Qatar: "attention seeking" and "show off"?

The current education reforms is based on charter schooling. Many Qataris have rejected these Reforms since the first day, as it have introduced them to new education trends that requires use of English as the prime language for math & science, parental involvement, women teaching in boys primary school, after school activities, encourage critical thinking through Qatar debate and involving students in researches & voluntary work

The supreme council of education have been criticized daily through media for the past few years. So much, that SEC started recently releasing flawed decisions just to please the public.

Of course this all started a few years ago when a Kuwaiti salafi intellect Abdula al nufaisi written an article that the current education reform in Qatar is initiated by RAND CORP. Ever since, there was rejection among the public of those reforms. Even if those reforms is for the sake of their children, to provide them with better chances of gaining admission to international universities whether locally or abroad

You'll find all that data in Qatar statistic authority website

http://www.qsa.gov.qa/eng/index.htm

....Nic, the ongoing development is not "so much"! It's categorically essential to build their country with their own hands. Building the infrastructure is not luxury.

What I'd agree with you about as dispensable is making a name for the country with fire-without-works.

Thanks for the link, I remember I’ve earlier checked CIA World Factbook demographic statistics of Qatar, but it was very old data. I'm interested in knowing data such as Age Structure, Sex Ratio, Literacy ...etc.

Qatar Population (May 2008 est.): 1,448,446

males: 1,096,815 (75.7%)

females: 351,630 (24.3%)

Ethnic groups:

Qatari: 20%

other Arab: 20%

Indian: 20%

Filipino: 10%

Nepali: 13%

Pakistani: 7%

Sri Lankan: 5%

others: 5%.

source: http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/5437.htm

Happy,

Thus my question, why develop so much when the population is so little?

Who will maintain and operate all the already overdeveloped facilities without depending on so many foreigners?

I, like many Qataris, think that something does not add up!

......Does anyone know of any links to the demographic analytical data of the Qatari population? I'm too lazy to search the web....:)

....genesis, I guess I realize these facts (I've read them somewhere), along with other health hazards associated with relatives' marriage, the media has been educating the locals about.

The current local generation of youth is not sufficient, in quality and quantity, to take up the mission of Qatar's development.

The quality is being polished and enhanced, would you agree about the quantity bit?

There is very slight chance of reproduction among Qataris duo to many social aspects. According to a recent survey by Qatar statistic authority, the average age of first marriage at the country almost invariably between 26-27 years for males and 22-24 years for females.

With elders at the advisory council refusing to review the current citizenship law & many social beliefs , the numbers of Qataris will remain the same.

Genesis,

If I was a Qatari, me too I would prefer Doha to remain local as it was, instead of being "invaded" by a great majority of foreigners.

I think anyone from any given nationality would not like to see their countries being radically transformed and occupied by foreigners.

...genesis, all you guys need to do, is keep re-producing (As bad as it may sound), until Qataris outnumber expats. The other solution is to cut down on the number of expats, whichever sooner. Much of this cultural insecurity and discomfort by the locals will soon vanish.

I cannot blame many locals for how they feel, I see expats have gone overboard, and many want to rule Qatar as they see fit. Expel those and replace with reliable Qataris.

I am with the government on this, the Qatar that a lot of Qataris want was lucky that it was sustained in the past by oil revenues, but once it runs out they will go back to how things were pre oil. The direction the government is going in would at least allow us to emulate other successful nations not dependent majorly on the export of a single commodity.

I just highlighted what many locals think

According to some Qataris, any form of modernization is a threat to our values & culture. Which I don't agree on

With the existence of the many Qatar Foundation institutions, there is better chance for multiculturalism.

At least public money is still invested in what is worth for the development of this country. Unlike other states that limited its investment in building fake tourism that won't last

Excellent points genesis

plus Projects like the pearl, Ezdan or Lagoon plaza is owned by shareholders not the state. In fact it's run by companies managed completely by expatriates

How the state can be held accounted for privately run business?

Yep genesis, thats the view expressed by the Qatari's I know. But their voice is just silenced in most cases.

