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Malek Helali
Doha
THE siege imposed on Qatar and a concerted effort by some of the neighbouring countries to malign Qatar's image in the GCC region has completely failed to have any bearing on the unity and spirit of Qataris and the bonhomie and deep ties of friendship they share with their Kuwaiti and Omani 'brothers and sisters'.
Ever since the siege, an increasing number of Qatari tourists are opting for Kuwait and Oman as their destinations of choice when planning trips and vacations in the region, according to travel agents in Doha. And this winter season has been particularly overwhelming.
Shamead, a travel agent at Mosafer Travel and Tourism, noted that Qatari families have been recently booking trips to the Omani capital of Muscat as more Qataris are now choosing to spend their holidays in Kuwait and Oman. Additionally, Ajwaa Travel and Tours Branch Manager Mahmoud Gamal said that Oman and Kuwait have been emerging as favourable destinations for tourists from Qatar.
Omanis and Kuwaitis have previously responded to the blockade imposed on Qatar by turning up in large numbers to spend their Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha holidays in Qatar, last year. The act of solidarity with the people of Qatar during Eid vacations was then deeply appreciated by several service providers in Qatar offering free transport facilities and hotel services to Omani and Kuwaiti nationals.
Qatari citizens, who have now reciprocated the act and decided to spend their holidays in Kuwait and Oman, have also shown their gratitude to these countries through social media, resulting in a larger number of their audience getting motivated to follow the trend.
Caricaturist and social media figure Rashid al Kuwari shared the details of his pleasant stay in Kuwait on Twitter including his widely liked and retweeted photograph of a restaurant bill paid and signed with messages of solidarity from Kuwaiti citizens. Al Kuwari's Kuwait trip documentation got a positive reaction of appreciation and gratitude from Qatari and Kuwaiti users.
For their part, Kuwaiti nationals voiced numerous welcome messages for their Qatari brothers and sisters while encouraging them to get in touch for all the assistance they need to enjoy their stay.
A Kuwaiti citizen wrote:"The Kuwaiti airlines and airport were packed with our Qatari siblings today. You are most welcome in Kuwait, and please feel free to contact me if you need anything."
Additionally, responding to a Qatari lady's inquiry seeking suggestions on the best landmarks to visit in Kuwait, a response signed"your sister from Kuwait" read:"Welcome to our family from Qatar, I am willing to receive you at the airport and take you on a tour to the best places in Kuwait. And to other Qatari girls who are also planning to visit Kuwait, please contact me and I will try my best to assist you."
