Mohamed al-Yami, director of External Affairs at Vodafone Qatar (left); and Dr Khalid Youssuf al-Mulla, general manager at QHIC, yesterday signed an exclusive sponsorship for the seminar aimed at preserving the Qatari National Identity. PICTURE: Thajudeen

 

A number of noted speakers in Qatar and abroad are expected to discuss major topics pertaining to the significance of conserving a country’s national identity at the Qatar’s first “National Identity Seminar” on October 20-21.

The two-day event, sponsored by Vodafone Qatar, aims to help preserve and promote the Qatari identity mainly its values and principles. It is organised by the Qatar Heritage and Identity Center (QHIC) under the patronage of HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani, the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior.

The seminar will tackle subjects such as “the Qatari identity as a priority within the Qatar National Vision 2030”; “family and identity”; “demographical effect on identity and the role of population dynamics” and the media’s take on identity. It will also showcase successful case studies of the preservation of national identity from Japan and Oman.

“QHIC has been founded under the auspices of HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser to revive the Qatari identity and preserve our national heritage and traditions, reinforcing the qualities of loyalty and patriotism,” said Dr Khalid Youssuf al-Mulla, general manager at QHIC. “This seminar is one of a host of initiatives and events that will help us achieve this vision.”

HE Dr Saleh Mohamed Salem al-Nabit, Minister of Development Planning and Statistics, will open the seminar with a keynote speech on the national identity in light of the Qatar National Vision 2030.

The first day will feature speeches from Dr Maysara Taher, manager of Beit Al Mashoora Psychological Consultancy, on family and identity, and Dr Kaltham al-Ghanem, manager of the Human and Social Sciences Centre, in addition to a showcase of successful preservation of national identity from Japan and Oman.

Former Kuwaiti Minister of Information Dr Saad bin Tefla will open the second day with a speech on the effect of traditional and modern media on identity.

Dr Fatima al-Suweidy, deputy chief of Arabic Language Department at Qatar University, will deliver a speech on the “Identity and the Arabic language” while Mohamed Ali Abdullah, expert on cultural architecture, will discuss “Identity through architecture in Qatar” will follow.

In a press statement, Vodafone said the Qatar National Vision 2030 aims to build an advanced, knowledge-based economy that is capable of sustaining its own development, in addition to providing a high standard of living for Qatar residents.

“The vision defines the long-term outcomes for the country, and provides a framework through which national strategies and plans can be developed,” it added.

In a bid to support of this national objective, Vodafone had organised last year two Arabic literary competitions titled “With your pen, express your love to Qatar”.

“These were intended to help preserve the Arabic language, encourage creative writing, and more importantly, celebrate the beauty of the written Arabic word,” said Mohamed al-Yami, director of External Affairs at Vodafone Qatar.

The initiative also demonstrates Vodafone’s commitment to the vision of HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, and HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, who reinforced the importance of reviving and preserving the Arabic language.

The competitions saw more than 100 submissions in their first year.