The Iranian population has soared since the 1979 revolution and in 2005, over 70% of Iranians were under 30 years old. Like counterparts in other countries, this generation of young Iranian adults has been exposed to the Internet, satellite TV and all the gadgets and know-how that make the world a smaller place in the 21st Century.

I found a great PBS article, featuring a journal written by an Iranian woman in 2005 when internet dating surged in Iran. She was  surprised by the amount of potential dates that flood in to her computer via her IM service. The author first assumed the chats are coming in from Iranians in LA, but was intrigued to learn her would-be cyberdates are actually based in Tehran: She decided to investigate further.

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Yes, I’m at it again, cyber-trekking the globe to bring all you romantics out there the sweet and low-down on dating in other countries. I always find that local blogs are like compasses, they point you in the right direction and show you where’s north.

Pakistan Paindabad’s interview “There are No Discos in Lahore” has a fascinating (and humorous) whistle-stop tour of dating etiquette and norms in Lahore. MBA student Tehman Lall speaks up to reveal what’s hot, what’s cool and what you definitely shouldn’t do vis-à-vis dating in Pakistan’s cultural capital. Here are a few highlights: Read the full story »

Ok, I’m gossiping, but I’m allowed to sometimes, right? Sometimes, there’s nothing better than googling celebrities’ love-lives on occasion to add a little glitz, glamour and often downright bewilderment to a winter’s afternoon.

I was pretty surprised to read that Pamela Anderson is moving to Abu Dhabi. I mean, isn’t there enough sun for her on Malibu Beach? Apparently not, and her motivation in fact has little to do with topping up her tan (good job, all in all…)

Pammy’s heading east to the Emirates for two reasons: 1) She wants to start an eco hotel in Abu-Dhabi (just like fellow Hollywood icon Brad Pitt). 2) More importantly, she is apparently dating a member of the Abu-Dhabi royal family. Read the full story »

Islamabad literally means “Islam’s Abode” and Pakistan’s tenth largest city is far from small. Home to the world’s second largest university, this city attracts young people from all over the continent, helping to make it cosmopolitan and religiously and ethnically diverse.

So where do young lovebirds go to date? Islamabad is full of green areas, fabulous cafes, and interesting spots to hang out.

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A hot new nightspot called La Calle or the bar at a trendy new Amman hangout named Books@Cafe; these places and a handful more are becoming regular haunts for young Jordanians looking to express their freedom. There, they can be single and mingle or flirt with present or potential sweethearts. A few years ago it would have been impossible to imagine, let alone picture.

Jordan’s new, more liberal daters are still a niche community, but numbers are growing. According to those on the inside, it’s also easier for men than for women, but who knows… given time, that could also change. Read the full story »

When I rented A New Day in Old Sana’a – I had no idea it was first ever feature-length film to be shot in the Yemen. But stunned by the images I saw in this  romantic drama I did a bit of background research and lo and behold, I discovered that British-Yemeni film director Bader Ben Hirsi’s moving filmatic love-story was not only a revelation to me. It contains some truly unique imagery that much of the Western world will have never before seen.

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I gotta tell you my jaw hit the floor when I began reading that Israeli local authorities are taking action to “rescue” young Jewish women who are dating Arab men.

I kid you not – In September ’09 the municipality of Petah Tikva near Tel Aviv announced it is establishing a special team of youth counsellors and psychologists to identify young Jewish women who are dating Arab men. It’s part of a wider move by Israeli organizations and residents to try and prevent interracial dating and marriage.

And they’re not the first – earlier this year in Pisgat Zeev, a large Jewish settlement amid  Palestinian neighbourhoods in East Jerusalem, 36 Jewish male residents formed a vigilante-style patrol known as “Fire for Judaism” to stop Arab men from dating local Jewish girls.

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One of things I most love about writing the LoveHabibi blog is discovering how love, dating and romance really do exist everywhere – even where you’d least expect them or where we’ve been led to believe it’s impossible for young couples to spend time together under any circumstances.

An Unlikely Couple?

Let’s take for example the words “dating” and “Afghanistan” – not so long ago, it seemed impossible to imagine such a concept.

Since the end of Taliban times, Afghanistan’s metamorphosis into democracy has not been without turbulence and International headlines are dominated with grim reports and tidings, focusing on US occupation, insurgences and the whereabouts of Bin Laden and more often than not, echoing suspicion that Hamid Karzai will make the necessary reforms.

Marriages are arranged in Afghanistan, pre-marital sex is against the law and dating is still far from the norm you see on the streets every day. So what are daily life and future prospects like for young Afghans? Can young men and women move freely, can they date in any way, shape or form? And if so, how are they doing so? Read the full story »

I came cross an eye-catching piece of news today on medindia.net.

Apparently, Malaysia’s International Islamic University (IIUM) has officially been declared a “no-dating zone.” It’s the first university in the country to take this bold step.

A large banner on proud display at the Gombak campus warns students not to date anywhere on site.

It reads: “IIUM is an Islamic territory. No dating. Allah is watching us.” Read the full story »

Dating in Iran is challenging; the Ayatollahs consider it un-Islamic and although the last President, Khatami, asked the secret police not to disturb young men and women seen together in public, it’s still tricky for them to meet.

Of course, some Iranians do date, in Tehran, there are middle class private parties, but they require an introduction  – given the risks at stake. Things are also supposedly easier if an Iranian guy has a car, but that’s a luxury many can’t afford.

Internet dating also happens but it is heavily censored, and moving abroad brings its own challenges, both economic and emotional. So how are young Iranians who do want to date, and don’t feel it conflicts with their faith getting around these obstacles? Read the full story »