Qatar has grown on me

I used to say it. I knew it somehow, when I moved here several years ago. And it has happened. Qatar has grown on me and I love everything about it. The people, the architecture, the food, the facilities all contribute to the special character of Qatar. In my mind, Qatar has a persona, dignified, charming, warm and welcoming. The new cityscape, as well as places and buildings in some corners of Doha which still reflect the ‘old Qatar’, both hold a fascination for me.

I have discovered parts of myself in discovering Qatar. I made quality friends and met a multitude of amazing people. Each encounter with Qataris was warm and pleasant, once there was a cheerful middle aged Qatari who helped me and my family find my car in the parking lot. He drove around the rows patiently and wasn’t satisfied until we located the car and waved him thanks while driving away. Another time was when I was waiting in a mall and after chatting a bit with me, this smiling Qatari grandmother handed me coupons for a coffee shop in the same mall.

There is no dearth of activities and hobbies in Doha. Malls, parks, museums, cultural events invite families and everyone for a good time. The multicultural aspect adds yet another dimension to Qatar’s diversity. I am happy to have been a part of networking clubs and met entrepreneurs and professionals from all over the world.

Qatar is home to beautiful white sand beaches. I have met a great number of expats who are particularly fond of the beaches of Qatar. Even in the summer! I was surprised too, but there you have it; Qatar’s diversity in a nutshell.

Yes, it is a desert, but the mysteries of the desert hold a fascination. The tranquility beckons me. There is a sense of deep rootedness in this solitude.