What did I expect when I came to Qatar? I chose Qatar because of its similarity to Dubai. A highly modernized urban center in a part of the world notorious for political and economic instability with vast amounts of misconceptions and an increasing international spotlight. For my first impressions, Qatar as a country has lived up to the idea of a technologically advanced urban city surrounded by miles of empty desert. Similarly, Qataris find themselves as a significant minority of the population, surrounded by expatriates, even within their own country.?
When stepping off the plane the first thing I noticed was how advanced the architecture, decor, and technology at the airport were. From cameras observing you the second you step out of the plane, to multiple waterfalls in the middle of the desert, to the endless employees Qatar seemed to be miles ahead in security, service, and efficiency. However, through conversations with locals, it becomes apparent how much direct control the country exerts upon its people even in everyday life. Surveillance cameras give speeding tickets directly to mobile apps, restaurants and grocery stores have government-mandated price ceilings, and employees regularly patrol train cars to ensure proper segregation of genders. All of these create an atmosphere of tight surveillance where every word and action can be held against you, your job, and your right to be in the country.?
On the other hand, Qatar provides benefits that to Americans seem completely foreign or even unattainable. Universal healthcare for any citizen or visa-holder, guaranteed jobs and free college for university students, and a near lack of petty or violent crimes within the country. Qatar has created an environment where people, especially women, can go out until 3 AM and still feel completely safe. Furthermore, the public transit system, cheap groceries, and heavy emphasis on education allow even low-income families to live at a degree of comfort not available to families in similar situations elsewhere. Though the constant surveillance may be jarring at first, having such a collectivist society allows for a minimum standard of living and the opportunity for a better future through education.
Qatar has proven it can withstand the turbulent conditions of the Middle East and is poised to remain a large player in the global power structure for decades to come. Studying here, through CIBS, has allowed me to better understand the power dynamics and goals of not only Qatar but also its neighbors. With such an important resource being dominated by a select few, it is of the utmost importance that I understand the strengths and weaknesses of the region and how the US can continue to serve the interests of itself and its allies.?
