Name: Kelly Boonstra.
Where are you from? Groningen, the Netherlands.
How long have you been in Qatar? Since 1st September 2014.
Why did you move to Qatar? For an internship, which was part of my studies.
What are you passionate about? I love experiencing different cultures and people. I find it really interesting to see how religion, for example, can have many different meanings for different people and how it can affect a country and its citizens.
What would you say is the biggest life lesson you have learnt since moving to Qatar? Due to the fact that I have not been in Qatar for a long time, I find it hard to answer this question, However, this is the first time, in a long time, I have been on my own. This is a very important step for me. This will change so much in my life; my way of thinking, my way of looking at people, and my perspective on different cultures, religions and countries. So I do not think there will a "biggest lesson" to learn during my time here, but there will be many lessons for me to learn.
Why do you want to be a part of this project? I find it interesting how many different kinds of cultures live in Qatar and I wanted to share my experience of the country as many others have, which helps enlarge my perspective of Qatar.
Name: Mody Mystiry.
Where are you from? Benghazi, Libya; however, I was born in Modena, Italy.
How long have you been in Qatar? Since May 2011.
Why did you move to Qatar? I came to Qatar with my family. Also, the education here is better than what we have in Libya.
What are you passionate about? I am passionate about a lot of things like; chemistry, adventure, Mixed Martial Arts and music.
What would you say is the biggest life lesson you have learnt since moving to Qatar? Because Qatar is home to people from different parts of the world, I have learnt a lot about the cultures out there and to respect them. I have also learnt to rely on no one but myself.
Why do you want to be a part of this project? To show the world that Qatar is a place where people from around the world meet up and share their thoughts. I also want to get involved in some of the activities in Doha and change the image most people around the world have about Qatar.
Name: Kelly Wright.
Where are you from? Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, USA.
How long have you been in Qatar? Since September 2010.
Why did you move to Qatar? My husband's job. From the time he applied for the position to us boarding the place to move out here was only about a three-month span - so it was quite a whirlwind for us.
What are you passionate about? Travelling! Actually, it's more of an obsession I think. Every time I check one place off my bucket list, another ten get added. There are just too many beautiful places to see and wonderful cultures to learn about to ever be truly done travelling.
What would you say is the biggest life lesson you have learnt since moving to Qatar? Always be open-minded and never judge someone by their appearance. I have met so many wonderful people and everyone has a story to tell. It doesn't matter what country you come from, what food you eat, or what religion you have; everyone just wants to be happy and to share that happiness with their family.
Why do you want to be a part of this project? I wanted to represent my country as I'm very proud of where I come from, but I also think this project is a great way to show everyone just how diverse Qatar really is. It is an amazing melting pot of nationalities and I'm proud to be just one of the many here in Qatar.
Name: Ana Dalila de Sousa Rodrigues.
Where are you from? Braga, Portugal.
How long have you been in Qatar? Since 19th August 2014.
Why did you move to Qatar? I was living in Kuwait and I was looking for a change. I moved to Asia to be able to travel more to other continents. The opportunity in Qatar arose and I moved here.
What are you passionate about? I am passionate about various forms of arts, geography, geology, sociology and history. This has determined my interest in learning about other cultures. I often feel that I have inherited the Portuguese sense of exploration.
What would you say is the biggest life lesson you have learnt since moving to Qatar? I have not been in Qatar for long enough to be able to answer this question adequately. However, having had the chance to visit Qatar as a tourist in the past, which I very much enjoyed, I would say that moving here has been a very good experience so far. I have met some great people and have been able to enjoy various cultural events. Without culture, life becomes very simple and Qatar clearly makes an effort.
Why do you want to be a part of this project? I love photography and geography. I think this project is a great idea with great potential, especially when you consider the fact that Qatar has the greatest percentage of immigration.
Name: Teagan Mc Cormack.
Where are you from? Monaghan, Ireland.
How long have you been in Qatar? Since 19th August 2014, so almost two months, but it seems a lot longer.
Why did you move to Qatar? For work mainly. I was given a great opportunity and I couldn't pass it up. It is a new experience and it allows me to travel a lot too.
What are you passionate about? Friends and family - even more so since moving to Qatar. I'm passionate about my work too, but it's a much more challenging job here.
What would you say is the biggest life lesson you have learned since moving to Qatar? I have learned many. The main one would probably be that nothing is ever going to come easily to you. Hard work, determination and perseverance are the only things that will take you where you want to go in life.
Why do you want to be a part of this project? There are a lot of Irish people here in Qatar and it's through habit that we all tend to flock together. But this project is an outlet for all nationalities, all ethnicities, and all religions - that shows how diverse and interconnected we can be in such a small country.
Name: Ashvin George.
Where are you from? Kochi, India.
How long have you been in Qatar? I first moved here with my family in August 1984 when I was four months old. I left in 2000, visited a few times in between and just moved back in September 2014.
Why did you move to Qatar? To help a friend out with his retail business
What are you passionate about? Food, travel, photography, languages and cultures, connecting people, art, minimalism and people-watching.
