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Posted On: 17 December 2018 08:10 pm
Updated On: 12 November 2020 02:19 pm

Qatar National Day  2018: Your ultimate guide to the fascinating events and activities happening in Qatar!

Khadiza Begum
Khadiza Begum
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Each year many events happen around the country during Qatar National Day. In line with this, fireworks display, opera and musical shows, parachuting, drone shows, cultural shows and other fun-filled events and activities have been lined up for this year’s Qatar National Day celebrations. Check out awesome events below and choose which ones you'd like to attend! And, if you want more, visit iloveqatar.net/events.

National Parade

Corniche | December 18, 2018|2.45PM

Photo credit: https://www.qatar.qa

Qatar will celebrate tomorrow (December 18) the largest national parade at the Corniche on the occasion of Qatar National Day celebrations. This year’s show will take a longer time of one hour and 17 minutes compared to last year’s 45 to 50 minutes only. The parade will start at 2.45 and the Corniche road will be closed from 10 am.

A fantastic parade where people will get to enjoy a parade by MOI, Emiri Guards, Lekhwiya, Civil Defense and other governmental bodies. There will also be aerial and sea displays by the air force and navy.

(The map shows the services provided to the public such as parking lots, ambulances, food carts and other facilities to watch the national day parade at Doha Corniche on Qatar National Day.

Last year, parade and march took place at 3pm and residents and expats were advised to be on Corniche at 12pm to avoid last minute rush. We are still waiting for a confirmed timing for this year.

Fireworks

Corniche | December 18, 2018

Photo credit: https://www.qatar.qa

You wouldn’t want to miss this one – it only happens once every year: on the Qatar National Day. A special fireworks show will light up the skies of Corniche to mark the Qatar National Day. Usually, every year it happens from 8pm and 8.10pm. So keep yourselves free on December 18 evening and head with friends and family to Corniche to watch this magnificent spectacle.

Drone Air Show

Katara | December 17 & 19| 7PM and 9PM

Image credit: The Peninsula Qatar

There's also going to be an incredible display of Drone Air Show that are sure to get your and your family entertained. 500 drones will take to the Katara sky to put up a unique air show on December 17 and 19 at 7pm & 9pm.

Darb Al Saai

(December 12 - 20, 2018)

Image credit: The Peninsula Qatar

Darb Al Saai is a distinctive feature of the National Day celebrations and constitutes a great public attraction, with its diverse and rich blend of activities. Many government and public entities are taking part in the event, with each having a special well-packed programme for the event.

Darb Al Saai will welcome the visitors in the morning on December 13 from 9am to 1pm, while the evening activities will run from 3.30pm to 11pm.

December 14 will be reserved for families from 2pm to 11pm while on December 15 families can visit in two dedicated timings; morning from 9am to 1pm, and evening from 3.30pm to 10pm.

Darb Al Saai will be open on the December 16 for all visitors during the morning period, which will start from 9am to 1pm, while the evening will be allocated for families from 3.30pm to 10pm.

To know more, you can also visit https://2018.qatar.qa/en/

Katara

(December 11 - 19, 2018)

Katara Cultural Village is set to celebrate Qatar National Day with nine-day festivities loaded 45 with varied events and activities for its visitors. Check out some of the interesting events below.

Opera show

(Katara, December 17 - 19 at 7 pm - 9 pm)

A major highlight of the celebrations is an opera titled “Citizens and expats- we are one,” to be staged on December 17 and December 19 at 7 pm and 9 pm.

Parachute jump

(Katara, December 17 - 19, 4 pm)

Image credit: Johnny Utah

Special forces participating in the celebration will display parachute jump on December 17 and 19 from 4 pm.

Cultural bazaar

(Katara, December 11 - 19, 4 pm to 10 pm)

There will also be a cultural bazaar by Bedaya Centre in the entire duration of the nine-day festivities where a wide range of native products such as clothes, perfumes and traditional cuisine will be available.

Other activities

(Katara, December 11 - 19, 4 pm to 10 pm)

The different activities, which will take place from 4 pm to 10 pm, have been distributed to various venues including Katara beach, the Amphitheater and Katara Corniche. Leading Qatari artistes Fahad Al Kubaisi and Anwaar will perform at a musical show during the celebrations. A documentary film highlighting the co-existence between different expatriate communities in Qatar will be screened at the celebrations.

