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Religion does not contradict progressive view. Islamic tendencies support progressive movements, mainly because the latter didn’t invent the wheel. The conservative atmosphere in Qatar has contributed to its environmental policy and sustainability projects. Public institutions and initiatives have advanced the green agenda and encouraged existing initiatives that align with Islamic values, as expressed in Qatar. This can be seen, for example, in the case of EcoMENA and its support for the Islamic art scene in the emirate.
Introduction
Like many countries, Qatar has developed an environmental policy in response to the climate crisis. Doha has outlined this policy in the country’s future vision, Qatar National Vision 2030. When examining Qatar’s policy in implementing these goals and its overall environmental approach, one should pay attention to Qatar’s unique characteristics. The conservative expression of the emirate’s identity is evident in the public space and in promoting initiatives that align with Islamic values.
Sustainability and Green Policy in Qatar
In a statement to Qatar News Agency on the occasion of Qatar National Day on December 18, 2021, Sheikh Dr. Faleh bin Nasser Al Thani, the minister of Environment and Climate Change, said that under the wise leadership of Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Qatar has established a strong interest in the environment. Qatar has achieved sustainable environmental development and has translated this into goals and projects in the Qatar National Environment and Climate Change Strategy (QNE). The environment and environmental development are one of the four main pillars of Qatar’s National Vision 2030, demonstrating Qatar’s commitment to sustainability.[1] This ministerial post is relatively new. In October 2021, Qatar’s emir created an environment and climate change ministry and appointed the current minister from the ruling family.[2] In the same month, Qatar’s prime minister and minister of interior, Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa Al Thani, unveiled an ambitious environmental program: the Qatar National Environment and Climate Change Strategy. This strategy led Forbes to declare that “the Gulf state sees itself as a green knight in the climate-change battle.”[3]
On June 27, 1995, then Crown Prince, Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani carried out a successful coup against his father Khalifa and became Emir. In November 1995, the new Emir surprised the Qatari population and the rest of the Gulf by announcing his intention to hold general elections for membership in the Central Municipal Council (CMC).[4]Already in 2012, the CMC
of Qatar expressed interest in learning about Singapore’s experience in wastewater and parks management. This took place during a meeting between Singapore’s Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs and Community Development, Youth and Sports, Sam Tan, and the Chairman of the CMC, Saoud Bin Abdullah Al-Hinzab in Qatar in April 2014.[5] In 2016, the CMC recommended that authorities do more to restore some of the country’s green spaces, which have been replaced by desert in recent years. The discussion took place at the bi-weekly CMC meeting in March 2016. Khalid Al-Anzi, an official at the Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME)’s Agricultural Department, said during a previous meeting with the CMC’s public services and utilities committee that the ministry already had a program in place to develop Qatar’s meadows.[6] This issue was not neglected. The slogan “Ancestral Meadows: A Matter of Trust” was chosen in 2021 to celebrate the National Day of the State of Qatar.[7]
Another example of environmental policy by the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development was the Earthna Center for a Sustainable Future, launched at the 20th annual Doha Forum summit in March 2022. The announcement came during a high-level panel discussion, which explored ways of making cities the focus for sustainable global solutions for both nature and the climate. Earthna is a play on words, combining both English and Arabic to mean “our earth.” The mission of the non-profit center is to support sustainability through advocating for evidence-based policy action on a global level. It also aims to encourage behavioral change within the community and position Qatar as a leading voice for environmental issues in dry and water-scarce climates.[8] Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, vice chairperson and CEO of the Foundation, stated the Qatari vision regarding this center: “Our connection with nature remains a fundamental element in building our future. Stemming from its pioneering contributions to sustainability, Qatar Foundation has played an important role in supporting the national priorities, starting from its contribution to promoting awareness and societal culture of sustainability, to finding solutions to urgent environmental challenges in Qatar.”[9]
