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Posted On: 9 December 2020 01:00 pm
Updated On: 10 December 2021 11:20 pm

[UPDATED] Your guide to Qatar National Day 2020 events

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Every year, many events are held around the country to celebrate Qatar National Day on December 18. This year, however, the QND celebrations will be a little different due to the COVID-19 restrictions and precautionary measures. There will still be some awesome events and activities and we've listed them down below. If you want more, visit iloveqatar.net/events and qatarnationalday.qa!

We'll be updating this article as we get more information from the relevant authorities and organizations so don't forget to save this link and stay tuned for more updates!

NOTE: If you're attending any of these events, please make sure you are abiding by the COVID-19 Precautionary measures which include wearing a mask, presenting your Green status in the Ehteraz app, maintaining a minimum safe distance from others at all times, and refraining from physical contact.

QND 2020 National Parade

qatar national day parade corniche
Image credit: https://www.qatar.qa/en/

Every year the national parade takes place at the Corniche on the occasion of Qatar National Day celebrations. Different branches of Qatar's Military and Civil Defense forces march along with aerial displays by the Air Force.

We contacted the Organizing Committee and according to them, spectators for this year's National Parade is limited and by invitation only. Parts of the Corniche will be closed to the public. Al Kass sports channel is the official broadcast channel for the National Parade 2020.

[UPDATE: DECEMBER 14] According to the Organizing Committee, the attendance for this year's National parade will be for the families of the health sector and the participating bodies through special invitations, in compliance with exceptional precautionary measures to ensure the health and to ensure the safety of all members of society.

  • Location: Corniche
  • Date: December 18, 2020
  • Time: 9:00 am

QND 2020 Air Show

QND air show during national parade
Image credit: qatar.qa

According to the Qatar Air Sports Committee, the air show for this year will only be part of the QND parade. Although the Corniche will be closed for the public, residents can still spot the air show from other parts of Doha.

QND 2020 Fireworks (Al Sharakhiat)

qatar national day fireworks corniche
Image credit: https://www.qatar.qa/en/

[UPDATE: DECEMBER 15] According to the Ministry of Interior in a press conference Tuesday, December 15, National Day activities will include fireworks in Doha Corniche at 8:30 pm, in addition to events held at Katara.

The fireworks held at night every year as part of the National Day events are one of the most awaited events. Special fireworks will light up the skies along the Corniche. According to the QND Organizing Committee, the fireworks show is open to be viewed by the public.

Click here to know WHERE TO WATCH THE QATAR NATIONAL DAY 2020 FIREWORKS!

  • Location: Corniche
  • Date: December 18, 2020
  • Time: 8:00 pm

No Darb Al Saai events

The Organising Committee for the Qatar National Day celebrations has announced that Darb Al Saai events will not be held this year, taking into account the current circumstances related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The Committee also confirmed that this year, historical programs, competitions, and seminars to commemorate the importance of the Qatar National Day will be broadcast on the Doha 360 website for everyone to enjoy.

QND 2020 programs

From December 14 to December 19, various programs and events will be shown live on Doha 360 website which promotes the patriotic spirit among the people. The programs are:

  • TAHADI & INJAZ - an interactive cultural competition youth program shown from 6:20 pm - 7:50 pm.
  • 360 WYAK - a competition and award program shown from 8:25 - 9:05 PM.
  • Historical Discussions from 9:15 pm - 9:35 pm.
  • Saeat Sadar - a daily show, similar to a traditional majlis shown from 10:00 pm - 11:30 pm.

Amir Cup Final 2020

Amir Cup 2020 Final Al sadd vs Al Arabi
Image credit: Qatar Football Association

The Amir Cup 2020 final between Al Sadd and Al Arabi will happen on December 18 and it will be held at the Al Rayyan Stadium. The match will kick-off at 7 PM. The Amir Cup is the biggest football cup competition in the country.

Following discussions between the Qatar Football Association (QFA) and the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH), any fan who attends the match must return either a positive COVID-19 antibodies test or a negative COVID-19 test prior to being allowed access to the stadium.

Social distancing measures will be implemented within the vicinity of the stadium, including the fan zone and on public transport. The fan zone will open from 4-6 PM and again at 9 PM after the match has finished. Fans will be encouraged to remain at the fan zone or spend time in the Mall of Qatar in order to ensure social distancing requirements are adhered to on Doha Metro.

Priority access to tickets was granted to fans of both Al Sadd and Al Arabi – the two clubs who will contest the final. In addition, frontline healthcare workers who helped Qatar battle the COVID-19 pandemic have also been given priority access to purchase tickets.

Tickets for the final are being limited to one per person, are non-transferable, and will be linked to the holder’s Qatar ID.

For those who wish to attend the 2020 Amir Cup final, kindly book your match ticket through the following link: https://qfa.qa/AmirCup2020/en

READ MORE: Here's everything you need to know about Amir Cup

Al Rayyan Stadium inauguration

Al Rayyan Stadium FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022
image credit: https://twitter.com/roadto2022en

The inauguration of the stadium located in Al Rayyan will take place on December 18 – Qatar National Day – exactly two years before the country hosts the FIFA World Cup final. The stadium will host the Amir Cup 2020 Final.

