Neerav Patel
For a diplomat, adjusting to a new posting is always an adventure: connecting in news ways to different cultures. As the new British Ambassador, I’ve had the privilege of immersing myself in the rich tapestry of Qatari life since January. For me and my family, Ramadan has been at the heart of our first experience of Qatar.
The Holy Month is a time of reflection, devotion, and community – values that resonate deeply across cultures. I have experienced Ramadan with Afghan friends in Kabul; wandering with my family in the Khan al Khalili in Cairo; eating night-time Umm Ali on the corniche in Alexandria; and in Iftars in London and Oxford. But this year in Doha has been very special.
One of my most vivid experiences was visiting the stunning Education City Mosque at Qatar Foundation. Its towering minaretein form an iconic beacon against the Doha skyline and have become a familiar landmark. Inside, witnessing people at prayer, the sense of peace and serenity was humbling.
Beyond the mosques, the sights, sounds, and smells of Ramadan have also been a feature of life for my family. Like many Doha residents, we have spent time at Souq Waqif. The last time we went, the marketplace was bustling with families preparing for the Garangao festival. My own kids picked out new clothes and bags filled with sweets. It was a heartwarming glimpse into Qatari traditions, a reminder that amidst the spiritual focus of Ramadan, there’s also a time for celebration and family fun.
Also memorable have been my visits to the Museum of Islamic Art, where I was able to chart I.M. Pei’s journey through the Islamic world to a fountain at Cairo’s Ibn Tulun Mosque as inspiration for the glorious museum. I also met the Director of the Museum, Sheikha Al Nasser, where we discussed the display of some pieces from the V&A Museum in London as part of a mutual exchange. A brilliant example of UK-Qatar collaboration.
Ramadan is also about forging connections. I’ve been fortunate to attend numerous Iftars, Ghubqas and Suhoors. Sharing these meals with new Qatari friends with boundless hospitality has been a privilege. We’ve discussed everything from our families to the challenges facing the region. Over dates and stews, I’ve felt a genuine sense of connection – a reminder that despite our different backgrounds, we share a common humanity.
This sense of shared purpose has been particularly poignant during this month. As Muslims around the world come together in prayer and contemplation, it’s impossible to ignore the suffering of others, most of all in Gaza. For me, this has brought even greater focus to my work as Ambassador. Reducing human suffering is a core tenet of British foreign policy and something about which I am personally passionate. Gaza has been the top priority for me, every day that I have been in the role. The UK has trebled our aid commitment to the Palestinian people this year, providing an additional £70 million of funding for humanitarian support and we are doing everything we can to get more aid in as quickly as possible by land, sea and air into Gaza. The UK has funded WFP to provide food aid for 275,000 people. The Royal Air Force like others is air dropping tonnes of water, rice and baby food for civilians. This is of course not enough and it is unconscionable that Gaza is on the edge of a devastating famine. There must be an immediate end to the fighting and a lasting ceasefire.
That’s why I’ve been so impressed by the leadership of the Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani and the State of Qatar; Their efforts to end this conflict have been unwavering and essential. The UK stands by Qatar in pushing these forward. In January Foreign Secretary Lord David Cameron visited Qatar for talks and saw a joint UK-Qatar aid shipment leave from Al Udeid base for Gaza. Development Minister Andrew Mitchell also visited to announce a $50m UK-Qatar joint financing initiative alongside H E Lolwah Al Khater aimed at global humanitarian response, a testament to our shared commitment to making a substantial impact.
My family’s first Ramadan in Doha has been so warm and welcoming. It’s been a time of growth, reflection, and forging new friendships. But above all, it’s been a powerful reminder of the importance of working together to build a better world. On that front, I am confident that the UK and Qatar can continue to be strong partners. As the Eid al-Fitr celebrations approach, I look forward to continuing to build these ties further.
