Channelling Creativity Through Sport

Reem Al-Haddad, Qatar

Reem Al-Haddad is a Data Scientist, photographer, and filmmaker. As part of the GOALS program, Reem shares how she uses creativity to capture the sporting journeys of those around her.

Going back to the early 2000s, all I had was a Nokia phone and a small camera that had no screen. The first time I ever tried using a camera, I took photos of my siblings. I was very overwhelmed and excited about snapping photos, and it was something that I enjoyed from a very young age. At nine or ten years old, I got my first Sony camera with a screen, and I continued filming and taking pictures of my siblings, along with some flowers in our backyard. I still have plenty of photos that I took from that camera on a very precious hard drive.

Today, I am particularly interested in sharing the authentic essence of Qataris and their inspiring stories, allowing their achievements to serve as guiding lights for others.

My Inner Artist

My name is Reem Al-Haddad, I am 24 years old and from Doha, Qatar. Growing up, I found myself very interested in the creative realm. From painting to photography, I have tried to express myself in different artistic ways.

I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Information Systems and pursued a career in Data Science. My university years were filled with all sorts of artistic endeavors. I was able to integrate my artistic skills into every little opportunity I had. For example, I started and ran a club called ‘Carnigraphy’, which became the first Arabic calligraphy club on campus. Through this club, we organized sessions to teach the student community various Arabic calligraphy styles and orchestrated a number of artistic events for the club, fostering a vibrant creative community. The club still exists today, and you can see our work on the club page, @carnigraphy.

Among other projects, I have also enrolled in photography courses taught by the esteemed Professor Dylan Vitone from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, expanding my skills under his guidance. To create compelling content for coursework, I would go on crazy adventures. I remember going to the middle of the desert for one assignment. I also woke my sister up with the sunrise once and made her take a morning dip at the AlWakrah beach for a beautiful photography session.

I currently engage in artistic projects alongside my professional endeavors, continuously exploring methods to enrich my career by integrating my creative perspective.

Into The Deep End

As I was immersed in the creative world, I was not initially drawn to sports growing up. However, because I enjoy trying all sorts of things, I have tried several sports, including swimming, basketball, athletics, and more recently kayaking and playing padel. While I have not mastered any of these activities, I find immense joy in participating because it offers a new challenge and an opportunity for growth.

I have found that team sports provide me with energy and thrill, and the feeling of competition and the spirit of sport is really admirable. I have also found that I enjoy individual sports because it allows me to focus on myself and relax, which is something I am very bad at.

Recently, I have embraced freestyle swimming to unleash my full strength and energy. Sports help me express my inner power.

I have always thought I could never learn how to swim. We used to have biweekly swimming classes in high school and I just never learned. When I went to the pool, I was always afraid of letting go, something friends and family often pushed me to do.

One day recently, I discovered how powerful and unafraid I became when I wore my cousin’s swimming goggles, which covered both my eyes and nose at the same time. I realized how simple letting go and just swimming is. I realized that I could see how the pool looked deep down, that I could touch the ground, and just flap my feet and swim.

It felt amazing, realizing how simple it was, and removing all the fear. Although I have only swam in smaller pools, my 2024 resolution is to master swimming and learn how to swim with a group of women at Aspire.

Sports Journeys Around the Nation

Sports are a core part of my family's heritage and daily life. My father and uncles have a strong handball background, with one uncle also serving as a handball referee, while another holds a prominent position overseeing table tennis in a Qatari club. On my mother's side, our sporting legacy continues with a cousin representing the national football team of Bahrain and another in bowling.

Throughout the year, we are separately involved in various sports. However, the annual National Sport Day in February is one of the times we get together and engage in all sorts of group athletic activities. During this time, sporting activities take place all over the city for people of all ages. People regularly visit places like Katara, Al Bidda Park, Corniche, and Oxygen Park. Families gather in their sports attire and participate in individual or team activities. Some families curate their own events in their backyards and gather everyone, including the grandparents who may not be able to go out for events.

As for my friends, I continuously see them engage in their favorite sports.

My marathon-running friend, for instance, discovered resilience through long-distance races, conquering both physical and mental challenges. The horse-riding enthusiasts discover a profound sense of well-being, forming a unique bond with nature and their equine companions. Then there is the friend passionate about participating in padel tournaments, where the strategic and dynamic nature of the game offers both physical and mental engagement. Those committed to the daily gym routine not only prioritize health but also discover a place for stress relief.

What they all have in common, I believe, is that sports allow them to focus on themselves, since with our daily rush and corporate life, this is very difficult to do. Engaging in sports also serves as an escape that helps release all stress and negative energy from daily life. When cheering them on, it is not just witnessing a victory, it is about celebrating their individual wins, dedication, and the personal growth each sport brings.

Moments of Vulnerability

The support I have received from everyone in my life has been invaluable. Whether it is my family, friends, teachers, or mentors, each person has played a role in providing the moral and emotional support I need to pursue what I love.

As the eldest sibling, the weight of responsibility often falls on my shoulders, and there have been moments when I have needed to lean on family and friends for support. Despite projecting a sense of invincibility, I have my moments of vulnerability. I am not particularly good at expressing my feelings and tend to keep my struggles to myself to avoid burdening others.