What would you say is the biggest life lesson you have learned since moving to Qatar? There is a lot of scope to meet and get to know people from all over the world. One must make an effort to smile at a stranger and start a random conversation. The opportunity we have here isn't something we might get back home, so we must make the most of it and live it up!
Why do you want to be a part of this project? It's nice to have a name to a face and to know a little bit more about someone unfamiliar to us beyond their name or job title.
Name: Abeer Fadda.
Where are you from? Palestine.
How long have you been in Qatar? Since February 2014.
Why did you move to Qatar? I moved here from Europe for the sun, better pay and a Middle Eastern social life.
What are you passionate about? I'm passionate about justice for all races, religious backgrounds, and ethnicities, but in particular for children and women.
What would you say is the biggest life lesson you have learned since moving to Qatar? The biggest life lesson is that law and order are invaluable.
Why do you want to be a part of this project? I wanted to be part of this project since it gives me the feeling of being part of a social fabric that is Qatar residents.
Name: Andreea Iacob.
Where are you from? Bucharest, Romania.
How long have you been in Qatar? Since 17th July 2011.
Why did you move to Qatar? I followed my family to Qatar, where my dad received a job opportunity.
What are you passionate about? I am passionate about photography, piano, tennis, drawings and swimming.
What would you say is the biggest life lesson you have learned since moving to Qatar? Since moving to Doha, I have learnt the lesson of adapting to a completely new environment, which includes: extreme climate, a new type of society, multi-cultural institutions and the challenge of speaking a different language - it is not an easy one.
Why do you want to be a part of this project? I embrace this occasion to promote the image of my country, which I am proud of. I also love Qatar and I feel motivated by getting involved in this project.
Name: Justin LaSuere Mabrie.
Where are you from? Houston, Texas, USA.
How long have you been in Qatar? After many extended visits, I moved here in July 2014.
Why did you move to Qatar? For a new experience, to join my mother and to put my MBA to use.
What are you passionate about? Writing, travelling and peace.
What would you say is the biggest life lesson you have learned since moving to Qatar? I was having a conversation with someone and at the close of the interaction, it was stated to me, "Thank you for not asking about my profession. This is the first time that has happened since moving here, and it is refreshing. " I realised at that moment how human connection can enlighten your life. In a place like Qatar, where most people are away from their families, we all desire genuine interactions. I believe this is a universal lesson.
Why do you want to be a part of this project? This is a perfect opportunity to be a part of diversity appreciation. We are all unique and complex, yet now connected through our participation. Thank you.
Name: Erla Hrund Bronson Gisladottir.
Where are you from? Reykjavik, Iceland.
How long have you been in Qatar? Since September 2011.
Why did you move to Qatar? For my husbands' work.
What are you passionate about? My kids and family, yoga, food, nature, meditation, new things, smells, flowers...
What would you say is the biggest life lesson you have learned since moving to Qatar? To remain calm and composed in traffic and to appreciate what life brings you.
Why do you want to be a part of this project? I love when I see people doing something new and I have to represent my country.
Name: Sogol Rastjoo Compani.
Where are you from? Tehran, Iran.
How long have you been in Qatar? I have been in Qatar for a little over three years. My husband and I moved here in July 2011.
Why did you move to Qatar? I moved to Qatar following my husband’s career.
What are you passionate about? I'm passionate about meeting new people and helping them in any possible way that I can - that’s why I majored in Psychology. I'm a people person.
What would you say is the biggest life lesson you have learned since moving to Qatar? Oh well, there are certainly a few life lessons that I have learned by moving to Doha, but above them all, I learned how to become more patient and how to communicate effectively with people from different cultures.
Why do you want to be a part of this project? This project allowed me to share my experience as an expatriate in Doha with the rest of the world. Also being an Iranian American, and growing up in the United States, I seldom get the opportunity to represent the country that I was born in - Iran - so this project presented me the opportunity to do so.
Name: Cristian Onciul.
Where are you from? Bucharest, Romania.
How long have you been in Qatar? Since December 2013.
Why did you move to Qatar? Because Daddy is working here and we want to stay together as a family.
What are you passionate about? I love to paint, play hide and seek, learn Arabic, play with my friends "Super Heros" to decorate my room and play the piano.
What would you say is the biggest life lesson you have learned since moving to Qatar? In Doha I found that: people speak English and Arabic; I am learning English, French, and Arabic at school; I can have friends from all countries; there is an IKEA store here just like in Bucharest.
Why do you want to be a part of this project? Because I want people to know which country I come from!
Name: Maria Onciul.
Where are you from? Bucharest, Romania.
How long have you been in Qatar? Since December 2013.
Why did you move to Qatar? New projects and new opportunities for me and my family.
What are you passionate about? Meeting people and visiting new places to understand their culture and discover more about our world.
What would you say is the biggest life lesson you have learned since moving to Qatar? To be open-minded and to understand that everyday life has a different meaning for each one of us.
