Blogs

Rima Fakih

Miss USA 2010 2010

My First Visit to Qatar

posted by Rima Fakih at 01:17pm on 10/18/2010

As I continued my Middle Eastern tour as Miss USA, my next stop was Doha, Qatar. I took part in the “Made in the USA” exhibition, where American companies showcased their products or services in the lucrative Gulf Region. I always love to see fellow Americans while traveling overseas, and I am fascinated by our country’s continued growth in finding new markets in all corners of the world. Qatar is truly a beautiful country. My suite at the Grand Hyatt in Doha had an amazing view of the city and I was captivated by many unique buildings still being built. I had the privilege of visiting the Shafallah Center in Doha for children with special needs. I was greeted by the director who was very welcoming and told me of their plans to build four more centers to their campus, including a Children's Hospital and an Olympic Stadium. I was thrilled to learn that Best Buddies has a branch in Qatar that is linked with the Shafallah Center.

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month I visited the Al Amal Hospital, where a breast cancer survivor and wife of US ambassador to Qatar, Ellie LeBaron, gave me a tour. I admired the "Think Pink Qatar” and “Qatar National Cancer Society" programs that reside in the Al Amal Hospital and throughout the country. During my hospital visit I met cancer patients from all over the world including Chicago, the United Kingdom, and Dubai.

I was impressed to see the number of diverse residents who have immigrated to Qatar for work opportunities. I learned that 80% of Qatar’s residents are not originally from the country, and it is therefore truly a melting pot of so many different cultures and traditions.

My trip to Qatar was made possible by Salam International, a public shareholding company in the Middle East that was founded by Abdul Salam Mohammed Abu Issa in 1952. I was welcomed to the Salam International offices where I learned about a series of projects in the works to transform the company’s corporate strategy, policies, branding and procedures. Their next big development is an upcoming high-end shopping mall called “The Gate”, which will be opening it’s doors in 2011. I spent most of my time in the Salam department store where I met with fans and had a photo shoot for the company’s next catalogue.

I had many other wonderful experiences during my trip to Qatar including a wonderful dinner hosted by the US Ambassador to Lebanon, Hassan Saad, a meet and greet with the wives of American expatriates residing in Qatar, and multiple press conferences.

Before leaving the beautiful country, I decided to give a special shout out to one of our prestigious Club Universe members who lives in Qatar. I made sure to shoot a personalized video thanking him for his loyalty and for following my journey as Miss USA. Be sure to sign up at www.missusa.com, because next time it could be YOU!

I would like to truly thank Salam International, Lufthansa Airlines, and the “Made in the USA” expo for my memorable trip to Doha, Qatar. Be sure to check out the pictures and video coming soon to www.missusa.com!

On another note, in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness month I will be teaming up with Applebee’s “Dining to Donate” program where 10% of your bill will be donated to Gilda’s Club. On Wednesday, October 20th I will be at Applebee’s Times Square and Thursday, October 21st at Applebee’s Queens Center Mall. Be sure to print out the flyer on our website. Hope to see you there!

Until next time...I love you all and don't forget to join Club Universe and follow me on facebook.com/OfficialMissUSA and on Twitter @TheRealMissUSA to hear all about my journey as Miss USA.

Love,
Rima
 

• on 10/19/10

  by Chellejelai1216

  Rima, I love your journey..you are more than the Miss Universe.....

  Reply | Flag