The Public Parks Department of the Ministry of Municipality and Environment, in coordination with various municipalities, participated in the ongoing one million tree-planting campaign. This participation came as part of the ministry’s efforts to support Qatar’s endeavors to combat climate change and promote environmental sustainability. Al-Daayen Municipality also carried out a tree planting campaign and planted 100 trees at Simaisma beach. The tree planting initiative was announced in March 2019 during the seventh International Agricultural Exhibition (AgriteQ) and the first Qatar International Environmental Exhibition (EnviroteQ). According to a press statement by the Ministry of Municipality and Environment, the Doha Municipality participated in a campaign at Old Airport park to plant 600 saplings, attended by the director of Doha Municipality along with directors of various departments and CMC member al-Jufairi.[10]
This Qatari policy of promoting a sustainable environment is also relevant to foreign affairs. Goals that include environmental policy are promoted, with special attention given to women’s needs. Funded by the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD), the Global Green Growth Institute is implementing four 3-year projects, two of which support “greenpreneurs” in both the Pacific and Caribbean regions. The incubator programs are targeting existing innovative early-stage medium, small, and micro-enterprises (MSMEs), including women-owned firms.[11] QFFD also partnered with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to help hundreds of African farmers battle climate change with a staggering $200 million initiative. Bill Gates, along with Khalifa Al-Kuwari, the director general of QFFD, and the CEO of the Gates Foundation, Mark Suzman, revealed the initiative, named Nanmo, or “growing together” in Arabic. Part of the fund will also be used to achieve several sustainable development goals as defined by the UN. “Nanmo isn’t just about protecting agriculture against climate change. It’s also about making sure that smallholder farmers, including millions of women, can lift themselves out of poverty,” said Melinda French Gates, co-chair of the Gates Foundation.[12]
As we have seen, from the Qatari side this initiative was led by Khalifa Al-Kuwari, the director general of QFFD. We have already seen the importance of Al-Kuwari in the Qatari elite. Another member of the family was also involved in the green policy. Qatari Finance Minister Ali Al Kuwari said the new bonds will fund renewable projects among other carbon-efficiency initiatives.[13]
From all the above, one can clearly see Qatar’s green agenda and the Qatari leadership’s position on sustainability. This agenda has been supported by religious values.
Conservative Views of the Qatari Population
Qatar is a religious state that strongly supports and enforces the majority religion, and observing the religion is mandatory.[14] In line with this, in 2016, the Ministry of Municipality and Environment chose to ban unaccompanied men from visiting the Al Khor Park twice a week, instead of once a week. This decision was made to ensure that The presence of foreign young males cause inconvenience for parts of the population and the Qatari government sought to establish ‘safe space’ for women and little children. This decision implies that the Ministry is aware of the conservative social preferences of the Central Municipal Council and other Qataris. As many have assumed, an elected Advisory Council could similarly reflect such conservative attitudes, which could potentially embarrass the ruling family.[15] These conservative attitudes have also affected the public sphere in general.
These conservative views have impacted the government in Doha. In 2017, the Qatari government intended to implement a new “sin tax” on goods that are considered “harmful to human health and the environment.” This includes fast food, carbonated beverages, tobacco, and alcohol.[16] However, this tax was postponed for several months due to a months-long Gulf dispute that caused food and transportation prices to rise in the country.[17]
The Islamic agenda has also affected the design of public spaces in terms of art and visual works. After a 16-foot-tall bronze sculpture depicting one soccer player head-butting another was installed on the Corniche, some residents called online for its removal on the grounds that the sculpture, by Algerian artist Adel Abdessemed, offended religious sensibilities.[18] Qatari citizens called for Abdessemed’s statue to be removed because they found it offensive to Islam. Protestors claimed that the statue was an invitation to idolatry, and Islam forbids making statues and depicting animals and people. “We want a legitimate fatwa from the Ministry of Islamic Affairs against this statue! Because statues are not allowed in Islam and Zidane’s action was unethical,” wrote one commentator on Twitter.[19] Another person sarcastically tweeted “Congratulations for having new idols,” as the Arabic hashtag “Zidane’s statue in Qatar” triggered a huge reaction from dismayed conservatives. “It is sad that our youth see in this art and modernity. Our children do not differentiate between the right and the wrong, or the haram (prohibited) and the halal (permissible),” wrote a third person on Twitter.[20]
