“Happy Arabia” (Arabia Felix) is the name the Romans gave to the territory that is now modern-day Yemen. In his book, Puga Llopis recounts his personal experience as a career diplomat during the four years he spent in the country, a pivotal period just before the outbreak of the Arab Spring.

Through his largely autobiographical account, enriched with anecdotes and personal experiences, the author invites us to discover the landscapes, customs, and daily life of a country as little-known as it is fascinating. His account also offers insights into the historical and political complexities of Yemen at a crucial moment in its recent history. 

The session will conclude with an open discussion with the author, giving the audience the opportunity to explore the topics covered in the book in greater depth.

Javier Puga Llopis (Barcelona, 1978). 
After studying law in Barcelona, he entered the diplomatic service in 2007. He has lived in Bolivia, Yemen, and France. He served as a diplomat at the Spanish Embassy in Sana’a from 2008 to 2012, and is currently Chargé d’Affaires ad interim at the Spanish Embassy in Damascus.
Arabia Feliz is his first work as a sole author. Previously, he contributed to the book Muchas vidas y un destino (Various Authors, 2020) and published, together with a group of friends who are literature enthusiasts, Cuentos para un viernes (2021). Since January 2023, he has been contributing to the Prensa Ibérica group with a biweekly opinion column titled “Le Fumoir.” 

Single and childless, a photography enthusiast, Catalan with a Galician father and a mother from Madrid, he is a Spaniard proud of his heritage and a lover of a job that allows him to wander the world while never ceasing to observe it.