National Day (Qatar)

Observance

The holiday is celebrated annually on 18 December. It is a national holiday and most of the public are given the day off from school and work. Prior to the emiri decree in June 2007, Qatar National Day was celebrated annually on 3 September, the day of Qatar's independence.

Activities

Several activities are organized during the week of observance. These include:

• Fireworks show: Includes music, lights and fireworks.
• National Day Parade: Members of the general public parade through the Doha Corniche. Officials from the Armed Forces, ISF, Ministry of Interior, and Amiri Guard also participate in the parade.
• National Day celebrations at Katara Cultural Village: Festivities and over 20 heritage-themed events are held.
• Classic Car Show: Antique cars formerly owned by government officials are showcased.

The 2022 FIFA World Cup final intentionally coincided with that year's National Day, as with the 2021 and 2025 FIFA Arab Cup finals.

Purpose and significance

On 18 December 1878, Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani succeeded his father, Mohammed bin Thani, as ruler of the Qatari Peninsula. He was deemed to have unified all the local tribes by combating external forces, such as the British. He also earned a considerable degree of autonomy for the tribes of the peninsula.

The holiday has been instrumental in developing a sense of national identity and is celebrated by locals and expats alike. It is seen by the government as a method for preserving local culture.

National Day Parade

Main article: Qatar National Day Parade

The National Day Parade is held annually on the occasion of Qatar National Day on 18 December.

Darb Al Saai

The Darb Al Saai festival, organized by Qatar's Ministry of Culture, is held annually in early December. The event runs daily for several days until National Day on 18 December and showcases the nation's cultural heritage and national identity. The name translates to "route of the messenger" in Arabic, and is related to the path taken by Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani's messengers.

Activities include the ceremonial flag-raising at Flag Square, accompanied by military performances and displays, including horse and camel-mounted contingents, and live performances of sea music. Workshops offer hands-on experiences in wool weaving, tent fabric-making, and bird photography. Educational workshops are also offered, such as Al Shaqab's seminar on Arabian horses at the 2023 edition, and the Ministry of Culture's workshops on falconry and camel riding.

Spanning a 150,000 m2 area in Umm Salal Mohammed, the venue's design blends traditional Qatari architecture with modern elements. Three arterial roads provide access to the venue, as well as the Doha Metro's Green Line. Prior to being relocated to Umm Salal Mohammed, the festival was held in the Al Sadd district of Doha. Several commercial establishments are found at Darb Al Saai Market, all with traditional names and selling local souvenirs, clothing and cuisine, including several cafés offering Arabic coffee.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 edition of the Darb Al Saai was canceled. The 2021 edition was also canceled as the new primary venue for festivities in Umm Salal Mohammed would not be ready until 2022. Instead, several small-scall activities preceding Qatar National Day at multiple venues were planned for that year.

Gallery

Image:QND Fireworks.jpg|Fireworks celebration during Qatar National Day (2010) File:ExpatriatesQatarNationalDay1.jpg|Foreigners participating in the night parade of the Qatar National Day File:QND 2017 Celebration.jpg|Qatar National Day 2017 Musical Fireworks Celebration at Corniche, Doha, State of Qatar File:DhowsQatarNationalDay.jpg|Dhow parade during Qatar National Day (2012) File:Qatar National Day 2017 Musical Fireworks, Doha.jpg|Qatar National Day 2017 Musical Fireworks

References

References

1. (17 December 2014). "UNESCO Doha celebrates Qatar National Day with Qatar National Commission". UNESCO.
2. "Al Meezan - Qatary Legal Portal :: Law No. 11 of 2007 considering the Power Assumption Day of Sheikh Jassim Bin Mohamed Bin Thani as a National Day of the State". Al Meezan - Qatary Legal Portal.
3. "About Qatar National Day". qatarnationalday.qa.
4. "Qatar National Day".
5. "National and Public Holidays in Qatar". officeholidays.com.
6. "Qatar National Day Events Guide". qatarnationalday.qa.
7. (10 December 2012). "Everything you need to know about Qatar National Day 2012". [[Doha News]].
8. Kamrava, Mehran. (2013). "Qatar: Small State, Big Politics". Cornell University Press.
9. (17 December 2014). "UNESCO Doha celebrates Qatar National Day with Qatar National Commission". UNESCO.
10. (27 October 2020). "No Darb Al Saai activities for Qatar National Day 2020". The Peninsula Qatar.
11. (10 December 2023). "Darb Al Saai opens, reviving Qatari traditions, heritage". Gulf Times.
12. (12 December 2023). "Here's what's happening at Darb Al Saai 2023". Doha News.
13. Kammutty VP. (22 December 2012). "Darb El Saai: A glimpse into the past". The Peninsula Qatar.
14. (27 November 2022). "Darb Al-Saai, the distinguished destination for visitors". Ministry of Culture (Qatar).
15. (9 October 2021). "Darb Al Saai activities cancelled for Qatar National Day 2021". The Peninsula Qatar.