The Power of the People

Living in Sweden and coming from Australia, the word 'Immigration' is always hot topic... whether it be through the normal legal channels (such as my presence in Sweden) or refugee claims, it can be considered a big issue both politically and socially amongst the 'local' population.   However my perspective on this changed rapidly during a recent work trip to Qatar for the boat show.   You see, Qatar is not a big Country as it is, with a population not much bigger than the total of Brisbane or Stockholm, it was a little shocking to learn that the 'local' Qatari population is an extreme minority... with different people telling me it is between 250 thousand to 400 thousand.   So what makes up the difference?  And why?   High end industry surrounding the Natural Gas mining and supply does add cause to the growth, as well educated, experienced workforce is limited in Qatar (with no disrespect to the Qatari people), and I was even told (unsupported) that the Danish Immigrants number approx 200 thousand alone.   The rest however vary massively, from Egypt, Kenya, Germany, Netherlands, UK, India... you get the idea.

So it would appear that the Qatari people are being overrun by immigration, and their Country taken over by non-Islamic beliefs and more importantly, dress.   Flip this around, and I know that the biggest concern I hear from Swedes and Australians is that the Burka is everywhere, and growing in appearance in these Countries.   Here I will have to touch on another small education I received - the 'Burka' is not what people assume... the level of head cover varies in name and type, from the Hijab, Chador, Niqad, and then Burka which is very seldom used, even in Qatar.   Then you have the dress, which can be labeled as demeaning to the women who wear the full length black garment, socially forced and lacking the beauty that women so rightly deserve to display.  But then the men in Qatar (and other Arab Countries) wear the full length plain white garment and white headdress in similar numbers to the women's dress code.   So it is quite an even keel in their society.

The most important fact to come out of Qatar is this... with a massive majority of people living and working there who do not wear the traditional dress, does not mean it is becoming less amongst the locals.   The Expats dress how they wish, and the Qatari people do not judge them or try to change them to wear what they do.   There is some respect given in society if foreign men and women do wear traditional local dress, but it is definitely not forced or looked down upon if not done.   So business goes on as usual, with professional relationships both between women and men alike not affected by the appearance of one's outfit, or inner religious beliefs.   Christianity accounts for 14%, along with Hindu at the same numbers.  Considering the small population of the Country, this is quite high, yet is not diluting the Islamic beliefs and strength.

So while some may sit in Sweden or Australia and worry that we are being overrun by Islamic ways and people, with the numbers growing constantly... there should not be any fear of dilution of local culture and beliefs, because if Qatar can hold on to their identity so easily with such a vast majority of outside influence, then so can we.   The power of the people is on one hand just as small as it is large on the other.