country in transition, one struggling to negotiate the fluid boundaries of culture, tradition, and modernity. Harkness shows how Qataris reaffirm―and challenge―traditions in many areas of everyday life, from dating and marriage, to clothing and humor, to gender and sports. A cultural study of citizenship in modern Qatar, this book offers an illuminating portrait that cannot be found elsewhere. Read more

What caused the decline of the Ottoman empire in the Persian Gulf? Why has history credited only London, not Istanbul, with bringing about the birth of the modern Gulf States? Using the Ottoman imperial archives, as well as European and Arab sources, Anscombe explains how the combination of poor communication, scarce resources, and misplaced security concerns undermined Istanbul's control and ultimately drove the Gulf shaikhs to seek independence with ties to the British. Read more

In the 1970s, one of the most torrid and forbidding regions in the world burst on to the international stage. The discovery and subsequent exploitation of oil allowed tribal rulers of the U.A.E, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait to dream big. How could fishermen, pearl divers and pastoral nomads catch up with the rest of the modernized world? Even today, society is skeptical about the clash between the modern and the archaic in the Gulf. But could tribal and modern be intertwined rather than mutually exclusive? Exploring everything from fantasy architecture to neo-tribal sports and from Emirati dress codes to neo-Bedouin poetry contests, Tribal Modern explodes the idea that the tribal is primitive and argues instead that it is an elite, exclusive, racist, and modern instrument for branding new nations and shaping Gulf citizenship and identity—an image used for projecting prestige at home and power abroad. Read more