Swedish community celebrating Midwinter celebrations at St Regis Hotel. The event was organised by the Swedish Embassy and attended by a lot of guests from government, academia, private sector and media.
Doha: From wintry climate in Sweden to bright sunny skies in Qatar, its a big change for Swedish expatriates. But these expatriates, seldom feel they are away from home. The Sweden Embassy and Swedish Association of Qatar (SAQ) ensure that the expatriates here remain closely connected by organising cultural and traditional events.
The members of the Swedish community in Qatar are working in diverse sectors including engineering, healthcare, aviation and contracting.
They eagerly wait for their cultural events as it gives them an opportunity to meet each other. One such event is scheduled for December 13 when the members of the community will have a festive dinner together with a theme of Lucia and midwinter celebration.
According to old Swedish folklore belief, during the cold and dark December, the Swedes have a need to recall the sun and the light. They gather in offices, schools, with family and friends to enjoy Lucia songs, eating the yellow saffron buns, symbolising the sun enjoyed with a strongly spiced hot drink to stay warm and to bring back hope for brighter and warmer days to return.
Chairman of the Swedish Association of Qatar Ann Jangsell said, “We also try to arrange every spring a lovely Dhow Trip together, where we enjoy the beautiful ocean and weather together,” she added.
Recently the Swedish community held Midwinter Celebration at St Regis hotel. The event was organised by the Sweden embassy and attended by a lot of guests from government, academia, the private sector, and media.
The Swedish Association of Qatar helps all the Swedes that are about to move here or have just arrived. It also cooperates with some of the local Qatari centers to spread the word about local traditions, practices, and manners.
Swedish community celebrating midnight winter celebration at St Regis Hotel.
Jens Prahel, a pilot with Qatar Airways commented that: “We are gathering either in Christmas party or in many other events to celebrate our cultural events and also for sports events. Such events keep us in touch always,”.
About life in Qatar, he said: “Qatar is an amazing country and is developing very fast. I love Qatar especially the weather, and I have been here more than six years.”
Replying to a question what he likes in Qatar, Prahel said “ I like the multi-culture society of Qatar. People from all over the world gather in one place, exchanging their experiences and culture.”
Mattias Nordfeld, President of the Swedish Commerce Chamber in Qatar said that the Swedish Chamber is focusing on several projects with the Qatar Free Zone Authority, which will lead soon to significant Swedish investments in Qatar.
Swedish expats participating in a sports event.
“One of the most important areas of interest to Swedish investors is financial technology, which was a priority sector in bilateral relations between Qatar and Sweden since the visit of H E Sheikh Abdulla bin Saoud Al Thani, Governor of Qatar Central Bank, to Sweden on October 2.
About Qatar and Swedish relations, Ambassador Ewa Polano said that Qatari resilience after June 2017 has been truly impressive. We have seen a stronger Qatar emerging, with diversified trade routes, more trading partners than before, and through Qatari skilled diplomacy and leadership maintaining peace, security, and stability for Qatari citizens and residents alike.
“In fact, this has also led to stronger relations between Qatar and Sweden, more direct trade between Qatar and Sweden. At the beginning of 2018, Swedish export to Qatar was up 32 percent and Qatar export to Sweden increased by 180 percent,” she noted.
Members of Swedish community enjoying a Dhow trip.
She also said that the Swedes are very glad that Gothenburg, the second biggest Sweden city is among 24 new destinations opened by Qatar Airways.
“The current ongoing Labor reform in Qatar will undoubtedly lead to more Swedish companies entering the market,” she added.
