Qataris and expatriates pour into various places to express their love for the country and its wise leadership, writing messages of solidarity, loyalty and patriotism on giant billboards that feature a portrait of His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani.
The portrait, widely recognised by its title ‘Tamim al majd’ or ‘Tamim the glorious’, has become the face of Qatari resilience during the ongoing blockade.
Residents have installed giant billboards at Gharafa, along D Ring Road, and various other locations in Doha.
Watching people pen their messages of support on one such billboard, Qatari national Turky al-Mousawi said “words are not enough to express how much they love Qatar, its wise leadership and the people”.
“I just thank God that I am from this country and I live in this country. Life is getting better and better and actually we have never have had any trouble,” he said, stressing the enthusiasm shown by people of various nationalities who live and work in Qatar while expressing their solidarity, sympathy and love for the country.



People using ladders to write their messages. PICTURE: Nasar TK

According to al-Mousawi, many residents have been putting stickers on their cars, installing 'Tamim al majd'-themed billboards, displaying the Qatari flag at home and other buildings and posting words of praise and support for Qatar and HH the Emir on social media. 
“It is so obvious we love this country and we stay united even in (a) time of crisis,” he added. “It is also our pleasure and we feel proud when you have people from other countries loving Qatar as well.”
Besides al-Mousawi, a number of motorists passing by the area are stopping to write a message on the billboard, which is located along D-Ring Road, at a corner of the Al Tadamon signal.
Long-time Sri Lankan expatriate Rusaike said he is thankful that he has been given the opportunity to live in Qatar for the past 16 years, a country that has taken care of his family and compatriots.
Rusaike wanted to express his gratitude by writing a short and simple message, “We Love Qatar, Long Live Qatar and Love the His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim”, on the billboard.
“We actually don’t feel that we are out of our country while working here. We feel it is our own country,” he said. “His Highness the Emir is taking good care of the people and expatriates who come to work here, regardless of religion and race.”
While most people are expressing their love for the country through written messages, Indian expatriate Shihab Yousef, an artist from the Kerala state, has drawn an image similar to the 'Tamim al majd' portrait on a billboard.
While doing his artwork, he said such a simple drawing can send a positive message to everyone who sees it.
“You put up such a masterpiece and we see people coming out of their houses from different locations just to express their feelings and emotions,” he stressed. “It only means one thing - love for the country and we are always here to support Qatar and its wise leadership.”
The 'Tamim al majd' portrait of HH the Emir has been created by contemporary Qatari artist Ahmed bin Majed al-Maadheed.
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