Clockwise from top left: Fans from Saudi Arabia, Palestine, China and the UK.
Doha: It is a day that everyone, every year, looks forward to in Qatar – but this year December 18 had an added dimension, as it marks another milestone in the nation’s journey.
Under the slogan “Our unity is the source of our strength”, Qatar National Day was celebrated by people throughout the country, as World Arabic Language Day (as designated by the United Nations) will also be marked.
Yesterday also brought down the curtain on the World Cup, the first time football’s biggest event has been held in the Middle East. The tournament has an Arab identity and an Arab vocabulary that has chimed with people from all corners of the globe who have come to Qatar for this festival of football, while also shifting preconceptions about the Arab world and its people.
Issa Chaker, a young British man with a Moroccan mother who lives in the UK and came to Qatar to support the Moroccan national team at the World Cup, says what has impressed him most about the nation is how safe and secure it feels.
“I thank Qatar for the way it has organised this tournament,” he said. “We have had a wonderful experience here, because everyone is safe – men, women, and children.”
Issa’s father Shaker said: “I have been to Qatar several times before now, and I have always thought about, after all the preparations, what the World Cup would look like here.
Alongside the Moroccan supporters, Saudi Arabia’s national side had a huge fanbase in Qatar, including Mohsen Al Baqami and Bandar Al Baqami, from Riyadh, who spoke of their pride at the FIFA World Cup being held in an Arab and Islamic country.
Mohsen said, “The Arabic language has become present on every tongue, not only in Qatar, but in countries throughout the world, and the masses of international visitors who have come to Qatar have become acquainted with this language, its diversity, and its linguistic richness.”
For a Palestinian-Syrian family who live in Canada and are making their first visit to Qatar, the timing has been perfect. “We have such appreciation for Qatar for its efforts in promoting the Arabic language, culture, and traditions, and reviving them through the World Cup – especially during the tournament’s opening ceremony, which really touched us,” said Leena Rasoul.
Thomas Frigeri from Brazil is no stranger to World Cups, having attended several editions before. But he describes Qatar’s hosting of the tournament as “outstanding”.
“I’ve loved being in Doha, and have been amazed by the hospitality of the people of Qatar,” he said. “It has been great to discover the culture of Qatar, and learn more about the Middle East and the Arab world.”
As for Andrew Malloch, from the UK, he and his friends are remaining in Qatar even after England’s exit from the tournament, as he said: “We are staying here to support Morocco, to be here for the end of the tournament, and to celebrate with Qatar on its national day and for staging such a successful World Cup. It has been an unforgettable experience.”
Croatian fans have also been a familiar sight in Qatar throughout the FIFA World Cup, and one of them, Nino Pavo, said: “Our experience in Qatar has revolved around getting to know different people from different countries, and experiencing new cultures. We’re grateful to Qatar for providing us with such a unique experience, and for being a place where we can enjoy football.”
And a message of gratitude to Qatar also came from Chinese football fan Mike and Lee, who said: “Everyone here is so helpful and has treated us wonderfully – especially the volunteers who are there to help and guide us everywhere.
“Through this experience, we have been able to explore and discover new things about the Arab world and its culture, language, and society. On its national day, we send our best wishes to Qatar, and hope that it will always continue to shine and advance.”
