Dr Sharifa Noman Al Emadi
Since 2007, Qatar National Day has been the most festive day of the year for Qatar, a depiction of national love for the country. However, falling in a year of global crisis, this year’s celebrations will be unlike any other because of COVID-19, a disease that has seen the world face an unprecedented ordeal.
Never has any of us alive today experienced a year like 2020. Never has a single enemy gripped the world, and – in silence – distanced families, affected livelihoods, and taken lives.
Amid this extended crisis, I feel that this year’s Qatar National Day theme – ‘We praise you, the Lord of the Throne, and we accept your judgment in all actions’ – reflects the nation’s sentiment, because we do have so much to feel grateful for, and to be proud of our country and its leadership.
In the face of this global crisis, Qatar has responded swiftly and effectively, building the infrastructure to curb the spread of the virus and allow work and learning to continue remotely. The Qatari government also dispensed economic stimulus to mitigate the pandemic’s impact on the private sector, helping companies weather the crisis and people maintain their livelihoods.
Thanks to the health and economic strategies Qatar has implemented since the onset of the pandemic, we are now slowly returning to life as we knew it and regaining the freedoms we temporarily conceded for the sake of our community.
While battling this pandemic, we at Doha International Family Institute (DIFI), a member of Qatar Foundation, have been keen to continue our work with strengthening families. Our continued collaboration with local and regional partners and participation in various events have allowed us to explore ways of supporting families in Qatar and the region to cope with the new way of living imposed by the pandemic, and promote health and well-being within homes during this crisis.
Our studies have confirmed to us that although the Gulf family may be living through the harshest and most difficult conditions, it is based on a rich set of characteristics, or what is known as “family strength attributes”, which enable it to provide its members with strength to keep on thriving in the face of the most arduous adversities. Strength attributes not only contribute to family cohesion, support individual growth, and ensure the well-being of all its members, but also benefit societies on a broader scale. There is no doubt that the new situation has caused tension and anxiety for families, and children in particular, who are accustomed to going out, playing, and participating in various activities.
That being said, family members are starting to grow closer to one another. We were able to conduct studies that revealed to us the impact of this pandemic on family relations. A study conducted by DIFI on the well-being of adolescents showed that parents have been spending more time with their children, and have been taking part in various activities with them, reducing the rates of psychological problems and negative behaviors. We also found a decrease in the percentage of families that argue in the presence of their children, albeit in contrast to international statistics, which indicate an increase in domestic violence during the pandemic period. This proves the strength and cohesion of families in the Qatari society, and their ability to coexist and face difficulties and adversities.
As we celebrate Qatar National Day – this year with fewer events and activities – I believe that the gratitude and pride we feel for this nation in our hearts today are greater than ever. And, as we have always been throughout our history, let us remain united in overcoming whatever challenges arise, and in reaching for our goals.
I wish you all a happy Qatar National Day.
Dr. Sharifa Noman Al Emadi is the Executive Director of Doha International Family Institute, a member of Qatar Foundation
