Why Do We Dress Like This?

Likeable. Upbeat. Adorable. Genuine. These are words I would use to describe the refreshing Emerati couple in this video, Khalid Al Ameri and his lovely wife Salama Mohamed.  The parents of three young children, the Al Ameris live in Abu Dhabi - and they are living the dream and having lots of fun while they are doing it. 

But Khalid never forgets the struggles and hardships he went through to get to where he is today.  Today the 33 year old has to pinch himself for his success and good fortune, after taking a blind leap of faith when he quit his good paying government job in 2016 to carve out a whole new career and image for himself by utilizing various social media platforms, such as Facebook, Snapchat, YouTube, Instagram, and Twitter. 

Khalid's educational background really did not prepare him for what he does today. The oldest son of an Emerati accountant and a Scottish mother, Khalid wasn't a great student, but he did earn a (rather useless for him) degree in Marine Operations at a nautical college before going back to school a few years later to obtain his MBA from Stanford. From a career in finance, he eventually landed a gig as CNN's MidEast Correspondent, despite the fact that he had no formal training or education in journalism.

Salama is a strong modern independent Emerati woman who holds her own in their partnership. She started her own jewelry business called Pearl by S. Salama also has vitiligo, a skin condition in which the pigmentation loses its color. Consequently she has white patches all over her body. Khalid's love and admiration for her is evident by his enthusiasm and inclusion of her in the videos. I loved the video they made together explaining vitiligo and the way he obviously adores her just the way she is.

Realizing the power of social media, Khalid has transformed himself and his life into a modern day dream where he is his own boss and calls his own shots.  Using his natural instincts and charm, he has rebuffed traditional older media platforms to stay ahead of the game. He is now partnering with Facebook, along with his other various endeavors which include TV presenter, motivational speaker, writer, and popular social media celebrity who makes upbeat videos with his wife and kids about "life, love, and family." His positive messages are inspirational to his large following who clamor for more.

Khalid and Salama together have emerged as a delightfully charming power couple who are putting a fresh face and a positive stamp on the images of the United Arab Emirates, Muslims, and the Arab World.

Email:  khalid.s.alameri@gmail.com
Twitter:  @KhalidAlAmeri
YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/user/KhalidSAlAmeri
Facebook:  www.facebook.com/khalidalameri

Chapel Hill Vs Copenhagen - Which Is Terrorism?

Comedian and actor Russell Brand may strike some people as uncouth or vulgar, but he is spot on about the media's portrayal of Muslims as terrorists. 

Saudi Women Have Fun!

Post by Maktoum Bob To Pac.

Enjoy this very short video that gives you a glimpse into the lighter side of living in Saudi Arabia. Even though women cannot drive here yet, they can still manage to have fun.

Progress Makes Me Happy!

There have been many times living in Saudi Arabia over the past seven years when I have gotten the impression that having fun is forbidden or at least frowned upon, that being happy is not something that people here  aspire to.  While I still get that feeling at times, the past couple of years I have seen a change gently sweeping over the general population of Saudi Arabia. 

A few years ago I couldn't have imagined the excitement I feel now when I see women actually working in the malls and other businesses.  People now seem much more relaxed, much more open.  More Saudi women seem to be dropping their face veils and wearing colorful abayas instead of just drab black.  I see smiles much more frequently than I used to.  Lots of people are into taking selfies - a huge change from the look of paranoia I saw on people's faces when they spied me with my camera in years past.  Even though to outsiders these strides may seem really small, to me I am seeing real social progress.

And it makes me happy!

When I first viewed this video I thought to myself that there is no way this could have happened on a flight in Saudi Arabia just a few years ago.  So in honor of Saudi National Day on September 23rd, enjoy this Saudi version of a flash mob on FlyNas Airlines.  Saudis can be fun-loving people too!

"Grace" - by Omnia Hegazy

Omnia Hegazy is a singer-songwriter from New York City, but her music is influenced by her Middle Eastern heritage and her world views about women's rights and politics.

Grace

Cover your face
Before you poison all our souls
Cover your mouth
Before it tells us something we don’t know
Cover your body
For your skin incinerates
The will of weakened men who just might lose their faith


Our heads are full of color inside
Why is it that we should hide
Who ever gave you the right to step on our pride?

What if we stood up right now
And spoke out and sung out loud
What if we all danced with joy
For what we are, would it annoy?
What if we took back our place
In this dying human race
What if we stood side by side
And changed the world with all our grace?

Why don’t you stop yourself
And learn some self restraint
Why should you just be free
While I stay here to suffocate
I’m not an object, but a woman
Don’t you see
It would do you some good
To learn the way to talk to me

Our hearts are full of so many dreams
And so much more that we can achieve
Are you scared you might not be able to compete?

