Name: Leo Albin.
Where are you from? Paranaque, Philippines.
How long have you been in Qatar? I initially came to Qatar in 2000, went back home to the Philippines in 2006 and then returned to Qatar in 2012.
Why did you move to Qatar? My family is here and I am currently pursuing my goal and building my future.
What are you passionate about? Film, photography, sports and politics.
What would you say is the biggest life lesson you have learnt since moving to Qatar? Empathy and respect. We may have our differences when it comes to religion, nationality and traditions, but in the end, we are all human - we are all the same. As long as people listen to and respect each other, everything will be OK.
Why do you want to be a part of this project? For me, it is an awesome project. It can show the world that Qatar is growing and that it - just like its people - has stories to tell.
Name: Hatim Aboussid.
Where are you from? Casablanca, Morocco.
How long have you been in Qatar? Since February 2014.
Why did you move to Qatar? I was seeking a multicultural life and new experiences in the fastest-growing Arabic country.
What are you passionate about? Travel, change and inspiration are the most fulfilling passions I have cherished during my 12-country journey.
What would you say is the biggest life lesson you have learnt since moving to Qatar? Focusing exclusively on the language or culture of an individual can blind us to the most common asset that people share in a nation - that life that we all build around us and the environment that we all co-generate, is solely the reflection of our aspirations, fuelled by our differences not our similarities.
Why do you want to be a part of this project? Faces of Qatar is the best possible representation of such a complex society and a reflection of the immense and growing global village in this blessed land, which I'm honoured to be part of.
Name: Dina Hossam.
Where are you from? Suez, Egypt.
How long have you been in Qatar? I've actually lived in Qatar before for two years when it was nothing but desert; but then I moved back to Egypt and then back to Qatar in 2013, so it's been around seven months that I've been here.
Why did you move to Qatar? I moved to Qatar to live with my father and to study hospitality and hotel management as Qatar is a great place to do that.
What are you passionate about? I'm passionate about many things and I'm still finding my place, but one thing I'm passionate about the most is interior designing. I love decorating and drawing.
What would you say is the biggest life lesson you have learnt since moving to Qatar? If you have a dream, chase it and work hard for it, because the end result will be worth the wait.
Why do you want to be a part of this project? No matter who you are or where you're from, no one has the right to tell you what to do with your life. People don't achieve things or become successful because of their race, religion or appearance. They achieve things from the way they think and by who they truly are on the inside and that is why I wanted to be a part of this project - to change the way things are because everyone deserves to do what they really want to do.
Name: Elettra Zamara.
Where are you from? Biella, Italy.
How long have you been in Qatar? Since September 2009.
Why did you move to Qatar? I had to move here because of my parents' jobs.
What are you passionate about? Well, one of my big passions is art. I am also passionate about my music, animals and last but not least, philosophy, which is one of my biggest interests.
What would you say is the biggest life lesson you have learnt since moving to Qatar? Moving to Doha has taught me a lot about the culture here. I have learnt to mix and accept the differences in culture and tradition and make the best of this experience.
Why do you want to be a part of this project? What I was told was that the project was supposed to represent another side of the people living here in Qatar. Instead of the usual pictures of stunningly beautiful Qatari men and women, the project showed some of the many cultures present here. I loved the idea straight away and so when my friend asked me to participate, I didn't give it a second thought. In my eyes, the amazing thing about Qatar is that there are people from all over the world and so many different languages and cultures here, just showing one side would be a shame. This mix in nationalities should be valued more because it is simply amazing. I used to have only Italian friends, but now, most of my friends now are not from the same place nor speak the same language!
Name: Rabia Rahid.
Where are you from? London, England, United Kingdom.
How long have you been in Qatar? 29th March 2014.
Why did you move to Qatar? Fancied a bit of a change and always had the urge to work and live abroad. I got married about two years ago and my husband and I came to the conclusion that this is our time to try and have our own adventure, so here we are.
What are you passionate about? Trying things at least once; a bad experience can make just as good a story as a good experience.
What would you say is the biggest life lesson you have learnt since moving to Qatar? To relax. It's OK if things don't happen when people say they will, which apparently happens a lot!
Why do you want to be a part of this project? Being very new here, I have crossed paths with so many people; all with such different yet really interesting stories. I have come to Qatar to do my best to make it my home, even if that's just for a short while. Part and parcel of making this my home is getting involved, not just with projects and events but with the people here. Their stories and choices are inspiring and fill me with confidence that everything works out in the end.