If a survey was conducted among locals whether they prefer that Doha be called the dullest place on earth or build entertainment venues for foreigners, i assure you most will vote that Doha remains the dullest place in the eyes of foreigners.

slowing down is not an option, There is too much expectations. And that's not from the Powers that be alone. But also the people. By now i think you do realize, that some Qataris are not "super friendly" in a multicultural sense, have no interest in tourism & not that keen to develop the country culturally due to many religious & social aspects. This same mindset are given authority roles & were made to follow the leaders ambition to modernize the country. Many doesn't believe in what they're doing, that's why you don't see any attention to details or dedication in accomplishing any task perfectly.

The biggest part of this year's financial budget is allocated to Health & Education. In my opinion, that this is the best investment for the future of this country.

People here doesn't want the country to be advertised as a tourist destination, but rather have more hospitals & education institutes.

looks like none of these consultants have any responsibility to the end product. Most of them get the contracts through underhand deals and then run away when cost escalates and then there are a few here who blame the workers for all the troubles.

we get paid to attend QL and discussing Qatar growth and image building (empty/under construction) ;D

Khawaga - Sense and Sensibility Thread.

FU: Which question? Which other thread? I'm lost!

I agree with you,Olive,Nic and everybody else.

and get back to work ..chop chop!

Yes, FU. There are negative and positive points to the pubs and bars. It's definitely not in agreement with the tradition of the country. It was more like a symbol of goodwill meant towards the expatriate community. There is a lot of internal discussion going on amongst the locals about it till date.

Ajmani - Which part,which part?

FU: You are right about that part at least :)

deepb - 'I'm neutral towards it'?

I agree with you, John of Arc. The Asian games in my opinion was one of the worst things to happen to Qatar. It brought in a lot more population than the country was ready to handle, shot rents up, cost of living went high and the already bad expat to locals ratio went from bad to worse.

There are far more important changes that have happened for Qatar like allowing women to drive, the increased focus towards education, introduction of mandatory final settlement for all employees, arrival of many international brands etc. Some people think introduction of the bars and pubs was a step forward, I'm neutral towards it.

Khawaga - you haven't answered my question on the other thread LOL

I agree completely John! What this countries done in terms of ME politics and UN meetings, etc has been incredible! And is something this country should be very proud of and pursue more of!

Enough with the sports!

FriedUnicorn,

I can assure you that I know much more about the details of those projects than what I am allowed to express here!

drmana: pass the popcorn, will you?

FU many of us are working on similar large Projects and know how they're progressing. It doesn't take a genius to apply that knowledge to upcoming projects.

Where have I ever said that this country has nothing positive about it? That is again a baseless accusation from your side. If I criticize something about the country, its because I care and want to see changes towards the positive. The world is not black and white. I will not say anything, anyone or anyplace is pure bad or good.

balanced debate! ANd stop personal tirades! Stay on topic!

I'm not sure what they proved with the Asian Games yv2r. That they could hold games with empty stadiums or that they could barely finish (and in most cases didn't) finish the needed infrastructure.

"brit" expat,

No longer stays around because his real identity was unveiled ;)

Nic I would love to have an informed debate. But I would expect some homework ;)

What I don't like is baseless allegations and lack of support for these initiatives? How many of us actually know the details of the Lusail Project,Railways Project,The Mall Project or the Causeway to do a SWOT and make informed comments here?

Making negative comments based on past experiences is not gonna take anyone anywhere except causing some more divide in a already fragmented,expat dominated society.

Olive,

I agree with you.

If they stop and take time to think, they would certainly find a more adequate direction, which then would attract the needed attention for good reasons.

your last comment is objective in nature unlike in previous threads that the negative views are presented in a way that this country had no positive image at all.

We try to balance the discussion as to get a good result! and posting objectively should be observed!

Qatar has proved when they got Asian Games,it built somany new buildings and stadiums lot of infrastructure they made now they are bidding for WC,definitely it is a big boost for the economy,people just like dubai dont invest unnecessarily,they think think then they do it,can any one say they got things at one go with their bosses,no way,they are clever and will not follow footsteps of DXB,they have learnt many things from DXB downfall.

Olive - The poor ones incharge at the highest levels are just trying to save their jobs.Give them a break...looool

FriedUnicorn,

OK, that's the point but taking that aside just for a minute, can't we have a rational debate and review critically a reality that we are part of?

Just because one pin points areas that need improvement, it does not mean that that person doesn’t admire other areas.

The positive needs less exposure as it doesn’t require change, however the negative does! That is why that here in QL and in most of the blogs and forums of the entire world, people debate about things that need to be improved.

It just happens that we are now in Qatar and this is Qatar Living, thus the topic being often Qatar (extremely rich in areas for improvement).

Brit many people will take any form of criticism as aggression. Especially on this site. Who's fault is it, the person who pointed out the criticism or the person who throws a hissy fit every time they read anything critical.

Nic, sometimes these guys are just so rushed, that even if they can critically think, they don't have time to. To me the answer to a lot of the build quality issues would be to just slow down and give themselves enough time to do a proper job. As evidenced by the way they drive their cars, Qatari's seem to always be in a bit of a rush.

Debate and exchange of views is a positive thing and should be encouraged.

But the way the comments are worded can make them aggressive. In this case, the whole tone seems to be geared for bashing.

One reason I stopped logging on to QL lately is that many people find it right to bash Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the locals, but get very upset when articles regarding their own countries are posted.

Anyway, I am out of here. Good luck with the debate ;)

ajmani - You must be from Dubai too ;)

Exactly happy ! Where can you find such a relaxed work environment anywhere else in the world?

On a serious note- Compared to India, I like how all shops are open here on weekends and till late night. I like how I don't have to spend half the day in traffic. I like the safety aspect as well. Plus living here for over 25 years makes it my home. If I voice what I don't like about it, am I bashing it unnecessarily?

Olive,

That says a lot about how they were educated: to always comply and be submissive to higher perceived identities. Never challenge nor critically review things as you may upset someone and get punished for it.

Its sad and it doesn’t need to be so in such a modern society as the one we are all part here in Qatar!

That is why I sometimes deliberately provoke, to invite some to come out of their numbed world.

Lot of things said. It is not an understatement that Dubai is way ahead in infrastructure. However, i see Qatar progressing slowly, but steadily. They have learnt from their neighbours. And btw, most of the dubai ex-residents are now privileged residents of qatar. Source: The cars on the road with Salik tag still on.

happygolucky - That's the point. lol

check it out!

Atleast one thing good we all have to admit here that...we all are paid for the jobs we are supposed to do and we spend most of our office time on QL and they don't object.

Its yamaha. :)

Flor, where did anyone say that everything about Qatar is bad? You are the one making accusations.

I have a few complaints with the country, but there are many things which I love about it. Does that make a Qatar-Basher?

The place I live in Flor is going to crumble to the ground in about 5 years if it's lucky. I refer to it as the ghetto because of the constant leaking raw sewage in the parking garage. And I'm not living in some small apartment complex in Mansoura, I'm living in the Zig Zag.

Guitar - I meant which brand guitar is the one on your profile pic? Sorry.

Unfortunately Nic, not everyone see's that. They assume anything said that criticizes Qatar is Qatar bashing.

information, Olive? That is a very sweeping accusation! Don't you find any or even one good thing built here? I would presume the house you live in is one, the least! Lol!

@Olive So we really need and can use FU here? YAY

@FriedUnicorn What guitar is what?

deepb and Olive

Exactly, you've got my point.

Debate is not bashing!

Qatar is rich, their economy sustainable for many years to come, and literally they are living the American Dream. (in this case, the Qatari Dream). They invest, they think long term, or as you say they seek attention.

Now, you ask why, they show off? Because they can.

So if you are not a Qatari living the American dream, move over. Cause you simply dont have the chance for the showdown.

:P

FU every single thing in this country was designed and developed by the best minds in the world, and have the most experienced Project Managers, and you know what happens to them all? They all get kicked out and replaced by someone who will do what they're told and not ask questions or make a fuss within 2 years.

that Qatar is attention-seeker are themselves the ultimate example of attention-seeker for their unending tirades to their host country! When will they ever be contented?

