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Hoyas Share Research on National Identity at QNRF Research Outcome Seminar

Bilboard with drawing of the Amir of Qatar's face with the inscription "Tamim Al Majd" in Arbic, with support grafitti written on the bilboard.

GU-Q student members of a recently concluded Undergraduate Research Experience Program (UREP) research grant project were invited to take part in a research outcome seminar at the HBKU Student Center. Held under the overarching theme of preserving Qatari identity in a globalized world, the seminar was hosted by the Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF), and featured a selection of some of the most outstanding UREP-funded research projects from across Education City, one of the main research funding programs at the undergraduate level offered by QNRF.

Titled “Jidariya: Every Day is National Day in Qatar,” the faculty-mentored student research project examined the ways in which the iconic jidariya, meaning billboard, of “Tamim Al-Majd” served to solidify the idea of the nation through researching the visual, linguistic and anthropological significance of the billboard, particularly in the wake of the blockade.

The project used visual anthropology methods to gather footage on the billboard’s political and social impact on individuals living in Qatar, including Qatari nationals and expatriates of all ethnicities. The gathered footage was used in the production of a short documentary film that documented their efforts and captured the broadly shared sentiments of unity and solidarity that swept the country in the wake of the land, air, and sea blockade launched by neighboring countries.  

The students benefited from the GU-Q mentorship and guidance of Dr. Rogaia Abusharaf, professor of Anthropology, Dr. Suzi Mirgani,  managing editor at the Center for International and Regional Studies (CIRS) at GU-Q, and Dr. Yehia A. Mohamed,  associate professor of Arabic.

Reflecting on his UREP experience, International Economics senior Mohamed Al-Khulaifi said that the project “is a testament to the unity Qatar witnessed during the blockade from all segments of society under the symbol of Tamim Al-Majd. Not only did this go against the calculations of the blockading countries, but it also boosted our morale and set a precedent for future projects.”

Other student researchers on the project included Mohammed Al-Jaberi (GU-Q’19), Mohammed Al-Khulaifi (GU-Q’20), Saoud Al-Ahmad (GU-Q’21), and Ousman Camara (GU-Q’20).