As the unjust siege imposed on Qatar by the Saudi-led bloc continues, stories of support continue to pour in from across the world ” of expatriates displaying their love for Qatar in their home countries.
Ali bin Mohamed, a Kenyan expatriate, put up the popular Tamim Al Majd portrait in an upscale area in Kenya's capital, Nairobi. The billboard measuring 15 metres by 12 metres, was put up at Woodvale Street in Westlands, Nairobi, recently. It has attracted lots of attention locally and abroad. Mohamed is now planning to put up more Tamim Al Majd portraits in prime locations in Nairobi.
Talking to Qatar Tribune, Mohamed said,"It is our duty as residents of this country [Qatar] to speak up. It is not just Qataris who should defend their country but also the residents of this country," he explained.
He reiterated that by putting up the Tamim Al Majd portrait, he was expressing the"good spirit of Qatar"; how Qatar took the high moral ground despite the unjust blockade against it. In the face of irrational actions against the country, Qatar did not expel citizens of the neighbouring countries that have severed ties with it.
"Many countries should learn from Qatar on how to deal with crisis. Qatar could have expelled people from these countries but it stuck to its humanitarian values."
Inspired by Qatar's stand, Mohamed felt compelled to speak up against the illegal blockade in place now."That's why I decided to go to Nairobi, Kenya and sponsor the Tamim Al Majd portrait," he said, adding that he had contacted an advertising company and bought the advertising rights for that area.
"Initially, it's going to be there for six months, but it can remain there until the blockade ends," Mohamed said.
He added that he has received many positive responses from Qataris and Kenyans and they have been overwhelming."Since I put my Twitter handle on the billboard @abmofficially, I have been receiving a lot of compliments from diverse people across the globe. Most people in Kenya have been praising the initiative saying they were standing with me as well," he said.
Mohamed will be putting up more Tamim Al Majd portraits in Kenya."Probably during Eid I will put up the largest Tamim Al Majd portrait in Kenya, at the top of Kenyatta International Conference Center," he informed.
Besides, he is planning to put another one at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport departure lounge where the Qatar Airways desk is placed. He will put one mural ” measuring 10 metres by 6 metres ” for people to sign on. Mohamed will put more on the roads leading to and from the airport.
Mohamed, who has been in Qatar for more than 10 years, is not partnering anyone and doing this for the love he has for Qatar."We have to tell people what Qatar is and we have to defend the truth. The only way to tell people the truth is through such initiatives by sharing their principles, love, vision, values and ethics. Through this more people will know about Qatar," he said.
He added that he has experienced the kindness and hospitality from the people of Qatar after being here for long.
"Qatar is a peaceful and respectful country. Everyone loves and adores the Emir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani, whether they have met him in person, or seen him on TV. His leadership is visionary and noble ” the kind of leadership that any country will dream about," said the Kenyan who works for the Qatar Financial Centre.
The Kenyan expatriate has also composed a poem expressing his love for Qatar. For the poem, he said he was on a Qatar Airways flight on his way to Nairobi when he composed it.
"By the time I landed in Nairobi, I had finished my poem. Then I thought of putting the Tamim Al Majd portrait."