Guitargirl - Which guitar is that?

I disagree Vic, I don't think Qatar is taking enough time. Granted it isn't rushing ahead full speed into disaster like Dubai did, but I do think it needs to slow down and really REALLY consider what it is they want and the best way to go about it. Big sky scrapers and luxury apartment buildings might make you look pretty, but in the long run they do nobody any good if they're empty.

And personally I think this 2022 bid is a huge mistake and has the potential to make a laughing stock of Qatar, which I would hate to see happen.

Olive - Let me tell you please. The quality of people working in the Railway Project and the Causeway designa nd development are some of the best people in their profession. The Project Managers are people who have been selected from long list of applicants after multiple rounds of interview and consultant involvement. Some of the consulatants involved are the worldclass consulting firms with several million manhours of experience and global reputation for quality of delivery.

The labour workforce will be closely monitored and projects will be executed on time with the agreed quality parameters.

Contrary to the popular belief,Qatar is actually taking things seriously.

Victory,

sure, that is why Qatar is receiving immigrants to work in all sectors instead of temporary laborers.

have you noticed what happens to all the buildings these laborers finish, once they go back home?

walk around west bay and see how many are finished inside and/or occupied?

Well said VIC..even i am agreed with you..We are all aware of the recent blow on DUBAI due to its BIG DREAMS..Atleast QATAR isn't following the way DUBAI adopted to secure place among the westerners..

Harry99, visit this site: http://www.thecoast.ca/blogs/LovetheWayWeBitch/

This is the most popular social site in Halifax, Canada and all you will read (hence the title Love the way we Bitch) is people bitching about things in Canada.

I'm sorry, but none of us live in Utopia, we all have complaints and social forums are great places to vent them.

If all anybody ever did was talk about how wonderful everything was the world would be a pretty dull place and nothing would ever change.

I do think the country is too focused on trying to seek attention from the International community at a far greater cost, and would do better to focus on other problems. I know a lot of locals who have expressed the same feelings to me. And they are certainly not interested in bashing their own country.

IMAGE is very important in recent times.........you know NIC!

Look into Qatar's history of development, the infrstructural progress is slow but steady, learnt lessons from Dubai and rest of the world on states investments. Nobody would like to burn their hands like what Dubai has done.

Qatar needs people and real consumers, attracting/welcoming the whole World by building its Image and goodwill in the region first, then the returns on these Foreign investment will help to construct the Nation.

IMAGE is very important in recent times.........you know NIC!

Look into Qatar's history of development, the infrstructural progress is slow but steady, learnt lessons from Dubai and rest of the world on states investments. Nobody would like to burn their hands like what Dubai has done.

Qatar needs people and real consumers, attracting/welcoming the whole World by building its Image and goodwill in the region first, then the returns on these Foreign investment will help to construct the Nation.

Total compliance and blind submission can be alleviated with a small dose of provocation and debate.

THINK ;)

Neither is bad FU, but it's the quality of the workmanship put into it. It's all well and good to build a railway, but do you honestly think they're going to invest the time and money needed to make it actually GOOD? No, of course not. They're going to hire the cheapest labour possible and rush them to the point of death ( and I literally do mean the death's of probably dozens of workers, if not hundreds, by the time it's finished).

Dreams are fantastic and Qatar has wonderful big ones, what they don't have is the patience to carry them out properly.

You are right. All countries have good and bad points - even Canada :)

But to constantly harp on about the negatives is a bit over the top - isn't it ?

I don't love Qatar but I don't hate it either. It will never be my home as I am a guest here. I won't complain but that doesn't mean I like everything here. But does that matter to anyone? No, it doesn't.

I give credit to Qatar for at least trying to do things that is otherwise unimaginable here. And nothing wrong in attention seeking, it is practised by everywhere by everyone more or less.

Olive,

Lonely Planet solved the problem by deliberately not addressing their usual section on "entertainment" in Qatar ;)

Olive - So what is bad - Investing in foreign countries? Or a Railway Project?

perspective of contentment in life. If what you are used to in your home country and you don't find it here, then the negative impression.

