I met Hazem Jamjoum – the translator of Maya Abu Al-Hayyat’s No One Knows Their Blood Type – in London on a Sunday. Jamjoum handed me a fresh copy of the book in English, and it turned out to be the kind of book that, once you start reading, you simply can’t put down until finished in one sitting.  

In 2005-2008, Khaleeji artists were more experimental with their production selections and musical arrangements. You’ll hear Indian and North African influences in albums released at the time. Music was more upbeat even when the lyrics were sad.