Mary Khouri, originally from the west coast, has an advanced degree in economics. She worked for a Federal agency in Washington, DC for 17 years before moving with her husband, Nabil, a Lebanese American, and two miniature poodles to the Arabian Peninsula in 2000. In the Middle East she balanced her life between working as an economist/finance manager with her exploits as an American expatriate — savoring local expat plays, desert trips, gong ceremonies, and communal feasts with Arab Gulf friends. Mary’s 17 years in the Arab Gulf sparked an interest in writing about her enlightening experiences in this distant and often misunderstood land. She ultimately returned to the U.S. where she lives with her husband, Nabil, and their beloved poodle pup, Sally. Mary volunteers within her community focusing on cultural exchange and enjoys domestic and international travel with Nabil.