The stadium – which will become the new home of Al Rayyan Sports Club – is the fourth Qatar 2022 tournament venue to open following Khalifa International, Al Janoub, and Education City.

The 40,000-capacity stadium is adjacent to the Mall of Qatar and within walking distance of Al Riffa Station – on Doha Metro’s Green Line.

Mall of Qatar

Mall of Qatar is celebrating National Day with educational and entertainment activations

  • Starting December 17: Flag Museum
  • December 17: School Art Competition under the theme “How Does Qatar 2022 Look Like to You?”
  • December 18: Broadcast of Amir Cup Final
  • December 17 & 18: Raffle Draw for the "Pick and Choose" shopping festival

Mall of Qatar is marking Qatar National Day with a series of cultural and entertainment activations that celebrate the spirit of the nation and its people, all while taking precautionary measures to maintain the safety of visitors.

The Nation’s Mall will shine bright with its spectacular decorations and artistic light displays. Its façade will carry projections celebrating Qatar with the flag colors, while the Mall’s oasis and hallways will have stunning decorations reflecting various aspects of the Qatari culture including camels, dhows, pigeon towers, and much more.

Starting 17 December, the Nation's Mall will present the "Flag Museum" which documents Qatar's Flag progression from its birth until its current state. screens accompanied by sound and visual effects will educate and entertain visitors about the history of the flag and the country it represents. Visitors can visit the Flag Museum on the ground floor next to Pari Gallery. It will be part of the Mall's community initiatives that aim to raise awareness of Qatar history in order to educate the country's new generation.

Appreciating arts and culture, Mall of Qatar organized the annual School Art Competition under the theme “How Does Qatar 2022 Look Like to You?” to encourage students to show their talent in a creative way. A total of 16 schools have participated and will present 20 pieces of art, with the winners to be announced on 21 December by a dedicated judging panel that includes Qatari artists.

On 18 December, fans will gather onsite to watch the final match of Amir's Cup taking place at the adjacent Al Rayyan Stadium - one of FIFA 2022 stadiums. For those who don't have the chance to watch the match in the stadium, the Mall of Qatar will broadcast the match live on the giant screens at the Oasis Stage. Moreover, visitors can enjoy delicious meals in the surrounding restaurants.

While the weekly raffle draw of the “Pick and Choose” shopping festival will take place on Thursday evening on a BMW 320 car, the raffle draw for the second grand prize will be held Friday at 4:00 pm on 18 December, with one lucky winner will drive away with a luxury BMW X7.

Vodafone AR fireworks and drones show at Msheireb Downtown

Vodafone AR fireworks and drone show msheireb downtown
https://twitter.com/VodafoneQatar/

This Qatar National Day, download the Vodafone AR app on Android & iOS and enjoy an augmented reality experience from 17-27 December. Enjoy the fireworks & drones show from 5 pm till 12 midnight. Visit Msheireb Downtown Doha and find the best spots at Barahat Msherieb, Sikkat Al-Wadi, or Al-Kahraba street. Just point your smartphone to the sky and enjoy an experience like never before!

  • Dates: December 17 - 27, 2020
  • Timing: 5 pm to 12 midnight
  • Locations: Barahat Msheireb, Al Kahraba Street, Sikkat Wadi Msheireb
  • Download the Vodafone AR app here: http://vf.qa/QND

Doha Festival City

Doha Festival City will hold the following festivities for this year’s Qatar National Day from December 14 to December 18, from 2 pm to 10 pm:

  • A giant declaration of love for Qatar will be displayed at the Atrium Node on the ground floor through a 3D ‘I Love Qatar’ interactive display, available for guests to take pictures whilst enjoying the art piece and relishing in memorable moments.
  • Visitors to the Mall are also invited to share their appreciation for Qatar by placing messages on the ‘Message Wall’, installed at the Market Corridor on the ground floor.
  • Doha Festival City will also feature an augmented reality ‘Selfie Mirror’, placed at the Centre Court on the first floor on 14th, 15th, and 16th December. The installation is composed of a photo booth with a sensor placed on top of the screen – guests who would like to take pictures will be invited to stand in front of the booth that will automatically snap their photos, with no touching involved and in line with the safety measures implemented by the Mall. To give a taste of Qatar’s unique culture, participants will also be offered the opportunity to try traditional Qatari attire for their photos and change the background virtually by waving with their hands from afar. Guests’ photos will be shared with them via email, and the best picture will enjoy an iphone12 prize from the Mall, to be announced on the Doha Festival City Instagram page on 18th December 2020.
  • Doha Festival City will also distribute miniature Qatari National Flags to all visitors – flags can be collected at the Mall’s entrances and customer service desks on the ground floor throughout the whole five days of festivities.

Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum

Celebrate Qatar National Day at FBQ Museum to learn more about the history of our beloved country and the rich culture of Qatari people through the special programs prepared for you to enjoy with your family and friends.

