Troops explore Qatar traditions during 'Arabian Nights'

Photo By Dustin Senger | A Qatari woman applies Henna designs on U.S. Army Spc. Ashley Bonet, from Metuchen, N.J., during a two-day event submerging service members in Gulf Arab culture at Camp As Sayliyah, Qatar, April 5. Henna is a reddish dye made from the leaves of the Henna shrub. United Service Organization Qatar and U.S. Army Central Area Support Group Qatar offered several opportunities to explore local entertainment and customs found outside the confinements of the U.S. military installation in Qatar.  

CAMP AS SALIYAH, QATAR

04.05.2009

Story by Dustin Senger 

Area Support Group - Qatar

CAMP AS SAYLIYAH, Qatar – United Service Organization Qatar completed a two-day event submerging service members in Gulf Arab culture at Camp As Sayliyah, Qatar, April 5. In partnership with U.S. Army Central Area Support Group Qatar, "Arabian Nights" offered several opportunities to explore local entertainment and customs found outside the confinements of the U.S. military installation in Qatar, an Islamic state located on the Arabian Peninsula.

"This gave us a great cultural experience," said U.S. Army Spc. David Bowen, from Prattville, Ala. "It helped us understand how Arab people live." Bowen was beginning a four-day respite from Iraq, by participating in the U.S. Central Command rest and recuperation pass program at the Qatar base. Since 2004, over 180,000 war fighters have received a brief recharge while partaking in on- and off-post relaxation opportunities.

"We want troops to understand and appreciate Arab culture," said George Washington, USO Qatar duty manager. "This was one venue to present many different aspects without anyone having to leave post." Qatar International Adventures, a leader in organizing local tours, set up several attractions, to include: Arabic cuisine, a hunting falcon, camel riding, local attire and henna designs.

Fatima Ahmed Al Langawi explained skin decorations with Henna, a reddish dye made from the leaves of the Henna shrub. In 2006, Langawi joined the 15th Doha Asian Games Olympic torch relay, traveling more than 30,000 miles to help explain Qatari customs. During the 55-day tour, she shared the traditional application of Henna throughout 15 Asian countries.

"No pain and it only stays for about 10 days – Henna is much easier than tattoos," said Spc. Daisy Leon, from Irving, Texas, after Langawi created a traditional design on her lower leg, to include the initials of the soldier's two-year old son.

"I liked the clothing," said Spc. Ashley Bonet, from Metuchen, N.J., while trying on an abaya, a loose garment worn by Qatari women that respects Islamic requirements for female modesty in public. "The material is light and comfortable."

"Arabian Nights helped eliminate prejudice by dispelling myths with first-hand explanations of Arab culture," said Washington. "Troops achieved a better understanding of Arab people by arming them with knowledge."

• Date Taken: 04.05.2009
• Date Posted: 04.06.2009 10:05
• Story ID: 32063
• Location: CAMP AS SALIYAH, QA