What if we stood up right now
And spoke out and sung out loud
What if we all danced with joy
For what we are, would it annoy?
What if we took back our place
In this dying human race
What if we stood side by side
And changed the world with all our grace?

You can keep on trying to hold us down
Keep us blind and dumb so we won’t figure out
All your sad attempts to take control
Of our bodies, minds, and of our souls

What if we stood up right now
And spoke out and sung out loud
What if we all danced with joy
For what we are, would it annoy?
What if we took back our place
In this dying human race
What if we stood side by side
And changed the world with all our grace?

The Harlem Shake - in Jeddah

A few days ago, an epic event occurred on the streets of Jeddah in broad daylight - the Harlem Shake. It was an organized underground event with hundreds of young people participating. The logistics of pulling off such an event here in Saudi Arabia, where public gatherings such as this are outlawed, are challenging. Had word gotten out to the police ahead of time, I'm sure measures would have been taken to quell such an incident from happening in the first place. As it was, apparently the crowd was dispersed by police, but not until several videos like this one were filmed by attendees.

Mad Traveler's Quick Look at Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Toni Riethmaier, manager at the beautiful Il Villaggio Restaurant here in Jeddah, sent me this video which he had a hand in producing. 

It is a lovely short film shot around the city of Jeddah, showing the Corniche area which runs along the Red Sea coastline and the old part of Jeddah called Al Balad. 

The video also shows a few of the sculptures around Jeddah, which I have highlighted many times on my blogs. 

It's interesting to note that the guide of the video is a man dressed casually in a T-shirt and shorts - acceptable attire for men here, while women must cover up everything but their faces and hands.

It's a great quick look at the city I live in. 

SAUDI ARABIA: Boredom + Lack of Activities = Unacceptable Behavior & Stupid Choices

A big problem that exists in Saudi Arabia is the lack of  activities for the youth here.  As a result, many young men end up creating their own forms of "fun."  I felt sickened and angry when I saw this video of these young Saudi bullies who seemingly have no respect for others or the property of others. 

Inside the Saudi Kingdom - A BBC Documentary

This hour long documentary gives outsiders an interesting look into the kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Its main subject is Prince Saud bin Abdul Mohsen, one of the ruling family members of the country and the nephew of the King, and also touches on tribal customs, cultural traditions, religious influence, the legal system based on Shariah law, and the status of Saudi women. It's well worth watching if you are interested in Saudi Arabia today.

Saudi Gangnam Style

Even in Saudi, "Gangnam Style" has made a splash. Enjoy!

Why Can't We All Just Get Along?

What's going on in the Middle East right now with the protests in at least 17 different countries makes me so sad.  I'm with John Lennon...

IMAGINE - by JOHN LENNON

Imagine there's no heaven
It's easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people
Living for today...

Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace...

You may say I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will be as one

Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world...

You may say I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will live as one

"The Shield" - by Brooke Van Buskirk

"The Shield" is a poem about Islam, in particular about wearing hijab - the head covering worn by many Muslim women. It was written by Brooke Van Buskirk, an American writer who embraced Islam at the age of seventeen. Brooke has been a Muslim now for six years. Her poetry, songs, and essays are reflections of her passion for religion, politics, family, and those kind, fleeting moments in life where beauty can be known.

Below is a video of Brooke reciting "The Shield," followed by the poem itself.



THE SHIELD - by Brooke Van Buskirk

By day I wrap this shield around my head, across my chest
This world is a prison - my mind and heart I must protect
Why? Because without it there's no limit to be observed
What is modesty and decency?
Man can't properly determine
They say my choice to cover is old-fashioned
They say our religious practices are backwards
They spew cliché democracy and liberation
Little do they know there's little knowledge in what they're saying
My argument is that 'the times, they are a-changin'
And slowly but surely approaches an 'anything goes' day
When no rules apply
Whats wrong is called right
And crimes of the heart creep like a thief in the night
Modesty discouraged and nakedness condoned
We've forsaken the values mankind held long ago
Yes, history is riddled with mistakes and evil stories
But shall we not filter the good and maintain some of its glory?
Just think of it this way, I'm just dressing like Mary mother of Jesus
Or a nun
Or a woman who wants to be seen as an observant follower
A lover of Gods word
And you not mad at exploitation of femininity, but you mad that I cover
Sex may sell, but I'm not for sale
It's your path to bankruptcy, time will tell
My hijab...is an expression of self-respect
And a rejection of a misogynist culture daily breathing down my neck
Telling me all my value lies in the guise of my demise.
Flaunting what Gods blessed me with, its lies and I don't buy it.
Because I'm told I'm so much more.
So, to avoid distracting you with what my momma gave me,
I'll let you focus on my core
I say the passing of time doesn't determine my beliefs
Islam teaches that truth doesn't change with the year
What's good is good, and what's wrong is wrong
And those values don't change as the years pass along
Our standards are lowered and we become desensitized
But regardless of what time it is
Men should lower their eyelids
When I pass along my way minding my business
this shield reminds them that yes, I'm religious
I don't want attention and I don't want your compliments
I'm not looking for love, so save your games for them
I'm a Muslim under here, I don't mind being a stranger
Coz if the norm is lady gaga, then we're all in danger
I'll be called a trader
I'm not scared of that label
Ethnocentric discourse in the west is the only reason
I have to write a poem to justify way that I dress
The cloth on my head
Which I love to wear
I'm not forced, which I struggle with,
But my choice is solid as stone
It's my comfort
My home
My will
My uniform
My suit
My command from God
My style
My identity
So let it be
My shield.