Name: Deevina Visrolia.
Where are you from? Surrey, England, United Kingdom; but originally from India.
How long have you been in Qatar? Since May 2011.
Why did you move to Qatar? Followed my husband's career.
What are you passionate about? I'm a creative person, so always love envisioning things that do not yet exist. My dream is to be able to empower and develop youth in Qatar and I'm currently working on an initiative to realise this dream.
What would you say is the biggest life lesson you have learnt since moving to Qatar? I think the experiences you have at work and the different mix of people you meet here - good and bad - make you more aware of who you are and where you've come from. I've been able to understand myself in a deeper more meaningful way than ever before. This is because I was stripped from my comfort zone of home and being able to engage in a new country allows you to reflect and realise who you are and what you are meant to do in the world.
Why do you want to be a part of this project? Qatar is full of the most beautiful mix of people and cultures, but I feel that there is little communication, collaboration and understanding between each of them. Being part of this project allows a portal for people to understand more about other people and their backgrounds and hopefully unites us more.
Name: Mostafa Reda Soliman.
Where are you from? Alexandria, Egypt.
How long have you been in Qatar? Since May 2011.
Why did you move to Qatar? Good opportunity in my career. It was intriguing to try the expat life.
What are you passionate about? Movies, music, chess, sipping coffee while having a deep conversation and technology.
What would you say is the biggest life lesson you have learnt since moving to Qatar? How to be 100% independent, and try new things with new people I never knew before.
Why do you want to be a part of this project? The idea is very interesting and I find it exciting to get exposed to different backgrounds and mindsets.
Name: Ramy Hossameldin Ahmed Hassan Gharib.
Where are you from? Suez, Egypt.
How long have you been in Qatar? Since April 2012.
Why did you move to Qatar? I had to move to Qatar to finish college and my education.
What are you passionate about? I really like travelling since I’ve been doing so most of my life and I like it because you discover a lot by going through different cultures every place you go.
What would you say is the biggest life lesson you have learnt since moving to Qatar? No matter where or who you are if you want something you have to stand up, work hard and do it.
Why do you want to be a part of this project? When my sister told me more about the project I got interested because it is true that people shouldn’t be judged by where they come from. If a person is passionate about something they should be given the chance to do it.
Name: Lewis Brian Johnson
Where are you from? London, England, United Kingdom.
How long have you been in Qatar? Since May 2010.
Why did you move to Qatar? I moved to Qatar because of my dad’s job and also to finish my high school education.
What are you passionate about? I love sports and being active. Qatar has a limited amount of opportunities for sports and I would like to change that. I see a future in sports for Qatar as they are hosting the World Cup in 2022 and I would love to be a part of the process and make Qatar a sporting nation.
What would you say is the biggest life lesson you have learnt since moving to Qatar? People should be treated the same no matter their nationality, religion or skin colour. We all deserve respect and opportunities.
Why do you want to be a part of this project? A friend told me about this project and I wanted to be involved because I agree that people should be treated the same no matter where they are from and that you should have the same opportunities as everyone else.
Name: Haroon Rashid.
Where are you from? London, England, United Kingdom.
How long have you been in Qatar? Since March 2014.
Why did you move to Qatar? Moved to Qatar mainly for a lifestyle change and to become part of a region that has so much to offer. To be part of something that is evolving and potentially changing.
What are you passionate about? I am passionate about getting the most out of life, learning new things, meeting new people and being the best I can be.
What would you say is the biggest life lesson you have learnt since moving to Qatar? To be a more understanding and open person. Coming from the UK, you expect things to be done like yesterday and question why it hasn't been done without understanding the reason behind it. Sometimes things not happening or taking a little bit longer won't mean the end of the world.
Why do you want to be a part of this project? Some of the passions I have described are certainly what this project is about. People, stories and learning.
Name: Gabriel Gil
Where are you from? Madrid, Spain.
How long have you been in Qatar? October 2013. Previously we were in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where we spent four years.
Why did you move to Qatar? After Saudi Arabia, we were looking for a more open environment to live in and educate our children. I was also looking for a new professional challenge.
What are you passionate about? My job, my children and life.
