Minister of Social Development and Family H E Mariam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad
Doha: Minister of Social Development and Family H E Mariam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad underlined that the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 constitutes an opportunity to convey an honourable image of the Qatari identity and culture, as well as the true image of Arabs and Muslims away from distortion and stereotypes.
The Minister affirmed that the State of Qatar is open to criticism, but it will never bend to attacks aimed at detracting it.
In an interview with QNA, the Minister of Social Development and Family said that this global football event “is an opportunity that we have long waited as Arabs and Muslims to show the whole world our true face away from distortion and stereotypes. We should not feel threatened. We are proud of our culture and religion; this does not negate that we accept others, on the basis of mutual respect.”
“Yes, there may be abuses here and there, but let’s look at the bigger picture, not exceptions. The broader picture is that we are having a historic opportunity in which we will not only represent Qatar, but all Arabs and Muslims,” Minister Mariam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad pointed out.
In this context, she stressed, “Our first and main priority is the success of hosting this event, and giving the coming fans an exceptional experience. As for rumours, accusations and attempts to distortion, we consider them a motivating factor to prove our strength and capabilities, as I mentioned.”
“We follow these criticisms with great regret. The problem is not related to criticism, on the contrary, we are open to any criticism that contributes to correcting mistakes. Indeed, the State of Qatar has undertaken many reforms that are in its development interests and are in line with its civilisational visions,” the Minister continued.
The Minister of Social Development and Family noted that since the State of Qatar won the right to host the 2022 World Cup, many pens have begun to direct arrows of criticism towards it, and soon it became clear that it is a matter of an attack rather than criticism.
She recalled the recent speech of Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani before the Shura Council on this point, “The campaign tends to continue and expand to include fabrications and double standards that were so ferocious that it has unfortunately prompted many people to question the real reasons and motives behind this campaign,” H H the Amir said.
On the social aspect of the tournament, the Minister said: “Today we are already living a historic stage in the path of the Qatari renaissance, and this event will be written in the pages of history to be narrated by coming generations. Today, the eyes of the world are on Qatar to see what has been achieved.”
She applauded all the efforts that contributed to preparing for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and to facing various challenges.
As for the efforts of the Ministry of Social Development and Family in this regard, the Minister explained that the Ministry has launched many initiatives, such as “Now is our turn Now is our time” campaign, given the importance of the social role of the people of Qatar.
In a related context, the Minister said that the Ministry of Social Development and Family, in cooperation with the Shafallah Centre, announced the operation of the “Muzn” lounge at Hamad International Airport, which is equipped with the latest technology and educational and rehabilitation equipment, aiming to offer the best travel experience that people with autism and disabilities deserve while they are in Qatar.
Minister Mariam Al Misnad also announced that the Ministry of Social Development and Family will launch the “Qatar is accessible to all” website in partnership with Sasol, a website that clarifies all places suitable for people with disabilities in the State of Qatar, explaining that this service serves the people of Qatar and visitors to the country with disabilities.
