World Cup an opportunity to convey honourable image of our identity: Minister

MINISTER of Social Development and Family HE Mariam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad has underlined that the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 constitutes an opportunity to convey an honourable image of the Qatari identity and culture, as well as the true image of Arabs and Muslims away from stereotypes.

MINISTER of Social Development and Family HE Mariam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad has underlined that the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 constitutes an opportunity to convey an honourable image of the Qatari identity and culture, as well as the true image of Arabs and Muslims away from distortion and stereotypes. The minister affirmed that Qatar is open to criticism, but it will never bend to attacks aimed at detracting it.

In an interview with Qatar News Agency, the Minister of Social Development and Family said that this global football event “is an opportunity that we have long waited for as Arabs and Muslims to show the whole world our true face away from distortion and stereotypes. We should not feel threatened. We are proud of our culture and religion; this does not negate that we accept others, on the basis of mutual respect.”

She continued, “Yes, there may be abuses here and there, but let’s look at the bigger picture, not exceptions. The broader picture is that we are having a historic opportunity in which we will not only represent Qatar, but all Arabs and Muslims.”

In this context, she stressed, “Our first and main priority is the success of hosting this event, and giving the coming fans an exceptional experience. As for rumours, accusations and attempts to distortion, we consider them a motivating factor to prove our strength and capabilities, as I mentioned.”

“We follow these criticisms with great regret. The problem is not related to criticism, on the contrary, we are open to any criticism that contributes to correcting mistakes. Indeed, the State of Qatar has undertaken many reforms that are in its development interests and are in line with its civilisational visions,” the minister added.

She noted that since Qatar won the right to host the 2022 World Cup, many pens have begun to direct arrows of criticism towards it, and soon it became clear that it is a matter of attack rather than criticism.

She recalled the recent speech of His Highness the Amir of State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani before the Shura Council on this point: “The campaign tends to continue and expand to include fabrications and double standards that were so ferocious that it has unfortunately prompted many people to question the real reasons and motives behind this campaign,” HH the Amir said.

Al Misnad emphasised that Qatar is an Arab and Muslim country, and among its most important cultural and civilisational features are generosity and good reception and welcome of guests. “Yes, we are a country that welcomes everyone, but we are also a country that has its own values, morals and civilisational and cultural context. We accept criticism and seek to develop ourselves, improve our people and serve our nation, but we certainly do not bend to attacks.”

Yes, we are a country that welcomes everyone, but we are also a country that has its own values, morals and civilisational and cultural context. We accept criticism and seek to develop ourselves, improve our people and serve our nation, but we certainly do not bend to attacks.” —HE Mariam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad