This edition of our Prominent People in Qatar series features the very young and very inspiring, Ghanim Al Muftah, an individual who radiates positivity in all that he does. 

Born in 2002, with one of the rarest medical conditions in the world, known as Caudal Regression Syndrome, Ghanim has proved nothing is unsurmountable if you set your heart on it.

Ghanim has gone a step ahead in embracing his condition. With an infectious smile, impeccable self-confidence, and a witty personality, Ghanim has managed to become a social media star. At present, he has more than a million followers on Instagram and Facebook each. 

Ghanim's exemplary take on life has earned him the love, respect, and admiration of thousands of people in Qatar and across the globe.

At the age of only 17, this young hero has served as a Brand Ambassador for Qatar Financial Center (QFC) and Goodwill Ambassador for Reach Out to Asia (ROTA).

He advocates for the rights of differently-abled people, runs Ghanim Al Muftah Association for Wheelchairs to provide free-of-cost wheelchairs to children in need, and has shared his words of wisdom and motivation with the public on several important occasions, including TEDxQatarUniversity, and more recently the opening of the Al Janoub Stadium.

"I want everyone to understand that people with disabilities are capable of giving and are active in society," Ghanim said in an interview with Paralympic Games.

"Everyone has the right to dream," he said beaming. 

With this philosophy and the support of his loving family and friends, Ghanim took up a number of sports, overcoming his physical condition.  

The young sportsman loves skateboarding, ice hockey, football (which he plays while on the skateboard), basketball, swimming, and scuba diving. 

In 2017, during Umrah, Ghanim stunned the world when he refused to perform the Tawaf around the Kabaah in a wheelchair and instead used his hands. 

Ghanim continues to touch the lives of people around the world through his actions that show that willpower, self-belief, and positivity stand stronger than any disability. 

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Cover Image Credit: Albawaba.com

Inline Image Credit: Simomot.com