What happened in Villaggio on 28 May 2012 was one of the biggest disasters in Qatar. The case is still in court, pending decision. There has been a degree of social furor, but apparently not enough to bring about a significant change in procedures or attitude. The Ministry of Interior applied intensive safety and security checks in all the city malls; City Center was shut down for several weeks pending changes to its safety system. It seemed like preparedness in case of fire was taken much more seriously, with improved systems and regular fire and evacuation drills in buildings across the country. However, almost of this is negated by the actions of a small group of people who are presumed to be above the law, at least in certain places. Walk by Starbucks in Landmark mall anytime of the day, and you’d find people (majority of whom are men in thobes), sipping a coffee and smoking a cigarette. There are no ashtrays plus there’s a no smoking sign, but the customers use the plastic cups or mugs as ashtrays. Read more

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