Abdessemed’s statue was not the only problematic one. A former advisor to the administrative office of the Emir of Qatar related that a statue of an oryx marking what was once known as Oryx Roundabout was removed in 2013, having provoked complaints about the portrayal of animals since its construction in the 1980s. Although values likely have not changed a great deal since the 1980s, the government has become more proactive in addressing such complaints in recent years, eager to maintain Islamic and Qatari culture.[21]
The government insisted on the third statue. Fourteen giant bronze sculptures by British artist Damien Hirst, which graphically depict the journey from conception to birth, were originally unveiled in October 2013 but then were covered from public view following an outcry on social media. Hirst acknowledged that the set might have been controversial when they were first unveiled in 2013. “You know culturally, it’s the first naked sculpture in the Middle East . . . It’s very brave,” he told Doha News. Officials also arranged for a young boy to recite a passage from the Qur’an about the formation of life in an apparent effort to appease critics.[22] Qatari officials also used religious reasons to justify the decision. “There is a verse in the Qur’an about the miracle of birth,” said Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani, “It is not against our culture or our religion.”[23]
Sustainability and Green Policy in Qatar—The Religious Factor
The Islamic art scene in Qatar was mentioned in the context of climate change during a conference titled “Earth Talk Series: Islam and the Environment,” hosted in April 2023 by the Arab Youth Climate Movement Qatar (AYCMQ) in partnership with Msheireb Museums. Participants linked the tenets of Islam, which place the responsibility of the planet in the hands of people. The event was attended by Western Ambassadors to Qatar and Qatari officials as well. The Assistant Undersecretary of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Ahmed Mohamed Al Sada, declared that “Islam is considered one of the main drivers toward sustainability in communities.”[24] The connection between art and the environment went beyond the declarations. In November 2022, in line with Qatar’s National Climate Change Action Plan 2030, the Museum of Islamic Art received the globally recognized carbon-neutral certification, making it the first museum in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and in Asia to achieve carbon neutrality.[25] This was not the first time a Qatari initiative succeeded in promoting the Qatari agenda on this matter by connecting it to the religious identity of the state.
EcoMENA is a volunteer-driven initiative that aims to create mass environmental awareness and foster sustainability worldwide, with a particular focus on the MENA region. The organization received the Qatar Sustainability Awards in 2018.[26] It was established in 2012 and is headquartered in Doha. A representative from EcoMENA explained that this organization is a knowledge-based initiative about Eco-Islam, stating, “We are regularly researching and publishing new and interesting English and Arabic articles on Islamic perspectives of environment.”[27] For example, the founder of EcoMENA, Salman Zafar, published an article in which he asserts that “The Holy Qur’an and Sunnah are a guiding light to promote sustainable development in Islamic countries as well as around the world” and provides quotes from the Holy Qur’an and Hadiths, the traditions of Prophet Muhammad, to support his claim.[28]
Another program that has connected Islam and sustainability was initiated in October 2021. Maker Majlis is a platform operating under the College of Islamic Studies (CIS) at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) for youth to engage in activities related to the UN sustainable development goals.[29] Maker Majlis launched Schifa, whose acronym refers to “Science, Innovation, and Faith for Human Dignity,” but also means “healing,” in Arabic. Schifa has been described as an instigator for embracing the role of Islam in fostering environmental activism.[30] The founder of Maker Majlis, Dr. Evren Tok gave an example to female participation describing Schifa’s Deep Dive sessions, which include “a set of materials carefully curated by Jennifer Geist of Doha Debates”.[31] Government involvement and the contribution of women are also apparent here. The leadership of HBKU includes co-founder Sheikha Moza bint Nasser Al-Missned, a wife of Sheikh Hamad, and Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani who serves as the chairperson of HBKU’s Board of Trustees.[32]
Conclusion
As part of Qatar’s 2030 vision, the Al Thani leadership has supported green initiatives and other efforts to promote sustainability in the country. These efforts led prestigious news outlets, like Forbes, to hail Qatari green conduct. This policy aligns with Islamic social preferences and the conservative attitude in the emirate. Numerous public declarations by Qatari high-ranking officials have highlighted the connection between Islamic values and the promotion of environmental policies. In accordance with this approach, many Qatari initiatives have combined religious principles with climate actions, both inside the emirate and beyond.
