Ever wondered what life is really like behind the luxury of Dubai or the mystery of Qatar?
In this episode of Girls Gone Gritty, the ladies take you on a vivid, boots-on-the-ground journey through the Middle East, from sand dunes in Qatar to sky-high glam in Dubai. Jennifer shares her whirlwind experience visiting Doha, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai, breaking down cultural traditions, royal history, and surprising facts, like Qatar’s zero crime rate, free healthcare, and 26-year interest-free home loans.
You'll also hear gritty commentary on the world’s oddest news stories, from 14 million escaped bees to hyper-realistic baby dolls, and a shoutout to environmental activist Melanie Challenger.
Whether you're a curious traveler, culture lover, or just need a laugh and some sisterhood, this episode blends inspiration, education, and a little rebellion.
Episode Highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(1:01) Family updates, lifeguards & Vermont adventures
(2:32) Sports, river surfing & Sugarbush stories
(3:20) Swimming with whale sharks & bucket lists
(3:51) This week’s wild top 3 news stories
(7:30) Behind the veil: Real life in Qatar
(10:06) Royal wealth and zero crime in Qatar
(12:51) Expat life & tax-free perks
(13:18) Dress codes & cultural respect
(14:33) Opulence of Dubai vs. tradition in Qatar
(16:04) Manmade islands & royal vision
(18:07) Wealth, safety, and global investments
(20:23) Muslim traditions & polygamy myths
(21:46) Tourism as future strategy
(22:04) Water, solar, and innovation in the desert
(24:00) 7-star hotels & travel costs
(24:52) Grit Girl of the Week: Melanie Challenger
(26:14) Song of the week: Stevie Wonder vibes
(27:58) Outro
Follow us:
Web: https://girlsgonegritty.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/girlsgonegritty/
More ways to find us: https://linktr.ee/girlsgonegritty
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