AboutLe Anne Clausen Expertise I can answer questions on Arab culture, including differences in cultures among Arab countries and sub-groups. I can also answer questions on Christian-Muslim relations, interfaith issues in general, and human rights and peacemaking issues in the Middle East.
Experience I was a human rights worker for four years in the Middle East, and have spent time in Palestine, Israel, Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan. I speak intermediate Arabic; some Hebrew; and am starting Persian (Farsi, Dari). I have led a half-dozen educational delegations to the area for North American groups; and I have led trainings for nearly a thousand international human rights volunteers coming into the area over my years there. I am now working to launch an interfaith peace-teams based human rights organization, hopefully in the next two years. I am also currently editing the manuscript for my first book, a firsthand account of my time in the Middle East
Publications "Be the Healers," (next steps after Abu Ghraib) The Lutheran magazine, July 2004.
www.christian-muslim.net
www.seminaryaction.org
www.young-activist.blogspot.com
Multiple press releases which I wrote from the field, as well as media interviews/articles about my work are also available via Google search.
Education/Credentials I have an MA in Christian-Muslim relations; and I am now continuing my studies at Chicago Theological Seminary (www.ctschicago.edu). I also have a BA in Religion concentrating in global service, from Wartburg College, (www.wartburg.edu).
Awards and Honors I received the Dell Award for Peace and Justice from Wartburg College. I have spoken and led workshops and trainings at over one hundred church congregations, colleges, schools, organizations
Question Hi. My dad has recently moved to the UAE and I am planning on going out to
visit him, but I am not sure what to do about covering my hair. I am not a
Muslim and so I am not sure what to do. I would like to do what shall be the
most respectful thing according to Abu Dhabi culture, and so should I cover
my hair, please?
Thank-you.
Answer Greetings Libby, and thanks for your question. A lot of female travelers have this question, and the answer often varies depending on time and immediate context (changing even from one neighborhood and town to the next).
What often works well for most female travelers is to bring along a large scarf/pashmina or two, at least enough to get by a few days, and wear them loosely around your neck. Observe what other women around you are doing (particularly if they look Western, and also taking into account whether they are similar in age to you), and do likewise. (Some put scarves up before the plane lands, for example). Generally, wear your hair at least tied back until you see women doing otherwise. A pair of larger-lens sunglasses also seems to help; as does dressing up a little more than most Americans do--think polyester. This 'international' dress seems to go over well nearly everywhere. Or, at this UAE government tourism site, you may consider a long cotton shirt and trousers on the street:
If you find that you're in a more conservative neighborhood, it might be a good reason to go shopping for better streetwear. If things are more relaxed, you can relax, too.