Acknowledgements
Open Access funding provided the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive.
[1] “Minister: Qatar Keen on Protecting, Sustaining Environment,” The Peninsula, December 13, 2021, https://thepeninsulaqatar.com/article/13/12/2021/minister-qatar-keen-on-protecting-sustaining-environment
[2] “Qatar Forms Climate Change Ministry, Appoints Finance Minister,” Reuters, October 19, 2021, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/qatar-emir-appoints-al-kawari-finance-minister-government-reshuffle-2021-10-19/
[3] Llewellyn King, “Qatar Sees Green Role For LNG As World Gasps For More Energy,” Forbes, December 4, 2021, https://www.forbes.com/sites/llewellynking/2021/12/04/qatar-sees-green-role-for-lng-as-world-gasps-for-more-energy/?sh=5d676bb86660
[4] Ariel Admoni, “Order from Above: The Evolvement of Elections in Qatar”, Contemporary Review
of the Middle East Volume 9, Issue 3, p. 312 https://doi.org/10.1177/23477989221100067
[5] “Qatar Keen to Learn from Singapore’s Waste Water and Parks Management,” Eco-Business, April 24, 2014, https://www.eco-business.com/news/qatar-keen-to-learn-from-singapores-waste-water-and-parks-management/
[6] Heba Fahmy, “CMC: Qatar’s Meadows Must be Restored,” Doha News, March 26, 2016, https://www.dohanews.co/cmc-qatars-meadows-must-be-restored/
[7] “Minister: Qatar Keen on Protecting, Sustaining Environment,” The Peninsula, December 13, 2021, https://thepeninsulaqatar.com/article/13/12/2021/minister-qatar-keen-on-protecting-sustaining-environment
[8] Hazar Kilani, “Qatar Foundation Launches Earthna Centre,” Doha News, March 29, 2022, https://www.dohanews.co/qatar-foundation-launches-earthna-centre/
[9] “Qatar Foundation Announces the Establishment of the ‘Our Legacy’ Center to Integrate Research and Sustainability Policies,” [in Arabic] Al Arab, March 26, 2022, https://m.alarab.qa/article/26/03/2022/%D9%85%D8%A4%D8%B3%D8%B3%D8%A9-%D9%82%D8%B7%D8%B1-%D8%AA%D8%B9%D9%84%D9%86-%D8%AA%D8%A3%D8%B3%D9%8A%D8%B3-%D9%85%D8%B1%D9%83%D8%B2-%D8%A5%D8%B1%D8%AB%D9%86%D8%A7-%D9%84%D8%AA%D8%AD%D9%82%D9%8A%D9%82-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AA%D9%83%D8%A7%D9%85%D9%84-%D8%A8%D9%8A%D9%86-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A8%D8%AD%D9%88%D8%AB-%D9%88%D8%B3%D9%8A%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%AA%D8%AF%D8%A7%D9%85%D8%A9
[10] “MME Takes Part in One Million Tree Planting Campaign,” Gulf Times, February 23, 2020, https://www.gulf-times.com/story/656678/MME-takes-part-in-one-million-tree-planting-campai
[11] Sachin Kumar, “Qatar, GGGI Partner for Green Growth and Sustainable Development,” The Peninsula, March 23, 2022, https://thepeninsulaqatar.com/article/23/03/2022/qatar-gggi-partner-for-green-growth-and-sustainable-development
[12] Menatalla Ibrahim, “Qatar and Gates Foundation Launch $200mn Climate Change Project,” Doha News, March 29, 2022, https://www.dohanews.co/qatar-gates-foundation-launch-200mn-climate-change-project/
[13] “Qatari Finance Minister Talks Green Bond Plans,” Bloomberg, March 28, 2022, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/videos/2022-03-28/qatari-foreign-minister-talks-green-bond-plans-video
[14] Jonathan Fox, An Introduction to Religion and Politics: Theory and Practice (London: Routledge, 2018), 130.