What would you say is the biggest life lesson you have learnt since moving to Qatar? The expatriate experience gave us too many lessons: that dreams come true if you really believe in them; that home is where our family is and fits in a case; that life is not meant to be lived in one place and that we can always restart our lives from zero in a new place and be absolutely happy.
Why do you want to be a part of this project? Because I support any projects relating to diversity and tolerance and that is one of the most valuable things we have experienced in this country.
Name: Muhammad Nasir.
Where are you from? Colombo, Sri Lanka.
How long have you been in Qatar? Since February 2014.
Why did you move to Qatar? Ever since I saw many of my aunts and uncles leaving for the Middle East to live and work, I always wanted to go. But God never gave me that chance, until November 2013 when I was getting fed up with the employer I was working with in Colombo; I met a friend who helped me secure my job here.
I would say I have two reasons to be here. Firstly, being able to earn a salary which is a little bit better so I can support my family, settle some of my debts back home and build some capital for a business plan if ever I was to come up with one. Secondly, it is to break out of my comfort zone of my home country, experience a different work culture and make it big, in my career.
What are you passionate about? My biggest passion is to be a change-maker. I want to be part of something that can cause some sort of the change in society or do something that will bring about a positive change in society.
What would you say is the biggest life lesson you have learnt since moving to Qatar? When you work, it’s not just about how busy you are or how much work you have, it’s about what was expected from you and to what extent you have satisfied that expectation.
Why do you want to be a part of this project? This is something new to me, something I’ve never done before and it is also an opportunity for me to be who I am.
Name: Dorthe Rrby Lewis.
Where are you from? Frederiksberg, Denmark.
How long have you been in Qatar? Since April 2014.
How long have you been in Qatar? My husband (English) and I wanted to try to live somewhere that wasn't home to either of us after having spent four years in the UK and five in Denmark together. We wanted to explore a new culture and experience another way of life. We were lucky to both get jobs here so made the move.
What are you passionate about? I love travelling and learning about new cultures - living abroad opens your mind and gives you a different perspective on life.
What would you say is the biggest life lesson you have learnt since moving to Qatar? I think to take time out to experience new aspects of life and be open to anything that it has to offer.
Why do you want to be a part of this project? I thought the project sounded really interesting as it gives you a brief insight into another person and really shows the diversity of Qatar, which I love.
Name: Christine Gerber Rutt.
Where are you from? Basel, Switzerland.
How long have you been in Qatar? Since December 2009.
Why did you move to Qatar? Tagging along with my husband who got a job in Qatar.
What are you passionate about? Connecting with the place I live in and helping others do the same, whether that's by holding their hand or kicking them out of their living room with a swift kick.
What would you say is the biggest life lesson you have learnt since moving to Doha? An organized life is not a superior life Go on and read between those lines.
Why do you want to be a part of this project? This project puts positive energy into the world. I'm all in for that.
Name: Farhaan Ahmeth.
Where are you from? Akkaraipattu, Sri Lanka.
How long have you been in Qatar? Since January 2014.
Why did you move to Qatar? I worked as a civil engineer in Sri Lanka and I was planning to move to a Gulf country as there are a lot of opportunities in the construction industry. Actually, my sister lives here with her family and I love my cute nephews so I chose Qatar.
What are you passionate about? Car/bike races and photography. I am still learning.
What would you say is the biggest life lesson you have learnt since moving to Qatar? Wherever you go, whatever you do, home is the only place that brings peace of mind.
Why do you want to be a part of this project? My contribution so far is just posing for a picture, but I'm glad that I'm part of this project - ready to assist and motivate this kind of project in the future.
Name: Mohammad Khallouf.
Where are you from? Damascus, Syria.
How long have you been in Qatar? Since October 2008.
Why did you move to Qatar? It started with chasing a career opportunity and my wish to get used to being away from home and learning to manage my life independently.
What are you passionate about? I love to travel. I feel like I can spend my whole life on the road exploring new places, venturing into different endeavours, connecting with new people and listening to their stories. I also love the outdoors, mountaineering, motorcycling and any extreme sport or physical activity you can think of.
What would you say is the biggest life lesson you have learnt since moving to Qatar? I have discovered a lot about myself living here and never I never thought I was capable of doing many of the things I have done, then I realised that you are what you have made of yourself. We make our own fortunes, so it is all about the decisions you make and having the heart to implement them. This can easily change the course of your life - all you need is some courage and a lot of dedication.
