You’d think that with all this talk of Qatarisation, things would be a bit easier.
We’re in the process of highering a secretary in the office (not ILQ but my day job office). So we started to search for Qatari secretaries.

We needed an Arabic and English speaker, we thought that we’d want to help Qataris searching for jobs, and that we’d be helping the system.

So we knew that the Ministry of Labour had a list of Qataris searching for jobs. We went to http://www.mlsa.gov.qa/Pages/default.aspx in order to get the number (side note, the English section is under construction and it’s probably going to remain that way for a couple of years).

How can the english side not be up yet? There should at least be a basic page so that foreigners can also search for Qataris to hire, especially if it’s a rule now.

You’ll finally get the following number 4841111. Give it a call. If you get an answer, you’ll win… win….. satisfaction. The type of satisfaction that comes with a hint of shock

We called for three days and nobody answered. How can we help Qataris if nobody answers? Why isn’t the database of employees searching for jobs accessible online?

So my colleague decides to head off to the Ministry and speak to someone. He meets someone in an office who promises to email us the list.

After receiving a list of graduates and non-graduates we go through it systematically.

I’ve now read every unusual (yes I heard some names I’ve never heard of before) name and heard every exception in the book.

- I want to wear the niqab in the office (against policy)
- I want my own office (you’re going to be a secretary..)
- I want a higher salary (do a good job first!)
- I don’t want to be in a mixed office (we live in a mixed world)
- I don’t like your company (fair enough… but if you’re on a government job site should you be so picky?)

The list goes on! We finally find TWO out of 100 people that seem suitable, ask for their cvs, they sound happy, and they send nothing…

As usual everything is messed up. From the institutions to the inviduals the institutions are trying to help.

side note: for those that can’t read the ‘about’ section or couldn’t have guessed by the title of the blog. I’m Qatari.

Here’s a little video clip

Enjoyed some great food by the sea at Al Mourjan, smoked a bit of Shisha, watched the waves, chatted with good friends, and enjoyed a fantastic fireworks show.

Last year, there wasn’t much going on for National Day in Qatar. In fact, there were more decorations for Christmas than there were for Eid or ND. It was that issue that sparked a lot of complaints from Qataris asking why nothing has been done. It was with that, Qatar decided to do a huge event this year. There are other factors included as well. Look at the launch of the Museum of Islamic Art, The Media Expo, Qatar Media Freedom Center, the involvement in Philipines resolutions, advancement in Human Rights, and the launch of other huge developments for example. Qatar’s definately in the spotlight and Doha will continue to shine bright as long as changes keep happening.

Why are Qataris so proud? Well we haven’t had that much to be proud of for a long time. Our Emir has brought so much change and development to Qatar that there’s something to almost brag about. A typical Qatari will gladly sacrafice a lot for his country. Look at ILQ for example. The company was formed as a way of making Qatar a better place. The Emir has done so much to make our lives better, so why don’t we lift the burden off of his shoulders a bit and try to help?

So whether you’re Qatari, American, British, Indian, Philipino, Japanese, Chinese or any other of the many diverse nationalities on this small Earth, please celebrate National Day with us! Let happiness run through you like a rush of energy. With each firework that goes off on the 18th of December, smile. Let it represent the sound of the country’s heartbeat.

One common question I’m asked is how can your National Day be changed? Well it’s not an independence day, so it’s never changed. National Day is the day of the country and has been changed to reflect a major change in Qatar. A new direction. A new day.

What’s an assumption? It’s probably the most powerful tool any individual can use against a person; that-is-to-say, you can say something without really saying something, then deny it because you never said it. Phew, what a mouthful. A smart person would use the old saying “To assume only makes an ‘ass’ out of ‘u’ and ‘me”. It’s true. If you’re left assuming something, it would be better to ask if that’s what someone meant.

Alright, enough with that. What I’m leading into will hopefully be clear by the end of this blog post but one thing I’ll shed light on now is, this is about Barack Obama.

Assuming, (yes here it is), that Barack has Muslim ties, his name probably stems from the Arabic word Baraka which means Blessings. (Also see the saying “Barack Allah Feek” meaning God Bless You).

Barack is indeed a Blessed person after reading a bit about his history but his past life isn’t what I wanted to talk about. I’m hoping that he’ll be able to bring Blessings to the world so it’s his future that I care about. It’s sad, but to some it’s comforting, that the US has become so influential that we look to the same country that caused certain problems for a saviour. It’s the equivalent of getting shot in the face by a stranger, then hope he’ll take you to the hospital….. It’s also the same as thanking them if he’s done it.

Why does the Middle East care that Obama has won? Most probably because Read the rest of this entry »

Besides being a term to also describe the state of a well trained man by his wife (or girlfriend), in this case, it’s not a funny thought.

I read an article on the Gulf Times (see here) where ‘Bachelours’, were being WHIPPED if they tried to enter family areas.

I was in the souq a few days ago and saw the police turning away Indians (or labourers) trying to enter specific areas of the souq. Those areas being where the cafes and restaurants are.

At that time, I saw one police man say “No entrance here, go to the other area of the souq”. On the other hand another police man said “Go! Get!” and shoved some of them away.

However now they’ve resorted to whipping?! It’s just unacceptable! Fine, maybe some may not understand, how about you employ an Indian police guy to translate. How about you put a sign up in THEIR language to let them know which areas are family areas.

I’ll be honest, I’ve heard stories from women saying that some men stand there and stare at them while they’re at the cafe and ‘touch’ themselves… That’s something they should be whipped for probably, but hitting them as if to steer them like cattle is just… I’m lost for words. I’m going to contact the Human Rights Authority to see what they have to say about this but WTF???

