An honest reply to Hamad Al Mansouri's open letter on Qatar Living…
Dear Brothers and Sisters of Qatar,
I’m writing this as a reply to the open letter by Hamad Al Mansouri, posted in Qatar Living, recently. Honestly, I’d planned to write this much earlier, just after the start of the blockade, but got delayed due to a few personal reasons.
I come from the world’s largest elected democracy and am very happy and proud to be working in Qatar, which is abundantly blessed by God.
The grievances Hamad listed in his letter is not just particular to Qatar. Any citizen in any country can face that situation from expatriates there.
Like Hamad pointed out about citizens here, expatriates too may have some cause for objections (but it is very minimal when compared to the volume of good things we have to say about this country).
Personally, these are some of the grievances I hear all too often.
1. Seeing people tailgating vehicles and flashing their lights in highways, causing immediate fear in the minds of the driver and reflex action ending up in panic situations.
2. Seeing people drive without seat belts and talk on the phone while driving, causing attentions to waver and cause accidents.
3. Blaring horns in front of groceries, waiting for someone to come out running, and getting angry in case of delays.
But having said that, such incidents have come down drastically in the nine years I’ve been here.
Returning to the topic of blockade, every expat in Qatar was shaken to their bones during the first few days. More than news, it was rumours spreading through social media that added to the panic. We all rushed to supermarkets, stood in long queues and stored enough food to feed an army in anticipation of the coming days.
But what made our minds stronger was the official response from Qatar’s leadership — don’t panic, things are under control. After nine years here, I believed it because I didn’t doubt Qatar’s ability to arrange enough alternate resources.
A lesson which I learned from the blockade is that sometimes, friends are better than brothers.
You may know that expat communities these days, irrespective of their religious beliefs, fast during Ramadan and pray for the well being of the royal leadership.
Qatar is not only a country we depend on for making a living, but it’s really ‘a home away from home’ for us.
You may not know about the respect we get in our home countries when we say we live and work in Qatar. Everyone I talk to have only good things to say about the country and how bravely they are standing up against the blockading nations.
God has blessed Qatar abundantly and this prosperity may have led to jealousy in others, which is a law of nature. It’s quite normal and we just need to focus on continuing doing what we do.
For me, these are a few reasons why other nations may be feeling intensely jealous of Qatar’s success.
1. The huge infrastructure development that happened in Qatar within a short span
2. The high living standards
3. Education level of Qatari people, especially the younger generation
4. The medical facilities offered by the government at heavily discounted prices
5. The support of the people towards Qatar’s royal family and leadership
6. Massive investments by Qatar in different parts of the world
7. Good relationships with world leaders and organisations
8. Freedom and peace of living here than anywhere else in the region
9. Goals already achieved by Qatar and targeted in the coming years
10. The way Qatar is transforming a desert into a green heaven
We may be formally known as expats, but we’re your brothers and sisters and real friends who stand with you, supports you and will continue to do so in the coming days. We express our sincere thanks to Qatar for the support the country is offering us expats. May you have all earthly and heavenly blessing from the Almighty.
We love Qatar, we are Qatar and God bless Qatar.
Kullu-na Qatar.
Denish Raju, a happy ‘nine-year-old’ expatr
Do you need a loan to pay off your bills and debts? Do you need funds to expand your business? Do you have bad credit card? Have you been rejected by credit union,banks and other financial agencies? Worry no more, for we are here to render financial assistance to your loan crisis. We offer loan at a very reliable beneficiary low interest rate,we are also certify and accredited by government to issues out financial assistance to those who are in financial crisis. We are reputable,genuine and legitimate loan lender. If interested kindly contact us via email: [email protected] OR Call/Text +1(406)732-6622
Sounds like the biggest peeve's for people in Qatar have all to do with cars, traffic & driving. Research has shown that road rage is associated with frustrations in life & with other people violating order & sensibilities. Such frustrations can be alleviated with physical exercise, sports, active outdoor hobbies, more time with others outdoors and less time driving, stuck behind a wheel. Does Qatar have a paucity of sports & outdoor leisure? If then, more of that could be a reasonable outlet.
Sounds like the biggest peeve's for people in Qatar have all to do with cars, traffic & driving. Research has shown that road rage is associated with frustrations in life & with other people violating order & sensibilities. Such frustrations can be alleviated with physical exercise, sports, active outdoor hobbies, more time with others outdoors and less time driving, stuck behind a wheel. Does Qatar have a paucity of sports & outdoor leisure? If then, more of that could be a reasonable outlet.
I agree with you Mr. Danish regarding the social life in Qatar. Whoever who lived with family here for a while can't even think to relocate somewhere except in a case of emergency. Most of expats are extremely upset with recent crisis due to the illegal blockade which is absolutely the violation of international law. Many companies and shop owners are being adversely affected. We know the Government is trying their best to reduce the effect of blockade. Even though several intimidate measures have been taken, many groceries and small other shops, especially traders of building materials are struggling to get enough stock to meet the demand.
Personally I would like to suggest some measures implementation of which on war foot basis will help reduce the effect of this illegal blockade:
1. Open the economy: Provide more relaxation for foreign investors to startup their business or factories in Qatar with least possible cost, procedures and time. (Reduced Rent,Visa Fees,License Fee, Hassle free procedure & fast track for licensing). This will invite lots of manufactures and contractors which will increase the employment in the public having good purchasing power.
2. Improve the alternative supply chain from other countries: Need to establish a fast and smooth alternative supply chain for all type of food and construction materials , raw materials, medicines etc.No shops or traders will not be left behind without enough stock for their smooth operations.
3. Improve the Cash deployment: There are many companies struggling to get payment for the works done especially related to public projects. Immediate measures to release all pending bills will help companies and contractors to survive for some months.
4. Develop Primary Industries: Implementation of the above three measures are must to develop the primary industries (Food,Construction,Healthcare, Properties etc). The development of primary industry should be focus point of all measures being taken to ensure the production of all materials and products needed to balance the whole economic activities of the country. The defeat of the illegal blockade depends on how fast these primary industries have been setup and running smoothly.
Excellent reply Denish. Yes we as expats feel blessed staying in Qatar. No other GCC country offers its expat residents more than what Qatar offers. We feel more safe and secure staying in Qatar than our home countries, irrespective of which religion or nationality we belong to.Even the medical expenses for the expats are very less compared to our home countries.
We ask God Almighty to continue providing strength and wisdom to this dynamic leadership of Qatar. Ameen.
Everybody is willing to see it resolved as soon as possible.