Qatar National Day activities at Darb Al Saee. Pics: Qassim Rahmatullah
BY FAZEENA SALEEM
Patriotism, joy and pride are in the air with the country all set to celebrate its National Day on December 18.
Qatar’s flag can be seen everywhere, the Corniche is all lit up and shops are stocked with National Day memorabilia. Streets, buildings and a whole nation decked up in maroon and white aptly reflect the spirit of the National Day. Qatar, perhaps, has not seen so many national flags across the country ever in the past.
Hundreds of red and blue chairs have been placed along the Corniche for the public to view the National Day parade. Event organizers are busy with last-minute arrangements to ensure that the celebrations pass off without a hitch.
The mood is jubilant not only among the citizens but also the hundreds of thousands of expatriates who consider Qatar their second home.
“Mostly we do the same things every year for the National Day, but the festivities start early each year. The country is in a celebratory mood from the beginning of this month,” said Reem Mohammed, a Qatari youth.
“The country has seen tremendous development, and become home for many expatriates. Therefore the reason for a grand celebration is strong,” she further said.
People in Qatar are now reaping the benefits of the country’s rapid development which, along with the country’s prominent role in humanitarian activities and peace mediation, have made it an inspiration for the Arab world.
The Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani has driven the state’s growth since he took power in 1995. Qatar’s economy has witnessed unprecedented growth since then. The comprehensive development strategy adopted by the government has built a solid and diversified economic base. Home to the world’s third largest proved natural gas reserves, Qatar reached its export capacity target of 77 million tonnes of LNG in 2010. The country has the highest GDP per capita in the world at QR 272,733 ($74,721).
The rapid growth of the country has benefited not only Qataris but also the 1.4 million expatriates working and living here. While some of them are here for a short time, others have made the country their second home.
“Qatar is a cultural hub. It has opened many opportunities for other nationalities too, either to work or study. More than everything, it’s a safe country,” said Marria Assami, a Syrian American. She completed her higher studies in Qatar and is ready to take up a job soon.
“That’s why everyone here is celebrating the National Day,” she said.
The National Day is not all about celebrations. It is an annual reminder of Qatar’s culturally rich past, rapidly evolving present and progressive future. It’s time to pay homage to a visionary who unified the country and led it towards the success which the nation enjoys today.
“When we had no gas, when we had no oil, people went for pearl diving. The country has progressed so much from then. Yet we cannot forget how we reached this position, and the people who are behind it. National Day is an ideal occasion to remember them,” said Mohamed Al Khather Al Mansoori, an artiste.
Standing apart among the many attractions of the National Day celebrations is Darb Al Saee, a camp set up near the Sports roundabout in Al Sadd.
The camp, which opened on December 8, features a spectrum of activities ranging from poetry recitals to folk songs and dances and fun-filled games for children, with names like Sadda Raddha.
The place gives a perfect feel of Qatari life of yore, with children and elders in traditional attire taking part in various activities. Little girls sing folk songs and boys ride horses at the camp.
Al Izbba is the name of a site in the camp where a man is away from home looking after camels in the desert, and Al Nasa an open event for the visitors to learn shooting with rifles under supervision of professional trainers. Al Shaqab, an area for horse shows, horse riding and dressage, is among the many attractions at Darb Al Saee.
Al Bida is a new feature of this year’s camp. It is designed as a coastal city with boats, coffee shops and houses. Competitions are held for schoolchildren to increase their awareness about pearl diving.
“Over 600 schoolchildren have taken part in these competitions. It’s always a good thing to educate them about the history of our country,” said Nasser Al Khulaifi, organiser of the Al Bida tent.
Souq Waqif, a place known for reflecting Qatar’s history and culture, held a cultural event on Thursday night to mark the National Day. Showcasing the traditional lifestyle, ‘Hawdaj’, a traditional march, was held with 45 female singers singing songs. The event was held for the first time.
Qatari tribes too are preparing for the National Day celebrations. The Al Refa road, also known as ‘Celebration Road’, near Rayyan has been decorated with flags and tents that will host activities reflecting the country’s culture and traditions.
The official National Day celebrations will begin early in the morning with a military parade where tanks and rocket launchers would roll along the Doha Corniche and fighter jets will fly overhead, with thousands of citizens and residents watching from the stands.
Visitors to the Corniche will get to enjoy a fireworks show starting at 8pm.
THE PENINSULA
