Since the outbreak of the attacks, the streets of Qatari cities have become almost empty, as have shopping centres, except for essential shoppers, despite previously noticeable crowds purchasing Ramadan supplies. [Getty]
Iranian attacks on Qatar have altered the interests and daily routines of citizens and residents, particularly as they coincide with Ramadan, a month traditionally marked by family and social visits and late-night activities.
From time to time, thousands watch the sound and flash of Patriot missiles intercepting Iranian rockets over Doha, either with the naked eye or on television screens.
Since the outbreak of the attacks, the streets of Qatari cities have become almost empty, as have shopping centres, except for essential shoppers, despite previously noticeable crowds purchasing Ramadan supplies.
Restaurants and Ramadan tents have also seen fewer customers, following official guidelines.
The one routine that remains largely unchanged is citizens and residents rushing to perform prayers after the call to prayer, especially the evening and Tarawih prayers.
Following the initial missile launches on Qatar on Saturday morning last month, on 28 Feburary, monitoring the early warning system through mobile phones and following instructions from the Qatari Interior Ministry has become part of daily life. Alerts remind everyone to comply with instructions, including staying in safe locations and leaving homes or buildings only when necessary, reinforcing public safety and protecting lives.
Lawyer Mohamed Al-Ansari told The New Arab that he had to cancel a Ramadan gathering invitation he had sent to friends and clients, prioritising everyone’s safety and adhering to official precautionary measures.
He said he sent a WhatsApp message to his invitees: “The decision to cancel the invitation is taken out of responsibility for your safety and respect for current circumstances. We ask God to preserve security and stability in our country.”
The government’s decision to allow employees in public and private sectors to work remotely until further notice did not apply to Hanane, a nurse at a government hospital. Health sector staff were exempt because their work requires an on-site presence.
Hanane said to TNA that her daily routine has not changed much. She works in the morning until midday, returns home for some rest, then wakes up in time to prepare Iftar. After the evening meal, she focuses on prayer, Quran reading, and watching television to follow the news.
Teacher Ibtisam remarked to TNA that she struggles with the remote learning system implemented by the Ministry of Education due to the war.
“The administration asks us to fill out files, record student attendance, prepare worksheets, and plan lessons, while the coordinator keeps changing instructions. Sometimes we are told to conduct lessons online, sometimes to record them, and sometimes to do a ten-minute live session to answer students’ questions. My own children also need help during remote lessons. One asks me to explain lessons, and the younger one asks me to prepare food,” she said.
“I experience great psychological pressure juggling multiple tasks, preparing food, supervising children’s studies, fulfilling school requirements, and coping with the threat of attacks. All of this happens during Ramadan while we are fasting,” Ibtisam added.
The Qatari Ministry of Education announced the transition to remote learning for all public and private schools, kindergartens, and higher education institutions, effective Sunday, 1 March, as a precautionary and organisational measure until further notice.
The ministry said the decision “comes in light of continuous monitoring of regional developments to ensure the continuity of education according to the approved schedules of each institution through official digital platforms.”
Iranian attacks have also drawn citizens and residents closer together, with daily enquiries about personal news becoming common.
Many remain glued to television or digital news sources, sharing updates on the conflict via social media, including the number of missiles launched by Iran and reports of casualties or material losses.
Article translated from Arabic by Afrah Almatwari. To read the original, click here.
