The main focus of the lecture in on the transformation of Qatar from a pearl-based economy, and how tribal intrigues, regional disputes and international rivalries forged the country we know today. It also examines how the people of this land have adapted to the vast changes that the wealth from hydrocarbons has engendered.
The son of an exploration geologist, Michael grew up in Qatar, Bahrain and Abu Dhabi in the 1950s and 1960s. After qualifying as a barrister, he spent over 30 years in a legal career before becoming a full-time author. ‘Masters of the Pearl’ is his ninth book about the Middle East.
The lecture may be viewed on The IASA YouTube channel.
