Penguins in the Desert: behind the scenes in Abu Dhabi
Frances Hurd
- Region:
- South East
- Notice Period:
- Emergency (maybe less than one week's notice)
- Type:
- Professional
- Fee:
- Paid: £80 plus travel expenses @ 50p per mile
- Category:
- History
- Updated:
- 25th March 2023
- Tagged:
- History | International
I give a brief account of the history of the United Arab Emirates, then explore an extraordinary society where only 15% of the population are citizens and 60% are male. While the Emirati enjoy exceptional wealth and privilege, the country faces problems. Women struggle for independence and equality, and victims of rape and sexual assault are treated as criminals. Cushioned by government handouts, young Emirati men have little incentive to bother with education or employment. Thousands of Asian labourers live in harsh conditions. And most alarmingly from the government's point of view, even some of their own privileged people are starting to ask about the possibility of introducing some measure of democracy into this absolute monarchy.
Views: 1386 | Enquiries: 1About Frances Hurd
Dr Frances Hurd is a historical researcher living in Chichester. She has worked in publishing, academia and the heritage sector.
Her current research interests are centred around the social and personal impact of the First World War, with a secondary interest in the lives of ordinary people during the 19th century.
She is happy to use Zoom when required.
PLEASE NOTE that she cannot undertake evening talks except in the Portsmouth/Chichester area.
Other Talks on SpeakerNet by Frances Hurd
- Lives, Interrupted: ten young officers in the Great War
- The Birth of the English Parish Church: from Romans to Normans
- Quakers at War: what do they do and why do they do it?
- Secrets and Lies: adventures in family history
- Severed Ears, Imprisonment and Ambition: Dr John Bastwick 1596-1654
- Sex, Violence and Alcohol: some hidden after-effects of the Great War
- Enterprise, Obsession and Death: the Industrial Revolution through three men's lives
- Streets Paved with Gold? Immigrants in Victorian London
- Officers and Gentlemen? Facing disgrace in the 1920s
- Homosexuality during the Great War 1914-18: a purge of gay officers?
- British Emigrants in the Empire: some personal stories
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