More of Brooke's work can be enjoyed at: http://www.facebook.com/brookevbk/notes

Alicia Ali: A Kinder, Gentler Saudi Arabia

Alicia Ali's name might sound familiar to you if you are a regular reader of this blog. Back in June of this year, I published an interview with two "Doulas" in Jeddah, and one of them was Alicia Ali. Now I want to introduce you to another side of Alicia - her creative, artistic, and passionate side. Through her colorful, bold art and her ethereal poetry, Alicia's expressions are an inspiration for Saudis and people abroad. She emphasizes "the need to embrace culture and adopt a pluralistic outlook, and encourages Saudis to share their artistic talent with the global community."


A native of Canada with Hijazi roots, Alicia and her Canadian husband have been living in Saudi Arabia for the past ten years. This busy mom of three founded an artists' network in Saudi Arabia called Arabian Jewel, which in collaboration with vital voices, hopes to profile artists (Saudi and non) in the Kingdom. Alicia also offers holistic services and education through her website called Your True Nature.

Noting the negative images that come to mind when people think of KSA, Alicia has a passion to present "the other side" of Saudi Arabia - a kinder, gentler side, if you will. Yet she says it can only be done by when artists work together sharing the same vision. An important part of her work here is to help bridge cultural gaps between expats and locals through the medium of culturalization. Promoting art and culture has served as an excellent tool in the education process. Her carefully selected themes such as love, wine and the soul, to name a few, may raise eyebrows here, yet she says she is adamant in "crossing ideological boundaries through the art of poetic expression in order to achieve a sense of humanistic equilibrium and unity. The hearts and minds open up when words encapsulated in tablets of love touch the soul, a healing effect." All her works are expressions of her personal experience in the "Land of Love," which is the title of a poem she wrote and recites in the video below.

If you are an artist in the Kingdom and would like to get your work profiled, Alicia welcomes you to contact her personally at: essentialfitra@yahoo.ca

Alicia Ali, artist for non-violence from Tayie Rehem on Vimeo.

Embrace Culture ... A Poem by Alicia Ali

To embrace culture is to embrace humanity
Embrace humanity and live in harmony
To achieve harmony within humanity
Is to live in a state of Unity
We are one human family
With all our diversities apparent and hidden
In essence we all come from the first man.

My Fellow American

I know from personal experience and from just watching the news every day that many Americans hold ALL Muslims responsible for 9/11, spread lies and misinformation about Islam, and have no desire to know or learn about Muslims. The Mission of "My Fellow American" is to combat Islamophobia, to try to change the preconceived misconceptions and to get Americans to realize that the vast majority of American Muslims are just like you and me.

"Muslims are our fellow Americans, who today face threats to their civil rights and even their personal safety because of the fearful and often hateful rhetoric that would not be tolerated were it uttered about any other minority group." - from the "My Fellow American" website "About" page

The following short video is effective, poignant, and gives lots of food for thought.


For more information about the My Fellow American Project and to find out what you can do, click here.

Honk for Saudi Women

Upload your own "Honk for Saudi Women" video to YouTube and then email the URL to: honkforsaudiwomen@gmail.com - make some noise by honking for Saudi women!

Arguing Over French Law Banning Veils

As France's new law banning face veils went into effect on April 11th, more than twenty veiled women and dozens of others have been arrested in protests at Notre Dame Cathedral against the new ban. Belgium was the first country to pass a similar law last year, but Belgium's ban has gone largely unenforced and unchallenged. Several other European countries are also considering passing laws which ban face veils as well.