Why do you want to be a part of this project? It is a great idea to learn about diversity in Qatar and I'm glad I found this project.
Name: Law Sze Han.
Where are you from? Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
How long have you been in Qatar? Since September 2014.
Why did you move to Qatar? My father was relocated to Qatar for his new job assignment.
What are you passionate about? Colours and music.
What would you say is the biggest life lesson you have learnt since moving to Qatar? I can be happy anywhere in the world as long as I am with my family.
Why do you want to be a part of this project? To share a friendly smile to welcome anybody around the world to come to this beautiful country, Qatar.
Name: Tricia En Lin NG.
Where are you from? Singapore.
How long have you been in Qatar? We have been in Qatar since 17th October 2010.
Why did you move to Qatar? My Dad got a job in Qatar so we moved here.
What are you passionate about? Playing the violin, reading, writing stories and watching movies.
What would you say is the biggest life lesson you have learnt since moving to Qatar? You will not be disappointed when you work hard.
Why do you want to be a part of this project? To represent Singapore.
Name: Nicole En Pei NG.
Where are you from? Singapore.
How long have you been in Qatar? We have been in Qatar since 17th October 2010.
Why did you move to Qatar? My Dad got a job in Qatar so we moved here.
What are you passionate about? Playing the piano, reading, drawing/painting and watching movies.
What would you say is the biggest life lesson you have learnt since moving to Qatar? Eat healthily and you will stay healthy.
Why do you want to be a part of this project? To represent Singapore.
Name: Frederico Andreucci Belohuby.
Where are you from? I was born in Florianopolis, the capital of the State of Santa Catarina, south of Brazil.
How long have you been in Qatar? I arrived in February 2013.
Why did you move to Qatar? I came together with my parents; my father is here to work.
What are you passionate about? I like to travel and to know new landscapes. In Doha, I have fun going to the Souq and to the mall with my friends - we get together to go to the movies or dinner.
What would you say is the biggest life lesson you have learnt since moving to Qatar? I learned that the world is made of very different people and this difference makes life culturally richer.
Why do you want to be a part of this project? Brazilians from north to south are culturally and physically different. Here these differences are much greater. I would like to represent the people of Brazil.
Name: Monica Andreucci Belohuby.
Where are you from? I was born in Taubate, located some 200 km from Sao Paulo, Brazil.
How long have you been in Qatar? I arrived in February 2013.
Why did you move to Qatar? I came together with my husband, who is here to work.
What are you passionate about? I like to travel and to know new landscapes. In Doha, I have fun going to the Souq and to the MIA and meeting with my Brazilian friends.
What would you say is the biggest life lesson you have learnt since moving to Qatar? The biggest life lesson I have learned is to respect cultural and religious diversity and to detach myself from material things. Make it simple and easy!
Why do you want to be a part of this project? I'm just one of the many profiles that Brazil has. Brazil is painted with a wide palette of colours and shapes.
Name: Manfredo Belohuby.
Where are you from? I was born in Sao Paulo, the largest city in Brazil and in South America.
How long have you been in Qatar? I arrived in November 2012.
Why did you move to Qatar? I moved to Qatar because of my job. I have been working for a Swiss company since 2002 and, because of a vacancy in Qatar, I was invited to fill it. decided to move towards new challenges.
What are you passionate about? I have photography as a hobby, therefore I like to travel and discover new landscapes. Here in Doha, I have fun going to the Souq and to the MIA, beyond other places. I like to take pictures in the desert, mainly during sunrise and sunset. After the pictures, I like to try different tastes and dishes in one of the many restaurants in Doha.
What would you say is the biggest life lesson you have learnt since moving to Qatar? Respect cultural and religious diversity and understand that people with different roots have different points of view and ways of thinking, but that with common sense a consensus can be achieved. It is not difficult if you try!!
Why do you want to be a part of this project? Because I wanted to show how many different features my big home country has and how different they are from people in the middle and far east. I am, with my European descent, one of the faces from Brazil, and now also one of the many faces of Qatar. In the end, even one of the largest and one of the smallest countries in the world have some common points.
Name: Alina Krylova.
Where are you from? Donetsk, Ukraine.
How long have you been in Qatar? Since May 2010.
Why did you move to Qatar? To work for a private company in the travel industry.
What are you passionate about? I've been working and studying in the travel industry for quite a long time, that's what I can say I'm passionate about! I just love to travel and discover new countries and cultures and see different ways of life and of course make new friends. I'm proud to say I've been blessed with many from different backgrounds and countries!
What would you say is the biggest life lesson you have learnt since moving to Qatar? I moved to Qatar when I was 19, so I can say it was a big lesson in and of itself to move to a foreign country with such a different culture. I can say growing up here I became more mature and my point of view on many things like the way I dress, think and handle things has changed.
Why do you want to be a part of this project? I love these kinds of projects and of course to see how many different nationalities are in Qatar - so many different stories! I can see a change in it just in the almost five years I've been here.