DOHA: A number of Qatari netizens have criticised Qatar Public Works Authority (Ashghal) and are poking fun at its recently launched corporate logo saying the new logo has an unattractive design and is a waste of time and money.
Social networking sites were yesterday flooded with sharp and sarcastic reactions criticising the newly launched logo, including Ashghal’s services. People making fun of the logo say it looks like a maze. Rendered in artistic Kufic calligraphy reflecting the word ‘marque’ in Arabic and English and a symbol, the new logo endeavours to enhance communication and provide high quality service to customers, according to Ashghal.
The new corporate identity, Ashghal added, was inspired by the slogan ‘Qatar Deserves The Best’, and reflects Ashghal as an entity grounded in heritage and tradition.
“The logo is not attractive to see and very complicated,” said a citizen, adding it affects one’s sight and gives headache to someone who concentrates too much to decipher what it means.
Another netizen expressed the same view saying: “Why don’t they concentrate on their failed projects instead of changing the logo, which needs an expert on archaeology to interpret its meaning?”
One posting said the logo is meaningless and reflects a disorderly and scattered thinking.
“This logo exactly expresses Ashghal and its projects; it’s kind of lost and disorderly. It takes a long time to understand the meaning of the logo as it takes a long time for Ashghal to finish their projects.” While many focus on the bad design, some of the reactions are concerned more of the cost of changing the logo.
“How much riyal did they have to spend to change the logo in addition to the launch event? Is it really necessary to change it?”
Others dig deeper into the issue, saying there are many other important things that need to be improved in Ashghal.
“Changing the logo is not a big matter, what is important is a change in administration. Bring more efficient engineers and officials,” said a posting. “What is required is not a good logo but honesty and high quality of work. I hope the government will cancel Ashghal and create a new organisation in collaboration with international organisations to work on infrastructure projects in a scientific and professional way.”
The logo was launched together with the new Ashghal centre and their new website which was not spared by negative feedback from netizens. “Look at the Ashghal website: All the images there are 3D designs and no single picture of the roads and projects that they have finished,” said a citizen, adding “but we have to be optimistic and pray to see these projects and roads finished.” The Peninsula
