Happy Independence Day Qatar!

As an expat living in Qatar, I want you all to join me in wishing Qatar a Happy Independence Day!

On 3 September 1971 Qatar became an independent state. Who would have guessed that 35 years later the tiny State of Qatar would be one of the most influential countries in the Arab world? While oil and gas has made the country ridiculousy wealthy, it is the vision and guts of the Emir that really put Qatar on the map. The most famous of these of course was the establishment of what has become the beacon of free speech in the region, Al Jazeera. Other projects that are pushing bounds include:

• A massive educational project at the Qatar Foundation
• The hosting of the 15th Asian Games later this year
• Currently an elected member of the UN Security Council (thanks gettinginandstayingin)
• The massive amounts of aid spending

Of course no country is without its problems but today I think we owe one to Qatar - a little country with big heart!

And of course, here is one to Qatar Living, a small (but growing) community with lots of heart!