The thing is, there aren’t that many social areas in Qatar these days because everything is under construction. I understand that sometimes, it’s not a pretty site when you have some labourers, not dressed well, sometimes reaking of B.O., and staring and touching themselves, but it’s still wrong to whip.. 

I don’t even know what to say, and in this case, I really don’t have a suggestion to make to make both sides happy… the labour city will help that’s for sure (with the malls, sports complexes and gardens for them) but it’s not enough… 

Perhaps some of the readers of this blog can comment and shed some of their own insight?

Side note: Family areas in Qatar Souq Wagif, Souq Najda, and The Corniche. The family times are until 7pm. Then it’s open to everyone

Tomorrows the day to celebrate Garangao [Ga-ran-ga-oh] (or sometimes called Gir-ga-oon)

Garangao, celebrated on the 14th day of Ramadan, is special to the Gulf region , particularly Qatar, and is believed to have its roots in the pearl-diving tradition of the region. Over the years, the festival has gained more popularity with several expatriates joining the celebrations.

This evening, children, clad in their traditional clothes, will come out of their homes and knock on every door in their neighbourhood, which will be ready to receive them with sweets and nuts. They collect the goodies in the special cotton bags, hanging loosely from their necks. Kids will be seen wandering around the streets until late into the night singing the special Garangao song.

Now people are not just interested in buying the goodies, but they go for the specially designed packets and bags decorated with popular cartoon characters and other symbols dear to the children. So shops are vying to offer new and attractive designs. The prices of these packets range from QR5 to QR50, according to the size and varieties of the goodies.

Several Qatari clubs and organizations, which are instrumental in popularizing the festival, have come out with a variety of cultural events to mark the occasion, as in the previous years.

I remember when I was young, we’d all go around singing songs to the different homes and filling our bags with sweets! It was great! I encourage all nationalities to enjoy this festive occassion

From http://iloveqatar.net/forum/read.php?8,3826

This has become an issue that I hope that the Ministry of Traffic will deal with. Where are the beautiful Traffic Police cars that the government recently invested in. You used to see the traffic police everywhere and they used to enforce the law. Nowadays, they’re more concerned with sitting in their cars and chatting.

Don’t get me wrong, I’ve met police and some of my friends work in the police and I’m proud of them, but I think that it’s time to stir things up. Look at the Lekhwia. They’re supposed to be Qatar’s security force. Yet I notice that they’re doing the Traffic police’s job!

Look at this accident that happened at La Cigale the other day. An FJ crashed straight into the center of a restaurant (luckily it was empty at the time).

Who’s to blame? I dont want to point fingers but, the roads and streets don’t encourage people to slow down, people are getting licences too easily, there aren’t enough deterants, and the list goes on.

We need more of Qatar’s Traffic police roaming the streets and enforcing the law. Talking on the phone? Fine! Not signaling? Fine! Not leaving enough space between yuo and a car? Fine! Trying to jump a cue? Fine!

All of these basics need to be embedded into everyone.

I say we follow Dubai’s method and put the whole country on a year probation. People need to learn how to stay in their lanes, indicate properly, not to stick out half way on a round about etc…

Common dear Qatar, help the country before its too late.

Who’s with me?

This is the type of news that usually get’s the backpage of British press. To be honest, I don’t even know if it’s making the news. Give me a second to go check Sky news *runs off for a moment*

Alright I’m back. It took a bit of digging on the website, the news is there but you’ll have to search for it.  To be honest, I’m reading it and it looks very similar to The Peninsula’s article. In fact, I think The Peninsula may have borrowed a bit from it… tsk tsk.

This poor boy was ganged up on, beaten up, and Read the rest of this entry »

No matter who tries to fight it, globalization is an inevitably. You can’t escape. You’re only choice is to either declare you home as an independent state and become ambassador of Ingoramia, or go with the flow.

Qatar makes a huge mistake in the method by which they employ people and allow people to enter the country. There are no incentives to convince the money spending tourists to come and part with their well-earned cash.

It’s kind of funny if you think about it. Qatar’s economy is booming, there is massive growth and development, however I don’t see where all this is going if the government doesn’t make some serious changes.

We’ll all end up millionaires, sitting in our mansions, and have nothing to do with it! I strongly feel that we need to have Qatar divided into independently run Municipalities (there is a very weak version of that going on at the moment) so that various areas can ‘compete’ with each other to improve their region.

Al Khor “mayor” calls up Doha mayor, *RING*, “Dude, have you seen our corniche? It’s freaking awesome!” And so the competition begins! Read the rest of this entry »

We want Tourism… but we don’t want Tourists. That’s Qatar’s national moto it seems. I simply don’t understand what’s going on in the minds of some people. Let’s look at Chinese nationals. Are you a female? Between the age of 20 and 29? You’re a prostitute! No! Don’t even bother trying to argue with me!

That’s the way the government sees it some would say. It just freaking annoys me the way that people think of solutions in this country! Let’s look at this from the beginning. At one point in time, there were a lot of Chinese prositutes. So they came up with the solution highlighted above.

Is it astroke of genious? I doubt it. Some guy just didn’t want to think things through. The amount of frustrated men in Qatar is unbelievable and it’s because they don’t allow women in. I need to elaborate. If you’re from Europe or the US, you can get into Qatar by just arriving at the airport and paying a visa charge there and then, but if you’re from anywhere else it’s hard… in most cases it’s because the visa official just didn’t feel like allowing someone in and it’s THAT sort of bias which annoys me. If everything if fine, it’s not up to them to place personal feelings into whether they ‘think’ someone looks good enough to allow in.

There are a few points that I want to highlight. Read the rest of this entry »