حتى ينتهي النفط: الهجرة والأحلام في ضواحي الخليج

The book is widely praised as an excellent, important, and distinguished social study that offers a deeply realistic and comprehensive portrayal of expatriate workers' lives, particularly low-income Egyptians in Qatar and other Gulf states. Reviewers highlight the author's smooth, scientific, and neutral ethnographic approach, which involves living among the subjects to present reality as it is. The narrative style is often described as engaging and accessible, making it digestible for a wide range of readers, including those new to social sciences. The book is commended for its deep insights into the social, economic, and even spiritual dimensions of migration, effectively shedding light on the suffering, dreams, and frustrations experienced by these workers both in their home countries and abroad. Many readers found the book impactful, changing their perspectives and provoking thought on various related topics. Some also noted the good quality of the translation.

Despite its strengths, the book faces criticism primarily for its limited scope and sample size. Many reviewers point out that the research focuses predominantly on a small number of low-income Egyptian security guards in Qatar, which makes it difficult to generalize its findings to the broader expatriate community or other Gulf countries. Some critics perceive the analysis as superficial or lacking sufficient depth regarding the wider social, economic, and political implications of migration. The title is also considered misleading by some, as the book does not extensively explore the scenario of "when the oil runs out" or the conditions of migrants in larger Gulf nations like Saudi Arabia. Additionally, some reviews accuse the book of displaying a clear bias against Gulf countries, presenting a predominantly negative view based on limited interactions. A few reviewers noted perceived contradictions in the characters' motivations and actions, and there were conflicting opinions on the quality of the translation, with some finding it poor.

Overall, the book offers a poignant and detailed look into the lives of a specific demographic of migrant workers. It serves as a valuable resource for readers interested in the human experience of migration, social sciences, or the unique challenges faced by expatriate laborers in the Gulf region. While its narrow focus means its conclusions may not be universally generalizable, it effectively provokes thought and provides an empathetic, in-depth portrayal of its subjects. This book would appeal to those seeking to understand the daily struggles, aspirations, and frustrations of low-income Egyptian migrants, as well as anyone interested in ethnographic studies or the socio-economic dynamics of the Gulf through a personal, case-study lens. Readers are advised to approach it as a focused examination of specific experiences rather than a comprehensive overview of all migrant life in the Gulf.