As Qatar celebrates National Day, here are some events to watch out for…

Qatar is celebrating its National Day today, shining a bright light on the nation’s journey of resilience, determination, and progress. A wide variety of events have been organised for citizens and residents to mark the occasion, coinciding with a long weekend.

The celebrations, which aim to promote and preserve Qatari traditions while involving people from all parts of society, will help strengthen the connection between today’s generations with the country’s rich cultural heritage.

From Qatari cultural performances to fun-filled events, art exhibitions, desert exploration, winter bazaars, and a key football match, here is a look at some of the major activities that are on offer for Qatar National Day. Since some of them will continue into the weekend, carefully plan to cover most of them.

DARB AL SAAI QND 2024 CELEBRATIONS

Date: Until December 21

Time: 3pm to 11pm

Venue: Darb Al Saai, Umm Salal

Qatar National Day at Darb Al Saai will feature 15 main events and 104 fun activities. Children can feed the Houbara birds and experience falconry firsthand. One can participate in traditional folk games, art competitions, workshops, and exhibitions highlighting Qatari traditions. There will also be various artistic performances and interactive activities on offer. You can download the Darb Al Saai app on Apple Store or Google Play.

FIFA INTERCONTINENTAL CUP FINAL — REAL MADRID VS PACHUCA

Date: December 18

Time: 8pm onwards

Venue: Lusail Stadium

The highly-anticipated final of FIFA’s showpiece club tournament will electrify Lusail Stadium as Spain’s Real Madrid takes on Mexico’s Pachuca. Set to be played in front of a packed stadium, this will be a thriller.

The fan zone outside the stadium will buzz with cultural events, culinary sessions, and a variety of entertainment to get fans in the spirit. You can also watch the game on big screens around the city.

QND CELEBRATIONS AT KATARA

Date: Until December 18

Time: 3pm - 9pm

Venue: Katara Cultural Village and Katara Corniche

Qatar National Day celebrations at Katara will conclude today with musical and theatre performances, traditional ‘Ardah’ sword dances, falconry displays, saluki racing, art exhibitions and workshops, and several cultural activities. 

There will also be a market for handicrafts, traditional dishes and local souvenirs. Fans will also be able to watch the FIFA Intercontinental Cup final live on the big screen. Here is a full list of Katara’s National Day activities.

QND CELEBRATIONS AT MSHEIREB

Date: December 18

Time: 3pm onwards
Venue: Msheireb Downtown Doha

Msheireb Downtown Doha will host various family-friendly activities today. There will be cultural competitions, traditional games, and art workshops. The Intercontinental Cup finals will be beamed live. There will also be a screening of documentaries. There will also be a a cosplay competition and ‘Little Talents’ contest. You can participate by registering here.

QND CELEBRATIONS AT LUSAIL BOULEVARD

Date: December 18

Time: 3pm onwards
Venue: Lusail Boulevard

The 1.3km stretch of boulevard will host several cultural activities including Ardha dance shows, parade, henna, face painting, colouring stations, local handicrafts offer, kiosks of Qatari cuisines, and traditional Qatari games for children. A giant screen will also show the FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2024 final match.

OLD DOHA PORT QND SPECIAL EVENTS

Date: Until December 22

Time: 4pm to 10pm
Venue: Mina District, Old Doha Port

The Old Doha Port will host different events, cultural activities, and entertainment shows honouring the Qatari heritage. Festivities will start with a live performance by a traditional band. The celebration will also offer people an opportunity to explore traditional Qatari crafts, from ship building, to pottery creation, henna, calligraphy, and more.

NMOQ ACTIVITIES FOR QND 2024

Date: December 18

Time: 3pm to 7pm
Venue: National Museum of Qatar

The National Museum of Qatar will celebrate Qatar’s rich cultural heritage with different events, themed Alabarr (The Sea) and Albahar (The Land). Events will take place in the Baraha (Albarr) and Lagoon (Albahar) areas, offering special activities for both local communities and tourists.

In Albarr, explore Qatari arts and crafts like Alnaqda embroidery, Sadu weaving, a stilt garment show, and a live dance performance. In Albahar, enjoy a stunning light installation and a live oyster-shucking demonstration showcasing the Gulf’s pearl trade history.

Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art will host free workshops with artists Ismail and Sumam Azzam in Albahar, covering drawing, light and shadow, and contemporary model drawing.

974 BEACH

Date: December 18

Time: 8am to 8pm
Venue: 974 Beach

Head over to Beach 974 with family and friends for a full day of fun-filled, family-friendly festivities. On Wednesday, enjoy free entry to the beach and to a variety of cultural activities and entertainment. Guests will be welcomed into traditional Bedouin-style tents. The beachfront event will feature exhibitions. Families with children can pariticpate in an array of exciting water activities and games.

