Yes, their statements seemed to be at least as much aimed at fellow Qatari women at home and abroad as to expats in Qatar. That is partly why I found the article interesting--that and its specific plan of action.
While I am sure that some do choose abayas and national dress abroad, I must admit that the Qataris with whom I have spent time formally and informally in the US and Europe do not. Even the Emir and his wife typically adopt elegant Western-style clothing (as demonstrated in the countless photographs of them on state visits), and I seriously doubt many people would be able to distinguish their party from others at an upscale Manhattan restaurant.
Yes, their statements seemed to be at least as much aimed at fellow Qatari women at home and abroad as to expats in Qatar. That is partly why I found the article interesting--that and its specific plan of action.
While I am sure that some do choose abayas and national dress abroad, I must admit that the Qataris with whom I have spent time formally and informally in the US and Europe do not. Even the Emir and his wife typically adopt elegant Western-style clothing (as demonstrated in the countless photographs of them on state visits), and I seriously doubt many people would be able to distinguish their party from others at an upscale Manhattan restaurant.