Aspire Zone

(December 13 - 18, 2018)

Aspire Zone Foundation will hold a week-long series of events for the first time. The programme of events is specially designed for the whole community to enjoy and will run from 13 to 18 December 2018. For more information, please visit http://www.lifeinaspire.qa/

Ardha - Sword Dance

( Aspire park | December 17 | 9am -11am)

The celebrations will comprise a range of cultural activities including the traditional “Ardha” sword dance that will be performed by Aspire Academy student-athletes.

Al-Adaam Flag Relay Grand Finale

(Aspire park | December 13 | 6:00 pm – 7:30pm)

The celebrations will commence with Al-Adaam Flag Relay as a partner with Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) which will culminate in a Grand Finale at Aspire park scheduled to take place on the 13th of December from 6:00 pm – 7:30pm in the presence of VIP dignitaries. The Flag Relay is designed to unite and inspire audiences whilst encouraging them to share their pride.

A week-long activities

(Aspire Park | December 13 to 18)

The week-long programme will also feature 16 booths located in Aspire Park that will offer citizens and expatriates the chance to sample a wide of food choices as well as activities including live cooking demonstrations, pop up photo studios, henna designs, and games for children.

Military parade

(Lake at Aspire Park | December 13 - 17)

Audiences will also be treated to a Military Parade performed by members of the National Service, Qatar Armed Forces by the Lake at Aspire Park from 13-17 December.

Mall of Qatar

(December 7 - 18, 2018)

Mall of Qatar (MOQ) has prepared dazzling and captivating family entertainment happening every until Qatar National Day on December 18th. The festive program includes daily Ardah shows at the Ooredoo stage, a henna booth at West Gate 2 and a traditional kids area for families to enjoy an array of activities at East Gate 1.

Music show

(December 7- 13, from 7.30pm - 9 pm)

On Friday December 7 and Thursday December 13 at 7.30pm the Ooredoo stage will also play host to 10 brass musicians from Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra with an exceptional line-up of beloved melodies. The musicians will also give a close-up performance at 9pm in the mall’s Luxury Court.

Theatrical performance

(December 18, at 3pm and 5pm)

On National Day at 3pm and 5pm a wonderful theatrical performance will portray the country’s past, present and future in an educational and joyful way featuring 50 young talents from around Qatar.

In addition, creative artworks from schools are displayed throughout Mall of Qatar as part the mall’s very own initiative What Qatar means to you. The project gave the opportunity for schools to showcase their students’ creativity and also to win cash prizes of up to QR 5,000.

Doha Festival City

December 17, 2018 – January 2, 2019

Doha Festival City’s partnership with the leading kids channel, Cartoon Network continues with the launch of the Adventure Time Activity Zone in conjunction with Qatar National Day.

Starting from 17th December 2018 – 2nd January 2019 (2-9pm) at the Centre Court, Ground Floor. The activity zone will be themed as the “Land of Ooo” and will feature an array of activities for kids aged between 4 and 12 years old.

The activities will include Arts & Crafts, a maze, mini golf, screenings of fan-favourite episodes and opportunities to try the Adventure Time: Magic Man’s Head VR game, all housed within special zones such as Jake’s Labyrinth and the Ice Kingdom and creating lots of great photo opportunities!

Event Details:

Location: Doha Festival City
Date: 17 December - 2 January
Time: 2:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Ticket Purchase: No tickets needed, it's free!
Website: https://www.facebook.com/events/2330119140363314/

Mirqab Mall

(December 6- 8, 2018)

Celebrate Qatar’s most momentous occasion from the 16th until the 18th of December at Mirqab Mall!

  • Stilt Walker Parade daily from 7pm to 9pm.
  • Free Giveaways daily from 5pm to 9pm.
  • Islamic Arts Workshop daily in the Atrium from 5pm to 9pm.
  • Traditional Arda Show in the Fountain area on the 18th at 7pm.

National Day Trade Festival

(December 15 - 20, 2018)

As part of the Qatar National Day celebrations, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, in cooperation with the National Tourism Council, announces the launch of the first edition of the National Day Trade Festival, which takes place from December 15th to 20th.

By organizing this large, first-of-its-kind festival, the Ministry offers shop owners, retail sector professionals and private sector companies and organizations the opportunity to share with Qatar's citizens and residents the joy of celebrating National Day through the launch of large and unprecedented discounts. The front windows of participating outlets and companies will bear the National Day Trade Festival logo label that was designed specifically for this event, and will be distributed to participants free of charge. Over 14 shopping malls across Qatar, as well as other shops and retail outlets, are participating in the festival.