MEGA CULTUAL EVENTS BY WSIF

Date: December 18 to 20

Time: 3pm to 9pm
Venue: Asian Town-Industrial area; Ideal Indian School-Abu Hamour; Al Khor Barwa Workers Recreation Complex

The Workers Support and Insurance Fund (WSIF) will celebrate Qatar National Day with two Mega Cultural Events. The first, at Asian Town cricket stadium parking area, will feature an Asian band concert, gift draws, safety and security awareness programs, film screenings, traditional performances, cultural displays by school teams, and free blood sugar checkups.

The second event, at Ideal Indian School, will showcase popular Asian singers, community performances, safety programs, gift draws, and free health checkups.

AMERIGO VESPUCCI SHIP & VILLAGGIO ITALIA

Date: Until December 21
Time: 10am to 12pm; 3pm to 7pm
Venue: Old Doha Port

The historic Italian navy ship Amerigo Vespucci will be at the Old Doha Port until December 22 as part of its world tour. The ship will be accompanied by Villaggio Italia, an international exhibition celebrating ‘Made in Italy.’ It will offer people a chance to explore Italy’s rich cultural heritage while enjoying live music performances onboard.

RAS ABROUQ DESERT EXPERIENCE

Date: December 18 to January 18
Time: 10am to 10pm
Venue: Ras Abrouq

Visit Qatar’s unique desert experience at Ras Abrouq will provide visitors with fun, immersive zones, including the 5-star Our Habitas Resort, The Desert Escape, Film City, Wildlife Park, and the Glamping Zone. One can experience cultural displays, live performances, workshops, and daily camel parades that showcase Qatar’s rich heritage.

Our Habitas offers special options with stargazing and hot air balloon rides. The Desert Escape features activities like archery, acrobatic shows, falcon demonstrations, kids’ treasure hunts, and roaming parades.

In Film City zone, one can enjoy a coffee shop, gift shop, and an exhibition featuring camel, pony, and horse rides. The Wildlife Park offers safari-like experiences with camel and horse routes through animal zones. The Glamping Zone provides a luxurious desert camping experience with private tents and outdoor lounges.

QND AT TORBA MARKET

Date: December 18
Time: 8am to 9pm
Venue: Education City

Artisans will decorate their booths and make special QND-themed food, while Torba Kitchen will prepare exclusive QND menu items for the occasion. You can also get to see Chef Rima from Beirut in her live station creating authentic Saj Manouche. 

QATAR BALLOON FESTIVAL 2024

Date: Until December 21

Time: 5am to 7am (definite timings upon booking) 

Venue: Katara Southern Parking Area

The skies of Doha will come alive with sunrise balloon launches, tethered rides, and stunning Nightglow displays in this year’s Qatar Balloon Festival featuring over 50 hot air balloons from 21 countries.

There will also be plenty of family-friendly activities to enjoy. To book a flight, click here. For further info, WhatsApp +974 5543 4313

SOUQ WAQIF’S ‘QATAR OF EMINENCE’ EXHIBITION

Date: Until January 6

Venue: Souq Waqif Art Center

The Souq Waqif Art Center’s art exhibition, titled ‘Qatar of Eminence,’ will celebrate Qatari culture and showcase the values of patriotism and pride through fine arts. It will feature the work of 25 talented Qatari and international artists. The exhibition will display artworks that seamlessly blend Qatar’s national vision and cultural values with contemporary art. It is open to the public for free. 

BRYAN ADAMS LIVE IN DOHA

Date: December 20

Time: Gates open at 6pm, show starts at 7pm
Venue: Hall 8 and 9, Qatar National Convention Centre

Ready for an unforgettable night with Bryan Adams? From ‘Summer of 69’ to ‘Everything About You,’ fans will enjoy the electrifying energy of this music legend. Known for his powerful vocals and timeless hits, the Canadian superstar will deliver a spectacular performance. Ticket prices start at QR150 and can be purchased here.

InflataRUN 2024

Date: Until January 3

Time: Thursdays 3pm to 12mn, Fridays 1.30pm to 12mn, Saturdays to Wednesdays 3pm to 11pm
Venue: 900 Park

The world’s largest inflatable course is returning for a third time. InflataRUN promises a fun-filled, family-friendly event featuring the iconic inflatable course, live DJ sets, dancing, and incredible performances. Explore carnival booths, snap photos with massive Monster Truck inflatables, and enjoy hours of entertainment for all ages. Tickets can be purchased here.

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