The Qatar Press Center hosted Mr. Ali Bu Matar Al-Mohannadi, one of the creators of purposeful digital content, during the tenth session of the “Press Café,” held under the title: "Creativity in Digital Media."

The session took place in the Abdullah bin Hussein Al-Nuama Hall, with a distinguished audience of content creators, media professionals, and members of the public. It was moderated by media personality Amal Abdulmalik.

Mr. Abdullah bin Hayy Al-Sulaiti emphasized the Qatar Press Center’s commitment to supporting young national talents and purposeful content, as well as fostering dialogue to enrich the media landscape and keep pace with its rapid developments.
Al-Sulaiti highlighted the success of digital influencer programs in attracting a large share of platform users through diverse and meaningful content that addresses key issues and interests.

Moderator Amal Abdulmalik reviewed the biography of the guest, Mr. Ali Bu Matar Al-Mohannadi, a purposeful digital content creator who holds a Master’s degree in International Tourism Management.
She praised the quality of the content he shares on his official Instagram account, noting his professional use of photography and passion for football, which he fused to create widely viewed videos—particularly during Qatar’s hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

She said: “Al-Mohannadi has blended education with innovation throughout his media journey, presenting distinguished content that reflects his personality and national spirit. He launched personal shows such as 'A22' and 'Shareet', offering exclusive glimpses into his life and experiences that capture the vibrant soul of Qatar.”

"Thank You, Qatar... Thank You, Tamim"

Mr. Ali Bu Matar Al-Mohannadi opened his talk by expressing his appreciation for the Qatar Press Center’s efforts to support and promote young Qatari talents. He shared his journey in content creation, starting with his childhood passion for photography—capturing family trips from the age of ten. This passion evolved into a serious project in 2017 with the production of a video titled “Thank You, Qatar... Thank You, Tamim”. The video received widespread engagement and support from followers who shared it across their platforms, marking a turning point in his mission to produce content that highlights Qatar’s identity and projects its image to the world.

He said: “The A22 show, which I presented on my page before the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and aimed at English speakers, received media recognition. Qatar TV even adopted it for Arabic-language reproduction—an experience that delighted me and assured me I was on the right path. The goal of my content is not fame, but rather to create work that reflects my values as a Qatari and honors my country.”

Al-Mohannadi stressed that content creators bear societal and ethical responsibilities—not just to entertain or inform, but to respect community values and standards, distinguishing between what is acceptable and what is not. He called on creators to uphold honesty and respect in their work.

"Shareet" (Tape)

He then spoke about his "Shareet" series—a collection of videos that shed light on traditional art. The first season explored various stages and details of artistic heritage. A second season followed, focusing on veteran artists in the Arab world. Al-Mohannadi announced plans for a third season dedicated to old-school artists from the Gulf, with the aim of documenting and reviving this cultural legacy through a modern digital approach.

"Did You Know?"

Al-Mohannadi also introduced his program “Did You Know?”, which presents simplified and engaging sports information. He revealed plans to relaunch the show on Instagram soon, with an expanded focus that goes beyond sports to include strange yet useful facts. These will be delivered in short, exciting formats suitable for social platforms, attracting a wider audience.

"Hala" Song

He also spoke about “Hala”, a song he personally funded and produced as a heartfelt tribute to his homeland. The release coincided with the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and carried a sincere national message. Despite lacking any sponsorship or funding, he was determined to move forward with the project, believing in the role of artistic content in expressing national identity and showcasing Qatar to the world.

Al-Mohannadi revealed his intent to produce a similar work during the upcoming Arab Cup hosted by Qatar, continuing his mission to document major events through meaningful artistic expression.

Digital vs. Traditional Media

When asked by Amal Abdulmalik whether digital media has overshadowed traditional media, Al-Mohannadi asserted that traditional media remains supreme. He described it as the primary source for state news and information. Digital media, in his view, complements traditional outlets but has not replaced them. It is a natural result of technological advancement, offering support rather than competition.

Real Prerequisites

Responding to a question about whether anyone on digital platforms qualifies as a content creator or influencer, Al-Mohannadi emphasized that content creation is not just about online presence. It’s a responsibility requiring genuine prerequisites. In his opinion, success in this field relies on three key factors: sincere passion, continuous development of technical and intellectual skills, and leveraging supportive environments and available opportunities. He added that true influence is not measured by follower counts but by the value of the content and its positive impact on awareness and behavior.

Wrestling Ring

In response to a question about his passion for wrestling, Al-Mohannadi said his love for the sport dates back to childhood, when he and his brothers would imitate wrestling matches. A long-time fan of international wrestling, he eventually built a wrestling ring at home as a personal homage to the sport.

He added that wrestling has deeply shaped his creative persona, helping him embrace values like challenge, discipline, and confidence—elements he strives to reflect in his content, especially when addressing youth.

Cyberbullying

Speaking about personal challenges, Al-Mohannadi addressed the issue of cyberbullying, which he considers a plague of the digital age. He said he handles offensive comments—though rare—by deleting them and blocking the offending accounts.

He explained that hurtful comments can have a serious psychological impact on creators, often leading to discouragement, self-doubt, or even early retirement from the field. That’s why dealing with cyberbullying requires strong awareness and emotional balance, especially in an open digital environment prone to harsh criticism. He emphasized his commitment to fostering a positive culture through respectful interaction and by ignoring negative comments so they don't derail his journey.

Lack of Funding

On the challenges he faces as an independent content creator, Al-Mohannadi cited a lack of funding as a major hurdle, especially for initiatives and programs that require substantial financial support. He noted that many creative ideas remain unrealized due to the absence of institutional backing, despite their potential to create wide-reaching social and cultural impact.

He expressed hope that national institutions would begin systematically supporting young content creators, helping to cultivate a competitive digital media scene that reflects modern Qatari identity and enhances the country's presence in global media.

Conclusion

The session concluded with a reaffirmation of the importance of discovering and supporting young national talents, and the need to provide environments that enable them to innovate and positively influence society.
The contributions of Ali Bu Matar Al-Mohannadi were praised as an inspiring example of purposeful content that embodies belonging and creativity, offering a role model for young content creators in Qatar and the region.