Qatar Ambassador to Budapest: Hungary is very rich in human wealth

His Excellency Abdulla Falah Al-Dosari, Qatar’s ambassador to Budapest, honoured us with an interview. He talked about his first impressions about Hungary and the Hungarian people, how Qatar prepares to organise the greatest sport event of the world, the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and why guests should visit the Arab Cultural Day organised next week in Budapest.

Daily News Hungary (DNH): Can you tell us a bit about your career? You have a very long history as a diplomat.

Al Dosari: At the outset, I would like to thank your esteemed Daily News Hungary website and you personally for giving me the opportunity to answer your questions and present my country’s viewpoint on various issues.

After I obtained a Bachelor’s degree in political science in 1980, I began working in my country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and since then I have represented my country at the United Nations in New York, Geneva and Vienna, and worked as an ambassador in Islamabad, Brussels and Rabat, as well as working in various departments of the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

DNH: What did you hear about Hungary before you embarked on your Budapest mission? What did you imagine Hungarians would be like?

Al Dosari: It has been about 10 months since I came to Hungary. I feel that during this short period of time I have come to know a country and society that is active, developed and full of love for life. I made new friends and acquaintances from different segments of the Hungarian people. I became more and more familiar with the history of Hungary and the region of Eastern Europe, about which we did not know much before. We can say that it is an ancient history spanning more than a thousand years, during which Hungary witnessed very great events, but it maintained its entity, and this in itself is a great thing.

DNH: And what is your current perception of us and our country?

Al Dosari: Hungary is a very beautiful country and it seems clear that the Hungarian people take care of their country, and they want it to rise to the level of the developed countries in the world. We can say that Hungary is very rich, not in mineral resources, but in human wealth, which has given a lot to civilisation in science, medicine, engineering, sports, music and other arts.

DNH: Qatar is preparing to host what is probably the biggest sporting event in the world. Unfortunately, Hungary did not qualify for the World Cup. How can you describe its atmosphere to Hungarian fans? What are the stadiums and their surroundings like?

Al Dosari: The State of Qatar gives great importance to sport, beside arts and culture. Qatar has been the first Arab state to host the prestigious FIFA 2022 World Cup, as the smallest country to ever organise this event. It promises to have a wide impact as new opportunities emerge for Qatar, other GCC states and the region. As a result of the investment and development drive the country aims to become a center for great sports events. With more than 2 million visitors expected, this mega event will accelerate growth in diverse sectors such as tourism, hospitality and infrastructure, and will contribute to the goals of Qatar’s National Vision 2030.

DNH: Almost every continent has an opponent in your group. What do you expect from the host team?

Al Dosari: As a citizen of Qatar, it is natural that I want my team to win all its matches, but we know that the other participating teams are trying to win the championship, and therefore I can only say that the football yard is flat, the ball is round and the foot is the one that shoots the ball to achieve the goal. We are waiting for a fun game from all participating teams.

DNH: Let’s discuss the import/export trade between Hungary and Qatar. What types of Hungarian products would likely be in demand in your country? And what Qatari products can Hungarian customers find on the shelves of local stores?

Al Dosari: We suggest that companies, businessmen and chambers of commerce and industry from both countries meet and draw up a list of the most important goods and commodities that each side needs from the other.

DNH: The Qatari Embassy is also co-organising the upcoming Arab Cultural Day. What can you share with us about the event?

Al Dosari: The Arab Cultural Day, which will be organised on October 15, 2022 at the Ethnographic Museum in Budapest under the patronage of Mr. László Kövér, Speaker of the Hungarian Parliament, is an event where the Arab embassies in Hungary are trying to exhibit their countries’ most prominent cultural achievements, heritage and traditions.

Of course, time and place do not allow us to show all the cultural achievements of the Arab nation, but the visitors can see the richness and cultural diversity that extends over a large area in the Arab world.

In the Qatari stand, we will display some gifts and souvenirs designed specifically for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, including a miniature of the World Cup that will be given to the winning team.

DNH: How can you introduce Hungary to Qatari or other Muslim tourists travelling to our country? What are the main attractions they should definitely visit? And what are the must-try Hungarian dishes?

Al Dosari: We consider that it is very important for the Hungarian embassies accredited to the Arab countries to promote Hungary to travel companies, tourism agencies, hospitality services and hotels. As well as distributing tourist brochures highlighting the beautiful landmarks of Hungary.