Every 18th of December, Qatar celebrates its National Day in commemoration of the historic day in 1878 when Shaikh Jasim, the founder of the State of Qatar, succeeded his father, Shaikh Muhammad Bin Thani, as the ruler and led the country toward unity.
Also known as Founder's Day, this national occasion emphasises our identity and history, embodies the ideals and visionary aspirations that this country was founded on, and pays homage to the great men and women who participated in building our nation.
The Qatar National Day (QND) is a glorious occasion on which we convey our deepest expressions of affection and gratitude to the people of Qatar who cooperated in solidarity even despite the now 18-month-old unjust blockade imposed by its GCC neighbours.
During the third annual 'International Interdisciplinary Conference: Gulf Crisis, Repercussions and Future' by the Gulf Studies Center at Qatar University recently, strategic experts and analysts confirmed that Qatar has succeeded in managing the current Gulf crisis and was able to overcome it, and undermined the efforts of the siege countries to weaken its sovereignty, economy and social cohesion.
"Qatar became stronger in light of the embargo, and provided a successful model in how to manage crises and turn the challenges into opportunities, and adopt flexible strategies to address the consequences of the siege, especially at the political and economic levels."
With the positive turnouts currently in place for Qatar and its people, the government is working non-stop to once again deliver a week-long QND celebration that's rumored and expected to be bigger than ever.
The festive week starts as early as December 15th (Saturday) and listed below are the places that you and the entire family can visit in order to make sure that you guys won't miss a single momentous QND-related event or happening!
What to watch out for: National Day Parade, fireworks show
Known to many as the heart of Qatar, the Doha Corniche has been the focal point of all QND-related events and festivities for many years now. Families flock this area with the white and maroon flag wrapped around their body to catch public sightings such as the National Day Parade—a thing which MOI, Emiri Guards, Lekhwiya, and Civil Defense representatives participate in every year—and of course, the much-awaited fireworks show.
There will also be an aerial and sea displays by the air force and navy happening on the day itself. The Corniche will be closed before 7:00 am, so make sure to get there early!
What to watch out for: Endless QND-related activities at Darb Al Saai
Open starting December 12 (Wednesday), Darb al-Saai is one of the major attractions of last year's QND celebrations as well as this year's. The massive cultural tent of unlimited QND-related activities is located at the grounds of Al Sadd and is open daily from 8:00 am till 12 noon and 4:00 pm till 10 PM (except Fridays).
Check out the top attractions for Darb Al Saai this 2018 below!
Teaches people to ride camels and how to deal with them. To establish the concept of originality and take souvenir photos, you can catch a group of camels during the night parade.
A sport for which Qataris are famous, since ancient times. It played a great role in achieving what they sought after, through protection and the provision of game for their subsistence. The event will witness a number of shooting competitions.
This event provides special trainers to teach visitors how to horse ride! Kids will also have the opportunity to learn the sport. On the sidelines are presentations that will provide tips and advice on how to care and breed horses.
It seeks to bring together the State’s institutions in all sectors onto wings and platforms, through which many awareness and educational interactive presentations will be displayed to the public to achieve the Qatar National Vision 2030.
A mini traditional coastal environment that encapsulates the details of the old Al Fareej along the beach, it portrays the image of intimacy and compassion that brings the people of Al Fareej together, containing the Al Mutawa house, the popular cafe and many more.
Governmental organizations and institutions such as The Ministry of Health, Qatar Foundation, Qatar Traffic, Souq Waqif, Police College, and Baladiya also have their own booths and line-up of activities all scheduled for the 2018 edition of Darb Al Saai.
What to watch out for: The drone air show and parachute jump on December 17 and 19!
The Katara Cultural Village doesn't disappoint every single year with the wide array of QND activities that they line up for Doha citizens and residents every December. Once the flag-inspired giant lantern comes up, you know that it's the QND season in this part of Qatar.
Starting the 11th, a bunch of educational, entertainment, and heritage competitions will be waiting for participants to take part as well as art shows that will tell Qatar's rich history and heritage.
Below are three of the crowd favourites in Katara every QND season:
Bedaya Centre is set to offer a wide range of Qatari products such as clothes, perfumes and traditional cuisine!
Happening on the 17th and 19th of the current month from 7 till 9 pm, a special opera to strengthen the bond between Qataris and expatriates is as well scheduled.
500 drones will take to the sky to put up a unique air show on the 17th and 19th. Last year, the event kicked off at 7pm & 9pm.
Get ready to witness amazing art in the sky as the special forces team is set to display a parachute jump!
What to watch out for: The Military Parade at the Aspire Lake!
Stretching to a total of 88 hectares, the environment-friendly Aspire Park is also buzzing with National Day related events this year with culture, food, and family bonding as its core focus for this year.
16 booths will offer a wide range of food including activities such as live cooking demonstrations, pop-up photo studios, henna, and games for children in collaboration with the Ministry of Administrative Development Labour and Social Affairs.
Organized by the Doha Fire Station, the park is also set to offer an art-themed celebration! Proceed to the back side of Burgeri to witness the fun!
Spearheaded by the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, the parade is happening around the Apire Lake on the 13th and 18th from 4:00 till 5:00 pm!
The celebrations will also comprise a range of cultural activities including the traditional 'Ardha' sword dance that will be performed by Aspire Academy student-athletes.
What to watch out for: The flag is set to reach its farthest point—the Al Enna winter camp at Sealine Beach!
The Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) is once again hosting the annual Qatar Flag Relay this Thursday (December 13) in an effort to unite, inspire as well as share pride with the nation through Team Qatar in celebration of QND 2018. The aim of the flag relay is to raise the flag across the city with current and retired athletes, school children, members from different communities and the general public. Participants will have the opportunity to fly the Qatari flag with proud across the country's iconic landmarks, carrying it via a wide variety of sporting activities and culminating in a grand finale at Aspire Zone.
Read more abut the Flag Relay 2018 HERE.
For your ultimate guide to the QND 2018, then this article is a must-check out!
A runner up for this Top 5 list is the Mall of Qatar which will feature a theatrical performance, as a well as a musical show from the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra at the Ooredo stage all to celebrate National Day 2018.
There are a lot more family-oriented and FREE activities lined-up for QND 2018—this is just a sneak peek! To keep yourself constantly in the loop, then make sure to keep a eye ILoveQatar.Net's National Day information portal which you can find HERE.
How excited are you for all these events happening in Qatar in the next few days? Did this Top 5 list help you fix your QND 2018 itinerary in any way? If you answered yes, drop us line in the comments and also, don't forget to like and share this article—it keeps us going!
Follow us on our social media channels:
@ILQlive
@ILQlive
@ILoveQtr
ILoveQatar
If you have anything you want to share with us, send us an e-mail at [email protected]!
Want to send a tip? Drop us an e-mail at [email protected], anonymity is guaranteed!
You have successfully registered your account!
Please confirm your e-mail address by clicking on the URL sent to you.The e-mail usually arrives in 5-10 minutes.How ajeeb was that!? Thanks for contributing to our community! Your post will appear after we take a quick look!