Qatar lines up plenty of thrilling events to celebrate National Day in style

The Qatar National Day (QND) is a major event people in the country look forward to eagerly every year.

This year, QND celebrations will take place in different parts of the country from December 12 to 20, according to the Minister of Culture and Sports HE Salah bin Ghanim bin Nasser Al Ali, chairman of the QND Organising Committee.

The vision of this year’s QND celebrations is based on enhancing loyalty, unity, and pride in Qatar’s national identity, said Al Ali, according to Gulf Times.

QND Organising Committee’s General supervisor Hassan bin Rashid Al Ajami said the National Day Parade would be held on the Doha Corniche on December 18. People will be able to see live streaming footage of the procession at strategically placed TV screens in different locations.

The Doha Corniche itself will be able to seat around 25,000 spectators.

“Massive preparations are underway to receive thousands of visitors at main venues of QND celebration like Doha Corniche and Darb Al Saai,” Al Ajami was quoted as saying by The Peninsula.

“Activities of QND celebration will begin at Darb Al Saai on December 12, at 3pm, and will conclude on December 20. Darb Al Saai will be set up at the same place as last year and will be open from 9am to 1pm and 3:30pm to 10pm,” he added.

While the general public will be allowed entry into Darb Al Saai on December 12, 13, 16 and 18, it will be restricted to women and families on other days.

He said a new activity, called Sanad Al Qanoni, will be introduced this year.

“Under the Sanad Al Qanoni (legal document) programme, school students from the country will perform as lawyers and judges in a mock courtroom to create the value of law among children,” said Al Ajami.

QND celebrations will also be held in collaboration with expatriate communities at various places including Industrial Area (Asian Town), Al Wakrah, Dukhan and Al Khor.

“We’re expecting over 125,000 visitors at the events including a large number of expatriate workers. The activities will include parades by expatriate communities, school students, companies and various colourful cultural programmes including orchestra,” said the official.

Medical tents will be set up to offer free diabetes check-ups for users. Security agencies will also make their presence felt at this year’s celebrations.