[15] Courtney Freer, Rentier Islamism: The Influence of the Muslim Brotherhood in Gulf Monarchies (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2018), 116–117, 120.
[16] “QDC Tells Customers to Stock Up Before Qatar Raises Alcohol Tax,” Doha News, March 23, 2017, https://www.dohanews.co/qdc-tells-customers-to-stock-up-before-qatar-raises-alcohol-tax/
[17] “IMF: Qatar is Postponing New Taxes on Junk Food and Alcohol,” Doha News, August 31, 2017, https://www.dohanews.co/imf-qatar-is-postponing-new-taxes-on-junk-food-and-alcohol-2/
[18] Carol Vogel, “Art, From Conception to Birth in Qatar,” The New York Times, October 7, 2013, https://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/08/arts/design/damien-hirsts-anatomical-sculptures-have-their-debut.html
[19] “Qatar: Citizens Protest Zidane Headbutt Statue as Un-Islamic,” ANSAmed, October 8, 2013, https://www.ansamed.info/ansamed/en/news/sections/generalnews/2013/10/08/Qatar-citizens-protest-Zidane-headbutt-statue-un-Islamic_9429088.html
[20] “Qatar Removes Zidane Statue After Outcry,” Al Jazeera, October 31, 2013, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2013/10/31/qatar-removes-zidane-statue-after-outcry
[21] Freer, Rentier Islamism, 120.
[22] “Damien Hirst Delivers Controversy with Giant Uterus Sculptures at Qatar Hospital,” The Guardian, November 19, 2018, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/nov/19/damien-hirst-delivers-controversy-with-giant-uterus-sculptures-at-qatar-hospital
[23] Vogel, “Art, From Conception to Birth in Qatar.”
[24] Ayeni Olusegun, “AYCMQ Talk Highlights Islam and Environmental Responsibility,” The Peninsula, April 18, 2023, https://thepeninsulaqatar.com/article/18/04/2023/aycmq-talk-highlights-islam-and-environmental-responsibility
[25] Qatar Museum, “Qatar’s Museum of Islamic Art Becomes Asia’s First Museum to Achieve Carbon Neutral Status,” Press Release, November 3, 2022, https://qm.org.qa/en/press/press-releases/qatars-museum-of-islamic-art-becomes-asias-first-museum-to-achieve-carbon-neutral-status/
[26] EcoMENA, “Home,” https://www.ecomena.org/
[27] Dina M. Abdelzaher and Amir Abdelzaher, “Beyond Environmental Regulations: Exploring the Potential of ‘Eco-Islam’ in Boosting Environmental Ethics Within SMEs in Arab Markets,” Journal of Business Ethics, 145, no. 2 (October 2017), 362, 365, https://www.jstor.org/stable/45022250
[28] Salman Zafar, “Environmental Sustainability in Islam,” EcoMENA, August 29, 2021, https://www.ecomena.org/sustainability-islam/
[29] “Maker Majlis,” College of Islamic Studies, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, https://www.hbku.edu.qa/en/cis/maker-majlis
[30] Evren Tok and Iman Ismail, “Connecting Islam with Environmental Activism and Sustainability,” College of Islamic Studies, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, November 11, 2021, https://www.hbku.edu.qa/en/news/CIS-SUST-CIEAS
[31] Evren Tok, “Maker Majlis’ Schifa Encourages Faith-Science Dialogue during Doha Cultural Capital of Islamic World 2021” The Peninsula, January 17, 2022, https://thepeninsulaqatar.com/opinion/17/01/2022/maker-majlis-schifa-encourages-faith-science-dialogue-during-doha-cultural-capital-of-islamic-world-2021
[32] “HBKU Leadership,” College of Islamic Studies, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, https://www.hbku.edu.qa/en/about-hbku/hbku-leadership
