The Sudanese community is among the first communities who entered Qatar before 1971, and the first to take up the professions of teachers, policemen and other such jobs to serve society.
The Sudanese community in Doha is a large community and has a great contribution to the economy in Qatar and has a presence in all companies, government institutions, security and educational institutions,
Ambassador of Sudan to the State of Qatar, Fatah Al Rahman Ali Mohammed Omar (Pictured below), told The Peninsula.
The community celebrated the 63rd anniversary of Sudan Independence which was held on Wednesday at Kempenski Hotel, in the presence of a big number of guests including ministers and ambassadors.
A number of old paintings about some important Sudanese characters were displayed on the side line of the anniversary celebrations, in addition to some heritage and cultural items.
Speaking to this daily on the sideline of this anniversary, the ambassador said that the number of the Sudanese community in Qatar is estimated by more than 60,000 .
“The members of the Sudanese community living in Qatar are ambassadors to their country and an important element in brotherhood and love between the two countries,” he said.
The Sudanese community has a council which is responsible of organising all activities either sports, culture and entertainment activities. The council works under the umbrella of the embassy.
In his speech on the occasion of the 63rd anniversary of Sudan Independence, the ambassador said that the anniversary of this day represents a history of people who sacrifice for the future of their countries.
“Sudan has an old fraternal relations with Qatar, and it stood with Sudan in the Darfur issue to sign reconciliation. We appreciated the Qatari-Sudanese relations in all political, economic and social dimensions. Soon we are expecting the Higher Committee headed by both Sudan and Qatar prime ministers to held a meeting,” he said.
On the economic side, he pointed out that: Qatar is an important partner in development and reconstruction. While it plays an active role of the Darfur peace, the Sudan-Qatar project for tourism and antiquities has contributed to the development of Sudanese antiquities and tourism.
In the field of investment, he said “Qatar has distinguished partnerships with Sudan in the fields of livestock, mining, agriculture and developing ports. Fodder and meat exports have begun to reach Qatari markets from Sudan.
A member of the Sudanese community council said that the council is responsible of organising all activities, but under the embassy supervision. The council organises many activities. Women and children have their portion in these activities, and the cultural center considered the most active, he said.
“Recently we signed a memorandum of understanding with the Moroccan community and soon we will sign a memorandum of understanding with the Greek community through which we will exchange the culture activities and organize activities together,” he said.
For his part, Rabah Mohammed Ahmed, a Sudanese citizen who attended the 63rd anniversary of Sudan Independence commented “I am always keen to attend such occasion like anniversary of Sudan Independence. It is a chance to meet people and remember together people who sacrificed for the Sudan to be independent.”
Regarding question about life in Qatar, he said that there is big Sudanese community in Qatar and it is friendly community and is very active. This community organises cultural and sports activities.
Also there are some Sudanese restaurants which offer authentic Sudanese foods. These restaurants are place for us to meet each other and discuss Sudanese issues, he added.
Another resident, Mohamed Ahmed said “Life in Qatar is very good and especially for the Sudanese community because it is a large community. We are hosting all activities we want with our Sudanese friends and with other communities. For me there is no big difference between Qatar and Sudan because I was born here. I rarely travel to Sudan.”
