I agree the article does come across as weak in parts, but I think she was trying to get a point across, and one that rings familiar with some of us.

I guess I come from a background where you just get to know people in day to day life, without having to make an effort. But the way society segregates itself in Qatar means the only way I'd get to know a Qatari is if I walked up to them in a coffee shop or something and introduced myself. I would never do that even if I spoke fluent Arabic, and I wouldn't do that in my home country either.

It's not just about meeting people though. It's about feeling that you're experiencing a country.