In the early 1980’s author and journalist ‘Lieve Joris’ traveled to the golf region on her own. Visiting Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, The United Arab Emirates and Bahrein. In 1986 she published a book about named ‘De Golf’.

After some dificulties getting visa’s, she tries to find how people live there then and before the Oil. Something that apears still quite difficult to find out. Although she find people to talk to, few people seem interested in their history. Most people looking at fancy cars. Money plays a big role in most countries. Rich kids roaming the streets.

She also shows the differences between the countries, some being stricly islamic, others being more relaxed, allowing alcohol and women in their choice of dress. Where in Saudi Arabia women are held on a strict basis, Where in Barein they work and dress with a western-look. In general Islamic traditions seem to be the norm though.

Besides the more obvious and open world of the men, she manages to get in contact with the female side of the place in some of the countries. Talking to students and teachers, or women at home.

Although maybe a dated story, it gives good image on the Golf region during 1980’s. She talks to different types of people, from students to politicians to local workers, immigrants and expat’s.

Available in dutch under ISBN: 978-90-457-0107-03