My Beautiful Qatar!

My Beautiful Qatar!!

Text & Photographs By - Lt Col D Purushothaman Pillay (Retd)

The State of Qatar is this new economic marvel and mystical wonderland rolled into one, that we all love and are so proud to call our home these days. This prosperous Gulf state is a modern, enlightened, liberal monarchy, which proudly celebrates its Arab heritage, while simultaneously embracing modernity, as its new style statement. This small 11,500 Sq Km peninsula in the Persian Gulf boasts the highest per capita income in the world, whilst also being recognized by the UNO as the most advanced Arab state for Human Development. Qatar is shaping into an international hub, for travel, leisure, and business. Lately, it has also evolved into a melting pot of global cultures, with the constant influx of a talented selection of multi-ethnic citizenry, who have been handpicked from different countries from around the planet and assembled by visionary administrators to execute their blueprint of prosperity. The forward-looking leadership plans to make this land, a crucible of excellence, where the best and the most lavish execution of human brilliance will come to life.

This is one place where the pristine coalesces into the modern, in absolutely seamless and synchronous harmony. While it is a treasure trove of historical relics and ancient Islamic culture, it is also home to one of the most stylish and colorful contemporary city skylines, with a grand assembly of dazzling avant-garde skyscrapers that skirt the majestic Corniche of Doha. Each structure in this grand celebration of architectonics is an engineering marvel that represents a unique interpretation of modern metropolitan architecture. Qatar has executed some of the most staggering and magnificent mega-city projects like The Pearl Qatar and the futuristic Lusail City which are acknowledged by experts, as state-of-the-art representations of modern-day urban development.  Then, of course, there are the other wonders, like the renowned Museum of Islamic Art, the enigmatic Souq Waqif, the distinctive Fanar Islamic Culture Centre, the expansive Hamad International Airport, the spectacular Education City, the critically-acclaimed Katara Cultural Village, besides the myriad bustling super-malls spread in a scattering of far-flung neighborhoods. The rapid expansion of Doha in these last few years indicates the incessant ambition of a progressive administration that is forever on the lookout to add more and more neoteric, cutting-edge civic amenities to the many existing conveniences and creature comforts, for its privileged and pampered citizens.

In addition to all this man-made grandeur, Qatar is also abundantly blessed by mother nature. It has a jagged aquamarine coastline, that is dotted with many charming sandy beaches, and natural greenery in the form of swamped trees with complex root systems in the few mangroves and alcoves like the picturesque Al Thakira haunted by herons and flamingos. The arid interior topography is an aesthetic intermingling mix of mud flats and rocky limestone outcrops, set in a beguiling desert landscape that boasts some of the most spectacular sand dunes in the Middle East. Qatar also has several beautiful islands around the peninsula. These include some havens for seabirds and turtles like Sheraouh, the coral reefs of Haloul where enthusiastic scuba-divers observe marine life, and small Al Aaliya, Al Safliya, and Palm Tree islands which have water-sport facilities and cafes for vacationers.

All in all, Qatar, represents a pioneering spirit, that is enterprising, industrious, innovative and most of all invincible. It has resolutely overcome all obstacles that have come its way to emerge as one of the strongest economies in the world. This proud country on the road to self-sufficiency has successfully executed some of the grandest and most precocious ideas, that are far ahead of its time, with great exuberance and élan. This magnanimous nation is setting global benchmarks for development, with its futuristic vision and robust economic growth, under astute and resolute leadership.

I am so proud to be part of this wonderful cusp of time and happy to be privileged to contribute to a distinguished history in the making. In this blog, I am going to feature pictures that I have clicked which will chronicle the culture and alluring charm of life in my beautiful Qatar!