Qatar is exerting great efforts to enhance the lives of its inhabitants while at the same time giving importance to sustainable environment and clean energy solutions, noted Naser Batat, head of Commercial – Growth Strategy – Guinness World Records, Mena & Turkiye.
Speaking to Gulf Times in Doha yesterday, Batat recalled there are more than 100 Guinness World Records credited to Qatar for different corporate, personal, government and private achievements in various fields that mostly focus on sustainability and improving the quality of life for the people.
These include The Lusail Bus Depot as the largest electric bus depot with a capacity of 478 buses, the world’s longest air-conditioned pedestrian and jogging path in an open park in Umm Al Seneem Park, and others such as the Gewan Island’s Crystal Walk with two Guinness World Records: the largest air-conditioned outdoor mall and the largest interactive lighting canopy outdoors.
All these world records focus on sustainability and improving the lives of the residents of the country.
On the records achieved by individuals in Qatar, Batat particularly expressed his admiration for the Fastest Crossing of the Country by Wheelchair made in 2021 by the para-athlete Ahmed al-Shahrani. He explained that while this shows the admirable skill and the determination of the person, it is also a very clear indication and proof that the country has paid great attention for persons with special need.
Qatar has developed sophisticated public services and infrastructure that gives these people easy access to all public services to make their lives easier, the official observed.
“The Panda House, a unique and amazing place in Qatar and the region, is considered the largest closed Panda house in the world, but Guinness World Records does not want to create a new trend for subcategorising things such as the largest house for a cat, snake or whatever, even though, it stands out as an amazing place with greater tourist potential,” Batat said.
The official, based in Dubai Media City, has visited Qatar several times on a regular basis over the past few years, and sees that there are a lot of potential for more effective co-operation between Qatar and World Guinness Records on all levels, as with every visit to the country he discovers more achievements and sophistication in various fields.
While Qatar enjoys ultra-modern and sophisticated infrastructure and facilities, there is a clear focus on maintaining and promoting the local culture, heritage and traditions. In particular, Souq Waqif with its heritage layout, architecture and atmosphere is considered among the best and most distinct places in the region and attract many tourists.
“Qatar is a family-friendly country with many interesting places and sites to visit in addition to considerably excellent number of public parks across the country. The country has a huge potential as a hot tourist destination but people around the world should be introduced to these to reach out for more audience,” he pointed out.
Batat hoped that the World Guinness Records would open a regional office in Doha, which he expected to be a global hub for enhancing creativity and fostering skills and innovation.
He further explained that it is very easy to reach out to Guinness World Records through its website so persons with special skills, qualities, attributes or achievements could get more global recognition to help them improve their lives, as Guinness World Records gives recognition and certification only without any material or financial rewards. It helps foster physical and intellectual talents and skills, he added.