Yes indeed, it's been 5 years! ILQ started with a simple goal. To share information about Qatar with the world. As the website evolved, we went from a simple guide, to adding on forums, a huge event's section, unique content, videos, and we modified the site based on what you, the users, asked for.

We always thought that it was important to create a website that not only gave people some cool content, but was a force for positive change. That's why we've been using our profit to support charitable causes. For those that don't know, we've either donated, sponsored, or supported a great variety of causes. Some of the stuff we've done includes sponsoring local teams so that they could enter tournaments, supporting animal welfare groups, partnering with Think Pink Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign, supporting laborers, providing support for those that want to protect their rights, beach cleanups, a mangrove cleanup, and even city cleanups. Of course our donations have gone to charitable causes such as the Tsunami Relief, Syrian Support, Gaza Support, Philippines Relief, and others.

Yes indeed, the more that visitors support sponsors, visit the website, and share our stuff, the more impressions we get, and the more impressions leads to more ads, more ads means increased revenues, which means we can support even more in the community. We like to think we've built a great ecosystem.

We've also been working hard to get people the truth. From doing our best to sharing information responsibly and in a timely manner, to asking questions that promotes transparency and a better quality of life in the country; we do it because we think it's the right thing to do. It's not all serious stuff though, because we've even been hard at work with QH on the Qatar Choice Awards, so that we give the public a voice. We think that it should be up to the public to share who they think has the best restaurant, or hotel, or even beach for example.

It's also about about making it easy to get the information we put out there. So that's why we focused heavily on creating a constantly updated Facebook Page, Twitter Accounts, regular newsletter, and fun YouTube channel. Want to find information about events only? You can follow @QatarEvents channels. Hungry? Follow @DineOutDoha ! Maybe you just want to get info via email? Then subscribe to The Buzz and we'll send you an email twice a month. Want to know everything happening in Qatar! Follow @iloveqatar

We even work and support other websites to build the online scene. Our network and friends include Qatar Happening, Doha News, WGO, Red Bull, Global DJs, Iconic, Q-Live, Adabisc, Red Apple, Qatar is Booming, Just Here, Balitang Q, and so many more. (I didn't leave anyone out intentionally, please do leave a comment below to be mentioned :) )

Having said that, we just want people to enjoy life in Qatar. If we can bring a smile to your face by partnering up with fantastic event organizers or even make you laugh with QTips or surprise you with Hamad's crazy antics, we think it's worth it.

Of course at the end of the day, it's all thanks to you. You've been supporting us and have been keeping us going. Please do keep sharing, liking, and commenting.

So what's coming next? Well we've already kicked off ILQ Tickets, an online ticketing platform that's been doing really well (we have some huge news to share later on), we're still working hard on ILQ Radio, and we've got some new apps coming out. We'll share more on all of that soon.

So from your friends at ILQ HQ and Mr. Q (your friendly neighborhood Qatari),
Thank you!

Oh! People loved the little Qatari Mario style image we did so much that we decided to share an HD image and also a Qatari Luigi (wearing a Sirwal and Fanila) too. :)

Follow us on our social media channels: @ILQlive @ILQlive @ILoveQtr ILoveQatar

Khalifa Al Haroon

Your friendly neighborhood Qatari

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