Like many Arabs across the Middle East, the death of Apple co-founded Steve Jobs struck a chord among Qatar residents, dozens of whom gathered last night at Sheraton Park during a candlelight memorial to honor the innovative thinker.

Organizer Mazen Abd Rabbo, a French national of Syrian origin, live-tweeted the vigil, much to the chagrin of some residents.

“Steve Jobs was a legend, a light house for technology and design, a visionary and creative genius and also an amazing human being,” Abd Rabbo told Doha News

He continues: 

So why should not I organize something for Steve Jobs ? Unfortunately no Apple Store in Doha – otherwise I would do like in all the cities around the world and put some flowers there, write a word and leave.

I took the freedom to create a small gesture for him with pictures, a big white apple with “Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish” and some candles. We took picture, people gathered… atmosphere was simple, great and very pure.

Arabs across the region have embraced Jobs, adopted at birth but whose biological father hails from Homs, Syria, as one of their own.

What about you guys? Did Jobs’ death affect you in any way?