Residents of all age groups, including physically-challenged persons, lined up on the Corniche Street to convey their sincere love and support to His Highness the Emir, who had given a voice to the true stand of Qatar and its willingness for dialogue, while stressing the sovereignty of the country and its independent decision-making.
A number Qataris, alongside Arab expatriates, chanted in Arabic "Welcome Tamim Al Majd (Glory), Our great leader, Your people who love you would never accept any leader but you."
Many Qataris, who had converged on the Doha Corniche, told Gulf Times yesterday that it was a great moment in the history of the country where the people showed their genuine love to their leaders, who truly cares for their well-being.
"We are proud of His Highness the Emir and this is the least thing we can do for his great efforts and the peace, security and prosperity we enjoy under his leadership," said Ali Lary, a Qatari young man, accompanied by a number of his friends, who expressed the same sentiment.
Ali al-Sulaiti, a Qatari man who had come with his family, including three children, said: "This day is like national day celebrations, we want to simply express our gratitude, pride and his esteem for the efforts of His Highness the Emir. It is day to be kept in the memory of the nation how the people stand by their beloved leader."
Qatari brothers Mohamed Abulrahman al-Bakir and Saeed Abdulrhman al-Bakir, both in their late fifties, were so keen to take part at the event that they waited from the early afternoon hours to welcome His Highness the Emir.
"This is a day of real celebrations for the nation to send a clear message of support, love and loyalty. We were not affected in any way by the blockade in Qatar due to the efforts of His Highness the Emir, who have been able to expose to the whole world the situation of the country and unjust and fabricated claims of the countries of the blockade," they said.
"The blockade has intensified the unity of the Qatari people and the residents of the country. Now it is time for the rulers of the countries of the blockade to listen to their peoples, who surely reject these unjustifiable moves against Qatar, as it has only caused families across the GCC countries to suffer from breaking their otherwise close and blood relations," stressed the brothers.
Umm Hussein, a Qatari woman who was at the reception with her children and friends, said: "His Highness the Emir has improved our lives and has always been keen to maintain the happiness and prosperity of his people. Even my children were very impatient urging me to go early to wait for the Emir's coming and express our love to him."
Yousef al-Kuwai, another Qatari, who had come with his family, said: "This day is to be remembered as His Highness the Emir has elevated the status of our country."
