How (do) tribal biases help Qatar, as it strives towards a knowledge-based economy? How does it hope to achieve that dream, in a society that predetermines a person’s worth and accomplishments based on their bloodline?

How (do) tribal biases help Qatar, as it strives towards a knowledge-based economy? How does it hope to achieve that dream, in a society that predetermines a person’s worth and accomplishments based on their bloodline? Nasser Al Naama, Qatari entrepreneur, in a JustHere column about how tribalism amongst locals is hurting the nation’s growth. Though Qatar’s local population is small - some 250,000 out of a country of 2 million residents - it has long been divided into several subgroups of families. The tendency to stick within these groups, argues Al Naama, has spurred many societal and professional problems, including marriage woes and nepotism in the workplace: Many Qataris who would prefer to make their own choices in marriage are reluctant to do so for fear of backlash from their family and social circle if they don’t marry into the “right” tribe; the price of personal freedom is too high and not worth the hassle. Interestingly, few will dispute the fact that the increasing number of Qatari women who remain unmarried is to a significant degree correlated to this issue as many girls do not or cannot marry into other families. Thoughts? =============================== Sarah Al Motairi Absolutely! And just to add, I applaud Nasser Al Naama for his honesty and clarity on a very serious topic! I, myself, as a Saudi "tribal" woman am a living example of the consequences of a divided nation and the strength to stand against the norms. I was recently having a discussion with another good Qatari friend of mine about gabayil (tribes) and me and her are considered to be "cream of the crop" when it comes to the tribal hierarchy. However, we respectfully disagree in terms of opinions on the impact in society. I currently live in Doha and after living 22 years in Saudi Arabia, I see the problem clear as day. Saudi Arabia has an 80% divorce rate. Saudi Arabia, as of a 2011 report, has a ratio of 1:16 unmarried women. Many will argue that it is hard to find a spouse; hence, making marriage almost impossible. I argue that it it the invisible lines of tribalism that contribute to our social dilemma. I grew up in a home where I was taught that my tribe is better than those not compatible by "tainted" blood from other backgrounds. I was further taught to recognize that my choices for marriage must stay within acceptable tribal lines not just for myself but for saving face of our family. I did not follow suit and the consequences have led me to being outcast from society as a whole. However, I do know that too many of my family and friends suffer tremendously. They are either in unhappy and unfruitful marriages or not married at all even when they may want to be, "dating" men/women of other backgrounds they know they can never marry. It doesn't stop there. In society, in the workplace, at the passport office, at the hospital, etc. I would be given precedence over others who were not considered tribal enough. I would be treated differently, with more respect, constantly reminded of my "airs and graces" with simple sentences like "wal n3m feeki." Qatar is suffering in the same way. Qatar is more susceptible to problems because the population is a lot smaller. The division along tribal lines means a slower growth of population and higher rates of isolation. We, khaleejis, need to wake up and recognize that this division amongst ourselves is not only dangerous to our societies happiness and prosperity but it is also against Islam. "O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise (each other). Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things)." ========================= Drop-off Locations - Qatar/UK/USA DONATION DEADLINE AUGUST 6TH, INSHALLAH. ALWAYS CALL YOUR CHOSEN DROP OFF POINT BEFORE YOU GO. PLEASE DON'T EDIT THE DOCUMENT YOURSELF. FOR LOCATIONS OUTSIDE OF QATAR (EGYPT/JORDAN/UAE) PLEASE GO TO: https://www.facebook.com/groups/marwafayedstoyrun/ ...QATARSarah Al Motairi Al Rayyan. Beverly Hills Al Rayyan. Building C 07, Apt 02. Phone: +974 55766207email: almotairi.sarah@gmail.comBoutaina AzzabiWest Bay, Diplomatic Area. Movenpick Tower (call above for details) The Pearl (call above number for details)Rona ShedidThe Pearl email: rshedid@gmail.com Yosra Koura Al Matar Area Phone: +974 66055622email: yosra.koura@gmail.com London (Toys will be flown to Egypt - financial contributions welcome)Amr Elrawi. amr.elrawi@gmail.com 07917196858USA (Toys will be flown to Egypt - financial contributions welcome)Rasha (Seattle). email: rasha.karim@gmail.com phone: +1 206-856-7657)All Other CountriesFinancial contributions welcome - please ask us for bank details ======================