Author: Brett Roberts

Marilyn* has lived in Qatar for almost five years with her husband and child, Alex*, who has multiple disabilities. She spoke to Brett Roberts about her experiences parenting a non-neurotypical child in Qatar who also has physical challenges. Here, Marilyn shares her family’s struggles, triumphs, and what she hopes can change for children with disabilities in Qatar and around the world. This article is written from Marilyn’s perspective and is adapted from her interview with Brett.“I moved to Qatar with my husband, who was hired to work in the oil and gas industry, and my child, Alex, who was nearly…

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FIFA 2022 World Cup Qatar is almost upon us, and its arrival brings much excitement about the upcoming events and activities in Qatar. Despite this, many parents may feel anxious as schools are expected to stay closed for over a month. They may wonder how they can keep their kids busy and entertained while staying afloat. Fortunately, the Covid-19 pandemic has given families tools to create fun even when options seem limited. Still, if you’re feeling stuck, here are some ideas to keep everyone happy and active throughout this break.World Cup EventsIf you have been able to get tickets to…

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Being a Dad in Doha for me has been full of challenges and rewards. Prior to living in Qatar, we lived in Canada, and I was the stay-at-home parent to three young girls. When we moved for my wife’s position, I knew this would continue but would be full of changes with a new country, home, and culture. I don’t think I could have anticipated the challenges that were also thrust upon us with Covid taking over most of the world. The first challenge was simply getting the kids enrolled in school! In Canada, your children usually attend the school…

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I’m not going to sugarcoat this at all—Covid and lockdowns have felt terrible. They have taken away so much from our day to day lives for adults and children alike. But in the darkness, you can always find some light if you’re willing to look for it.When restrictions were at their peak, I used that time to teach my children about perseverance, mindset, and gratitude. I saw so many people complaining about what they and their children were missing out on because of Covid that I did not want to fall into that negativity trap. I took time to talk…

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Driving through Doha, many futuristic things catch your eye and evoke your imagination.The downtown skyline, the malls, and the supercars that are all around can easily make you forget about the heritage and beginnings of Qatar and the Gulf region. On the city’s outskirts, on the way to Dukhan, is a museum that is a cultural oasis for the region and country: the Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani (or FBQ) Museum. It is just a 20-minute drive from Doha, but it can make you feel like you have entered another world, leaving the modern Doha you know behind. A…

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Doha Roastery came into being in 2017 as the creation of Qatari business owner Eisa Al-Romaihi and his wife, Aryam Al-Romaihi, who is originally from Venezuela. Their shared passion for coffee and food led them to start a business in Doha that offered fresh speciality coffee and Venezuelan food. The company was originally registered under a different name before it became apparent that the coffee aspect was going to be all-consuming for the first while. They then pivoted to only roasting and selling speciality coffees, and hence Doha Roastery was born.  The Early DaysAs the business took shape, Eisa trained…

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Almost everyone wants to leave a positive mark on this world, and volunteering is a simple and accessible way to do that. People of all ages can get involved, and there is a wide variety of causes and projects to choose from. But this can feel overwhelming, especially if you don’t know where to start. Because of that, it is essential to realise that small steps and a bit of creativity might be all you need to make an impact. This is what’s known as a “ripple effect”. Keeping this in mind is what drove me to start my own…

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