However, I am fortunate to have a very close friend, a person with whom I can openly share my challenges. Their support has been a source of solace. Their presence provides a space where I feel comfortable expressing my thoughts and emotions without judgement. Their support looks like patient listening, a comforting presence during difficult times, and a willingness to offer a helping hand. I am immensely grateful for this connection, as it allows me to navigate the complexities of life with someone who genuinely cares.

While I may carry the responsibility as the eldest sibling and feel like I should be strong in front of them, having a trusted friend to share my struggles reinforces the strength that comes from meaningful connections.

The Human Experience

Human experiences and connections are at the core of my creative journey. Capturing genuine moments and emotions is what I believe makes a compelling photograph. To me, a compelling photograph captures the human touch, emotions and feelings, sunlight, and a beautiful story.

By showcasing the stories of individuals through my art, I hope to evoke emotions, provoke thought, and ultimately contribute to a collective legacy of inspiration and admiration for the human spirit. I learned a lot of things along the way.

I learned that humans are so different yet so similar. I learned that culture is a very important aspect that shapes who we are. I learned that all humans have struggles, different types of struggles that you might not have thought of. I learned the importance of curiosity over judgement. I learned the importance of listening to others and hearing their stories and then taking photos - that is how you form a connection with the person photographed - and that is how you will never forget that person.

Shattering the Stereotype

There is a general misconception that women in Qatar lead restricted lives devoid of engagement in sports or various activities, and that we are under constant control. Among the prevalent misunderstandings about women in Qatar, a common one is the portrayal of oppression. This stereotype is often perpetuated in media discussions and encounters with the international community, as I experienced during interactions surrounding the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

I recall a very special interaction with a Colombian individual that extended for hours. Engaging in a deep conversation about life, he shared how preconceived notions formed by media narratives disappeared upon his arrival in Qatar. Our discussion spanned topics such as work, family, modern ideologies, life, and religion, inspiring both of us to embrace and learn from our differences. Witnessing his genuine intentions and the purity of his heart through our conversation left a lasting impact, prompting reflections on acceptance and understanding. I often think about that interaction, hoping he finds the solace and guidance he seeks on his journey.

Another interaction I will never forget was with a group of Palestinians who came to the GOALS 2022 exhibition. Their story is very different from anyone else. The FIFA World Cup was their only way to escape the open-air prison in Gaza. They could not travel in the past, but with the World Cup and the ease of Hayya cards, they were able to see and experience the world. I think about them a lot, especially since I have made memories with them, and have some souvenirs that they gifted me on their visit. We talked for hours, and I came to understand how privileged I am to live this life compared to the misery they are living. I came to realize the realities in other parts of the world. Now with the ongoing war on Gaza, I keep checking on them through social media, hoping that nothing bad happens to them.

The world tends to overlook the richness of cultural and religious differences, often labeling what appears different as negative.

However, the reality is that we lead private lives, engaging in a diverse range of activities similar to women worldwide. The difference lies in our privacy, not a lack of participation.

It is disheartening that acceptance seems contingent on justifying our way of life to fit global perceptions. We do not seek validation but rather understanding - that our choices, privacy, and religious and cultural values deserve respect without the need for constant justification.

The Shift in Sports

For women in our community, sports hold immense significance, as they do for women globally. Engaging in sports is not just about maintaining a healthy lifestyle and physique; it is about fostering overall well-being and setting the foundation for healthier future generations.

The availability of private spaces for women to engage in sports has been a significant challenge in our community. However positive strides have been made, with dedicated spaces and specific days allocated for women to participate in various sports. This shift represents a notable change, allowing greater accessibility and inclusivity for women in sports.

As I grew up, I saw that Qatar has been progressively expanding its offerings for women and girls in sports. There is a diverse array of sports available, including football, swimming, basketball, marathons, and even horse riding. The breadth of options showcases the commitment to providing inclusive sporting opportunities for all.

The women-friendly and family-friendly momentum following the 2022 FIFA World Cup has notably contributed to a more inclusive sports landscape. We have witnessed a rise in inclusive sporting events, reflecting a growing emphasis on diversity and equality in sports.

Limitless Opportunities

Looking ahead to the future, I hope to continue to blend my passions for creativity and advocacy. I aspire to amplify the stories of inspiring individuals through various mediums, using my skills in photography and filmmaking.

Additionally, I would like to foster greater understanding and appreciation for cultural diversity, using art as a tool to bridge gaps and celebrate unique perspectives.

I also aspire to show the world the beauty of our culture and serve as a cultural ambassador, reflecting our traditions and heritage authentically. Through my creative platforms, I intend to highlight the richness of our cultural tapestry, celebrating its diversity and contributing to a more interconnected world where cultural differences are cherished and embraced.

The future for women in sports in our community and Qatar appears promising, with a growing emphasis on inclusivity and opportunities.

To further this evolution, I would like to see continued efforts in expanding accessible facilities and resources dedicated to women's sports.

By sharing stories of women in sports, while respecting their privacy, I will play a role in inspiring more women and girls to pursue their athletic aspirations. Ultimately, I envision a future where women and girls in Qatar have limitless opportunities to excel in sports, where their achievements are celebrated, and where sports serve as a unifying force, promoting empowerment, health, and community.

Reem Al-Haddad, Qatar

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