In this video, Hebah Ahmed and Mona Eltahawy, both Muslim women, debate France's decision to ban face veils (niqab) in public.


People who go to Saudi Arabia to work or visit have to follow KSA's laws. For example, practising another religion other than Islam is prohibited and proselytizing in KSA is punishable by death. Also, if a man and a woman who are not married to each other are caught alone together, they will likely be sentenced to jailtime and lashings. These are examples of existing laws in KSA, and even though most other countries do not have laws like these, they must be followed or suffer the consequences.

Arab News published this article about how there is mixed reaction among Saudi women about the new French law. It quoted Sarah Kazim, a 30-year-old housewife, expressing her feeling that people everywhere should respect the laws of each individual country. “If women are made to dress a different way and wear their hijab in Saudi Arabia and we respect it, then we should respect the laws of the French constitution. Why treat them differently when we have laws that are most distinct to any other country?”

While I believe in freedom and choice, I am leaning toward agreeing with Sarah Kazim. Since I moved to Saudi Arabia in 2007, every time I step out the door, I must wear a black cloak (abaya) because, as my husband says, "It's the law of the land." He also insists that I cover my hair for the same reason, although in Jeddah, one can see some women without head coverings (hijab), especially at the malls. However the vast majority of women in Saudi Arabia not only cover their hair, but they wear the face veils (niqab) as well. Saudi women supposedly wear all of this garb because it is "their choice." This is not a religious requirement, nor is it a law. It is a cultural thing, although the women's dress code is enforced by the religious police who have been known to whack women on the ankles with a stick if too much ankle skin is showing.

All I know is that I feel I am forced to wear the abaya and the hijab when I'm in Saudi Arabia - because it would not be my choice to dress like that. And I doubt if I am the only woman in KSA who feels that it is not my choice.

Other related posts:
Voice Behind the Veil... (Sept. 22, 2010)
The Veil and the Hijab (July 9, 2010)
Hair Do or Hair Don't? (Feb. 7, 2009)

Where is Khaled?

The planned "Day of Rage" which was set for March 11, 2011, in Saudi Arabia was squelched due to a humongous police presence and threats of prison and loss of Saudi citizenship. In an attempt to subdue protests like those seen in many other countries in the Middle East region the past few months, billions of dollars worth of financial aid in social benefits was offered up by the Saudi government as a bandaid to try to assuage any discontent. How much of the billions of dollars in this package will actually reach its intended targets is questionable in a country where corruption is rampant and those responsible for it are not held accountable. More than likely, much of this money will wind up lining the pockets of those entrusted with disbursing it as it has in the past.

Khaled Mohammed is one very brave man. He is a Saudi teacher and father of four who has not been seen or heard from since he spoke out on March 11, expressing his desire for freedom and democracy. He knew he would be hauled off to jail after he spoke out. There are many people in Saudi Arabia who want the same things that Khaled does but who are afraid to let their voices be heard. A government that bullies its citizens into silence in this manner is only in denial about the pressure cooker of problems brewing beneath the surface.

The video has English subtitles.

A Facebook page has been erected for Khaled. Please click "LIKE" to show your support.

Sheikh Hamza Yusuf Video with Women in Saudi Arabia

American-born Sheikh Hamza Yusuf became a Muslim in 1977 and has studied Islam with scholars from around the world since that time. He is one of the most visible and respected Islamic leaders in America and founded the Zaytuna Institute and Zaytuna College, both in California, to provide Islamic education for those desiring it. He also leads religious pilgrimmages called The Sacred Caravan to Saudi Arabia to visit the holy sites of Islam each year.

I think you will find the videos below (Part 1 and Part 2) of this frank discussion of Islam and how it relates to women quite interesting. In the videos, Sheikh Hamza meets with a group of women in Saudi Arabia. Much of the discussion centers on how the interpretation of Islam in Saudi Arabia is perverted (for lack of a better word) and how the practise of Islam in KSA is not necessarily what the religion intended.

Jackass (Saudi Version)

People get quite creative in the country of Saudi Arabia where there is just not much to do.

Protests in Jeddah After the Flood

With the eyes of the world watching the events unfolding in Egypt, citizens of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, also staged a peaceful protest of their own today in reaction to this past week's severe flooding of the city caused by unusual torrential rains. It appears as though nothing much has been done since last year's horrible flooding, nor has anyone been held accountable for the bad city planning and corruption which is to blame.

UPDATE 29JAN2011 - Well it's no surprise that the original video has been completely removed from YouTube. On Feb. 6, I found another video which is now posted - we'll see how long this one stays up on YouTube.


For more insight on the desperate situation in Jeddah due to the flooding, please read this post on Haphazard by a fellow blogger.