Domestic space in Islamic cultures is often assumed to be the female space of the private home, because it is a realm where men's presence and mobility are restricted, as opposed to public space, where women's presence and mobility are restricted. Yet in the Gulf, domestic space in the home is defined by both female and male presence. Moreover, there are public spaces within the home, while domestic spaces also exist outside the home.

In private homes in the Gulf men may entertain their male, non-related guests in the ṣālūn or formal sitting room. On such occasions, this room become…