The blockade against Qatar has brought everyone together and work for the progress of the country in a highly determined manner, making the country far more resilient and self-reliant, noted a prominent Qatari entrepreneur.
“The blockade was a big shock in the beginning and I could not even believe such a thing happening, especially from the brotherly countries. But the shock gradually made us believe in ourselves and the leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani. As days progressed, people started gaining more confidence and the leadership made us believe that we could overcome any crisis ,” recalled, Khalid al-Mohannadi, an entrepreneur and the former communications manager at Sidra Medicine and Qatar Science and Technology Park.
According to him, the blockade has brought the people of the country together- citizens and residents - giving a better sense of unity and harmony among the population.
“While in the initial days, food was a major concern for all. We were also concerned about the security of the country. But as days progressed both the concerns started disappearing. Whenever, we go to the hypermarkets, it was heartening to see the shelves filled with food products from all around the world."
He said the blockade has resulted in making Qatar a self–reliant and self-believing country and created a sort of fighting spirit among the people who stood like a rock behind the leadership of the country.
“Earlier, we were flooded with products from the blockading countries. But as the 'flying cows' reached Qatar the whole scenario changed and it was the beginning. It was a defining moment in the history of modern Qatar since the blockade. People realised that we have to be self-reliant and this led to the start of several new initiatives. We have started making many things and this has resulted in transforming the economy of the country,” he noted.
He also highlighted that the country has promoted entrepreneurship in a big way and many have started setting up new successful ventures and businesses.
The government supported start-ups and other new ventures with strong incentives, he said adding the industrial production and other economic activities increased many fold because of the official encouragement.