Tickets can be purchased at the museum's entrance. Check prices of tickets here. For more information, call +974 4486 1444.

December 18 and 19, 2020

  • Qatari Heritage Section Tour
    • 18 December (3pm - 5pm)
    • 19 December (10:30am - 12pm & 3pm - 5pm)
  • Arabic Calligraphy Souvenir by our Calligrapher
    • Regular museum hours
  • Photo Opportunity in a Traditional Qatari Majilis Setting
    • Regular museum hours

December 18 until January 2, 2021

  • Qatar Art Exhibition
    • Regular museum hours

Qatar National Day special screenings at Drive-In Cinema at Lusail

A three-day program of family-friendly, enthralling shorts will mark Qatar National Day 2020 from December 17 to 19, 2020 starting at 6:30 pm. Visit the DFI website for tickets:https://www.dohafilminstitute.com/nowplaying

Location: Ajyal Drive In Cinema at Lusail

17 December at 6.30 PM, the Drive-In features:

  • Gub Gub (Qatar/2018) by Nouf Al-Sulati;
  • Hope (Qatar, Indonesia/2020) by Abdulla Mohammed Al-Janahi;
  • Under the Lemon Tree (Qatar, Palestine/2020) by Noor Al-Asswad;
  • Kashta (Qatar/2016) by AJ Al Thani;
  • Unlucky Hamster (Qatar, Indonesia / 2019) by Abdulaziz Khashabi;
  • Maha’mel (Qatar/2018) by Dhabya AlMuhannadi;
  • Dana’s Kite (Qatar/2016) by Noor al Nasr;
  • Treasures of the Past (Qatar/2017) by Nada Bedair and Rawan Al-Nassiri;
  • Ya Hoota (Qatar/2019) by Abdulaziz Yousif and Latifa Al-Darwish

18 December at 6.30 PM, the Drive-In features:

  • Daz (Qatar/2016) by Shouq Shaheen;
  • Fragile (Qatar/2019) by Khuloud Al Ali;
  • Stranger (Qatar, France/2020) by Yasser Mustafa and Christophe Buffet- winner of the Special Jury Award at the 2020 MIQ Competition;
  • Al-Sit (Sudan, Qatar/2020) by Suzannah Mirghani; 2020 MIQ Competition Best Documentary Award winner
  • Ander (Qatar, Kazakhstan/2020) by Alina Mustafina;
  • Under Her Skin (Qatar, Algeria, France/2020) by Meriem Mesraoua winner of the Best Narrative Award 2020 MIQ Competition;
  • Embodiment (Qatar/2017) by Khalifa Al-Marri;
  • Beyond Broken Walls (Qatar/2020) by Hissa G. Al-Mannai;
  • Woman of Steel (Jordan, Qatar/2020) by Obada Yousef Jarbi, Best Short Film -Bader Category;
  • End of the Road (Qatar/2019) by Ahmed Al Sharif

19 December at 6.30 PM, the Drive-In features:

  • Unlucky Hamster (Qatar, Indonesia/2019) by Abdulaziz Khashabi;
  • Samha (Qatar/2018) by Noor Fawzi Al-Asswad; Sh’hab (Qatar/2018) by Amal Al Muftah;
  • Where Are You Right Meow? (Qatar/2018) by Maysam Al-Ani;
  • Al Gawasa (Qatar/2018) by Sheikha Bahzad and Maryam Al-Thani;
  • Al Tabbab (Qatar/2017) by Khalifa Al Mana;
  • Khurshid (Qatar/2017) by Mazen Shafea and Mohamed Elamin;
  • Emsahar (Qatar/2020) by Hassan Al-Jahni

Qatar National Library (online)

Qatar National Library QND 2020 events
Image credit: https://twitter.com/QNLib

To mark Qatar National Day, the Qatar National Library has created special celebratory online events for the whole month of December 2020. There are events such as 'The History of Qatar in Maps', 'Cup of Coffee With Mariam Farid', 'Explore the Ecology of Qatar's Marine and Terrestrial Environments', and 'What Do You Know About Qatar?' among others.

For the full list of events, check here: https://www.qnl.qa/en/events/qnd/2020

Lagoona Mall

According to Lagoona Mall's social media, the mall will be holding special activities and shows at the Lagoona Mall Piazza starting December 10 until December 16, from 4 pm to 10 pm during weekdays and from 4 pm until 12 midnight during weekends.

The “Our Heritage… Our Identity” Event includes:

Traditional Dhow Show showcasing the following :

  • Part 1: History of Qatar
  • Part 2: Rich Culture and Heritage of Qatar
  • Part 3: Achievements of Qatar

There will also be a miniature dhow light show parade in the water feature at the Piazza area, a traditional tent, gift distribution booths, and nice displays for photo ops.

The mall assures the public that all covid-19 precautionary measures set by the Ministry of Public Health will be adhered to.

    Check out other QND2020 related posts here:

    To find more about Qatar National Day 2020 events, please visit QatarNationalDay.qa

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