The Unlikely Symbiosis: Europe and the Gulf
In the heart of the City of London, a high-end fitness chain’s poster caught my attention. The location listed was a mix of familiar and exotic places: City of London, High Street Kensington, and Dubai. While the latter might be known for its opulence, the thought of it being a hub for fitness enthusiasts seemed incongruous. Yet, the City and Dubai branches of this chain must be top-notch. This encounter sparked a reflection on the unlikely symbiosis between Europe and the Gulf.
The emir of Qatar’s recent state visit to the UK, where he sought a trade deal, and FIFA’s decision to award Saudi Arabia the right to host the World Cup, highlight the deepening connection between the two regions. Even in Muscat, where alleyways might have been rationalized elsewhere, the three restaurants in my hotel were all outposts of the Mayfair brand. This phenomenon is not unique to the UAE, where 38% of the population is Indian, or Qatar, where a quarter are Indian. However, it is perhaps the most symbiotic, if I understand the word correctly.
The United States has a defense presence in all six GCC countries, including a trail in Saudi Arabia that Osama bin Laden was not thrilled about. However, everyday contact is limited due to the 15-hour flight from the United States. The soft assets of the US are either harder to buy or less coveted. Its citizens have little financial incentive to live in tax havens, since Uncle Sam collects at least part of the difference from them.
Europe’s exposure to the Gulf could soon be as severe as its previous penetration of Russia. In the 1970s, as OPEC profits poured into London, Anthony Burgess wrote of a dystopia in which luxury hotels became “al-Klaridges” and “al-Dorchester”. What a shock to even the most secular Europeans to see non-white people with more money than they are – we cannot afford to hesitate. Still, they may condescendingly view the Bay Area as uninhabitable. Half a century later, their grandchildren call it “copium.” In fact, their grandchildren probably do live there for the economic opportunities.
However, for how long? It’s this sheer impossibility of a tryst between a culture of universal rights and monarchical absolutism, between a largely secular continent and a peninsula home to an ancient faith, that makes it unlike anything I can think of. A relationship can be both necessary and untenable. It won’t take much time—some of the violence within the GCC, for example, appears to have occurred in 2017—for Europe to be as exposed to the Gulf as it was to Russia before. If Abu Dhabi-owned Manchester City is found to have committed financial fraud, the history of the Premier League will be tarnished.
It’s narrow-minded to think that the relationship will only break down at one end. The Gulf must make the most awkward of cultural adjustments. Because Europeans associate 1979 with Iran and perhaps Margaret Thatcher, they sometimes overlook the takeover of the Grand Mosque in Mecca by fanatics who believed the Saudi royal family was accustomed to the West has become weak. Governments in the region will certainly not forget.
How far a place can liberalize without tripping over cultural lines depends on the circumstances of each state or emirate (and the answer will be different from each state or emirate). In Duha’s restaurant, everyone was very nice to “Mr. Janan”. But people must pass through metal scanners every time they re-enter the building, a reminder of what’s at stake here. I wonder whether Europe and the Gulf are investing so much energy out of the slightest doubt that the relationship will last.
FAQ:
Q: What is the significance of the poster for the high-end fitness chain in the City of London?
A: The poster highlights the connection between Europe and the Gulf, showcasing the presence of the fitness chain in various locations, including Dubai.
Q: What is the purpose of the emir of Qatar’s state visit to the UK?
A: The emir sought a trade deal with the UK during his state visit.
Q: What is the significance of FIFA’s decision to award Saudi Arabia the right to host the World Cup?
A: The decision highlights the growing connection between Europe and the Gulf, with Saudi Arabia being a key player in the region.
Q: What is the difference between the soft assets of the US and those of Europe?
A: The soft assets of the US are either harder to buy or less coveted, whereas those of Europe are more accessible and coveted.
Q: What is the significance of the takeover of the Grand Mosque in Mecca by fanatics in 1979?
A: The takeover highlights the cultural and religious differences between Europe and the Gulf, and the potential for tension and conflict.
Conclusion:
The relationship between Europe and the Gulf is complex and multifaceted. While it is necessary for economic and cultural exchange, it is also fraught with challenges and potential conflicts. The Gulf must make cultural adjustments to accommodate European values, while Europe must be aware of the cultural and religious differences between the two regions. The relationship is unlikely to break down at one end, but rather will require a delicate balance of power and understanding to succeed.