Other Events

Other associated activities of Qatar National Day 2018 will be held in Wakra Sports Club, Asian Town, Asian Accommodation City, Cricket Stadium, Barwa Al-Baraha, Lusail Sports Arena, Shahaniya and Al-Khor Barwa Workers Complex. Check the timings and dates of the events below.

Qatar National Day Hotel offers

Hotels in the country have come up with special offers to mark Qatar National Day. Enticing offers on food and beverage, as well as hotel stays will make the day a memorable one. Check out what great deals and packages some of Qatar’s leading hotels are offering for Qatar National Day 2018 below!

Doha Marriott Hotel

Culture meets Future, an exhibition by Ameer Abdul Razak (December 10 - 18)

As one of the Middle East's fastest growing cities, Doha, capital of the state of Qatar, has been captivating the world over the past decades. Set to welcome the 2022 FIFA World Cup very soon, Qatar is constantly being a leader in innovation, from sustainable development to technology and health, and the number of projects launched and luxury hotels soon to be opened in the country is astonishing. While the whole nation has eyes set to the future, the cultural heritage of Qatar still remains rich and untouched like nowhere else.

This harmony between the local culture and the ambitious vision of the country's future is what truly makes Qatar a unique pearl in the region. Discover with us this local gem through the lens of Ameer Abdul Razak, on the occasion of Qatar National Day 2018.

Qatar National Day with a view

Celebrate Qatar National Day 2018 in the first 5-star hotel in Doha. The sea view is guaranteed so you can also enjoy the fireworks on December 18th! On the occasion of Qatar National Day, book a Deluxe Suite at the Doha Marriott Hotel and enjoy the most exclusive benefits:

  • Stay in a Suite with balcony
  • Guaranteed Sea View
  • Executive Lounge Access for up to two guests per Suite
  • Late check out until 6pm.

Location: Ras Abu Aboud Street, Doha, PO Box 1911
Phone: 4429 8888
To book, please visit http://bit.ly/NationalDayWithAView

Fraser Suites West Bay Doha

Traditional Qatari Set Menu Meal @ The Social Restaurant:

It's no secret that everyone in Qatar loves to eat well. So what better occasion to celebrate our foodie pastime than the 47th Qatar National Day celebrations? A taste of authentic Arabic cuisine with an exotic touch is probably the most patriotic way to celebrate National Day. While ‘The Social’ located at Fraser Suites West Bay, Doha is known for embracing flavours from all around the world, for this special day they are offering a specially curated menu that’s all about homegrown inspiration.

Price: QAR 150 per head for adults, QAR 75 per head for kids between the ages of 6-12 years
Free of charge for kids below 6 years of age
Phone: +974 4495 5115
Email: [email protected]

Intercontinental® Doha the city

Qatar Themed Lunch Buffet

Qatari traditional dishes and sweet treats await you this Qatar National Day at The Square. Celebrate this special day with us with our buffet lunch for QAR 155 including soft beverages.

Date: Tuesday, 18 December 2018
Time: 12:00-15:00
Price: QAR 155 per guest including soft beverages
Children below 6 years old eat complimentary
Children aged 6 - 12 get 50% off
Phone: 4015 8888
Email: [email protected]

Mondrian doha

Mondrian Doha takes hotels in Doha to a new level. Celebrate Qatar National Day at Walima. Enjoy a delicious 3-course Qatari menu priced at 140QAR to celebrate 140 years of Qatar.

Location: West Bay Lagoon area
Price: 3-course Qatari menu priced at 140QAR
Phone: 4045 5555
Email: [email protected]

Shangri-la Hotel, Doha

During National Day Period, experience the vibrant energy of Qatar at Shangri-la Hotel, Doha. Pamper yourself from the comfort of our Luxurious rooms, perfectly complemented with bespoke services and enjoy our numerous offerings from our International Cuisines, Spa and health club.

Offer includes

  • Buffet Breakfast at Sridan
  • QAR 100 Spa credit one credit per stay
  • 20% discount on food and beverage consumptions
  • Confirmed early check in at noon
  • Confirmed late check out until 14:00 hrs.

Take advantage of the special offer with a starting rate of QAR 699*. Rates apply from 5th until 25th of December 2018. *Offer is subject to availability Terms and conditions apply.

Location: Conference Centre Street, West Bay, Doha
Phone: (+974) 4429 5000
Email: [email protected]


To find more about Qatar National Day 2018 evnets, please visit QatarNationalDay.qa

Where are you planning to go to celebrate Qatar National Day? Let us know in the comments below and don’t forget to give us a like and a share — it keeps us going!