Why do you want to be a part of this project? I have interacted and been with many people here and experienced how similar we are despite where we come from. No matter how vast and spread out this world is, human connections can make it tiny. There is no end to the story, so long as we are around to pass it.
Name: Mohamed Faward Razeek.
Where are you from? Colombo, Sri Lanka.
How long have you been in Qatar? Since January 2014.
Why did you move to Qatar? Better employment prospects and most importantly to get out of my comfort zone.
What are you passionate about? My passions are adventure and travelling the world and learning about the cultures of others. It is a very expensive passion, but I hope to fulfil it someday.
What would you say is the biggest life lesson you have learnt since moving to Qatar? The moment I moved here, I missed my family a lot; more than I ever did when I was in my home country and I realised it wasn't as others had told me - that I would gain complete freedom and independence from my family. True, I have received that, but to be free and not with my family wasn't something I was expecting and it came as somewhat of a slow shock. I eventually countered this by keeping in constant touch and forever being updated by my parents on what they have been up to and letting them know how I was. It keeps them happy and in high spirits as it helps them bear with the loneliness without their children (my brother and I) and it also makes me happy to feel the closeness I didn't have back home. They are everything to me.
Why do you want to be a part of this project? In a diverse culture, keeping the equilibrium is important and that is something which many countries have fallen short of, which is the reason for interracial clashes and even war.
Qatar on the other hand is able to accommodate this diverse culture within a fully acceptable framework and this is what I saw as the benefit of being part of the project. This project stresses the fact we all want to drive towards; that no matter the culture, race or religion, all humans should be treated the same because at the end of the day, we all bleed red.
Name: Mohanad Adnan Dirjal.
Where are you from? Baghdad, Iraq.
How long have you been in Qatar? Since 1995.
Why did you move to Qatar? My father got an offer to coach a football team here.
What would you say is the biggest life lesson you have learnt since moving to Qatar? The biggest lesson for me is how to treat people nicely and how you should work for the community.
What are you passionate about? Helping the poor through charity work.
Why do you want to be a part of this project? To contribute to Mohammed's project and to help him do something he believes.
Name: Shauna Markey.
Where are you from? Port-of-Spain, Trinidad & Tobago.
How long have you been in Qatar? First came to Qatar in September 2010, left for 2 years (work experience abroad) and came back for good in November 2012.
Why did you move to Qatar? Job opportunity - when you work in the oil industry, the Middle East proves to be a prime destination, especially for young Engineers to gain experience and network. Also, the financial benefits of living tax-free was a huge motivator!
What are you passionate about? First and foremost: family. I grew up in a large diverse family and can't imagine it any other way. They're my support system, they're my life. Also, I'm very much into fitness - always interested in becoming stronger, better, fitter, and healthier.
What would you say is the biggest life lesson you have learnt since moving to Qatar? Wealth doesn't guarantee health, happiness, genuine friendships... or anything! Being away from everything that makes me whole and happy encouraged me to seek the good in each person and situation - happiness comes from disposition, not circumstance.
Why do you want to be a part of this project? Qatar is diverse yet can feel oh-so segregated. This project takes us one step closer to breaking down these invisible barriers. Also, felt the need to represent my country!
Name: Yazan Khalid Shehab.
Where are you from? Palestine.
How long have you been in Qatar? Since June 2000.
Why did you move to Qatar? My dad found got a job opportunity here which provided everything for his family.
What are you passionate about? I'm passionate about life with all the experiences you gain. It's just so interesting how it differs from one person to another. I'm kind of passionate about the way of thinking of each person and how they differently react to situations, plus every sport that I practice e. g., basketball, chess, jiu-jitsu, skateboarding, table tennis etc.
What would you say is the biggest life lesson you have learnt since moving to Qatar? I've learned tons of lessons growing up in Qatar, but the most important one has to be that life is a game. You'll never know what could happen if you did a crazy thing unless you do it. If something good came out of it then perfect, if not, no one would remember what happened years from now, so just do what you're afraid to do as long as it doesn't affect others negatively.
Why do you want to be a part of this project? I was interested in being a part of this project as it's one of my passions to see different people's perspectives of a certain thing; how everyone has their own different passions and experiences yet is happy.
I also wanted to share my experiences and lessons I learned living here in Qatar and how they affected my life.