QATAR is good for me as long as it helps me in liting up my kitchen's fire..I don't care what other BUSINESS MAGAZINES thing about QATAR..i have come here to earn and thats my main priority..Atleast, DOHA is far better than DUBAI..

I do look at the positive side of Qatar all the time, I love it here and consider it my home. However I'm not going to bury my head in the sand and pretend everything's perfect like the rest of you. What's the point in that? If you love something you need to accept it for it's good points and bad.

Well they'll never achieve those drawings unless they actually start hiring skilled workers who know what they're doing, not a guys who worked as farmers back home and are now suddenly electricians and plumbers with no formal training.

Olive and Nic - Ajmani is right. You guys need to look at positive side of things happening here. They have money, it's not their fault if they are trying to convert it into their strength. It's just that this place is still work in progress.

Actually Qatar can no longer claim to be Lonely Planets dullest place on Earth. They changed the review February of last year http://www.lonelyplanet.com/qatar

They can't because they are all too happy to live in a relatively crime free society and earn tax free wages whilst whining constantly.

Olive,

you have to give them credit for the fact that they hire competent creative people to produce the artist's impressions and virtual movies of things that will never exist. Usually the job is quite impressive that people confuse it with reality!

Soniya that declaration was made over 10 years ago. Perhaps it's time for them to update their web page.

As I always say... whoever does not like it is free to go back home and leave....

Ohh thats a news for me that lonely planet has declared DOHA as the most boring capital of the middle east..

I am a regular viewer of this programme but how come i missed this part?

Ajamji we've all seen the "master plan" and we've seen the results of those "master plans" look at the empty crumbling buildings in the Pearl or the despicable Zig Zag Towers.

Qatar talks a good game, but that's all it does.

Frankly you'd never see me set foot on any monorail they build unless I decided it was my time to die.

Now that we are at it, has anybody wondered why Lonely Planet has labeled Doha as the most boring capital of the Middle East?

is coming out!

Why bother about being a "show off" if they really think so. Te important thing is money is spent to sell the country which means more projects and more works. Which means more job opportunities for those in needs!

If Qatar wins any international events, it will create a lot of jobs! If another country get it, will it create same number of jobs? For those that need that jobs very badly?

drmana: certainly more FREQUENT!

Britexpat,

Really?! Wow I’m impressed with the novelty of your information. I never thought about that, who would?

hehehehe... by now, you have realized that none of the OP was said by me?

As people here keep on saying "bebsi and bobcorn time"

Drmana,

It was getting too boring, don’t you think so?

Bashing provokes reaction which implies thinking ;)

"This makes me wonder, why Qatar is so urgently investing their money abroad?"

Qatar is spending abroad to ensure that it has long term sustainable income when the gas begins to run out. It learnt its lessons from the Kuwaiti and Saudi investment strategies and has focused on investments abroad on education at home.

None of the above are my words. It's all published on Arabian Business

http://www.arabianbusiness.com/591893-down-on-doha

khawaga, this is more regular than our periods :-)

For the ignorants, they haven't really seen the future plan for Qatar. Qatar 2022 bid is not a show off, it is to prove to the world that this country is capable of doing wonders. Ever been towards the construction area in Lusail, seen their master plan? Read about the metro and Qatar-Bahrain causeway plans. The inter-country trains and worlds longest mall (ok..thats a show off). Anyways, there are places you can go for recreation. Sports stadiums exists everywhere. I personally find Qatar as entertaining coz a country is not made up of malls or entertainment parks, it is made up of people. People you and I interact with on daily basis. As for investing money abroad, it reflects on the Qatar economy, which is strong and steady! Every country has it's flaws, but that's not this country's weakness!

It seems to by cyclical: first we bash the Palestinians, which of course leads us to bashing the Americans. Then we bash the Indians, then the Pakistanis, then the Filipinos, then Qatar. Lather, rinse, repeat.

Let them show off...why do you bother??

finding fault for the sake of it:)

Nic you are better off leaving Qatar....

lol drmana....

And now starts the bashing.....