Students performing the traditional Ardha dance at the tent yesterday.
DOHA: Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) yesterday inaugurated a traditional tent to host its staff and the public in celebration of the National Day.
The tent in front of Doha Exhibitions Centre features entertainment activities inspired by Qatar’s culture and heritage and will remain open from 9am until 9pm today. Admission is free and the tent will include a traditional coffee shop, handicrafts and Qatar’s iconic falcons.
Students from Saud bin Abdulrahman Elementary School took part in the celebrations with traditional shows, including a military parade, and performed national songs and other activities in addition to the traditional Ardha.
Qatar Riders participated with a motorbike rally which ended at the centre.
QTA invited hotels to fly the Qatari flag in front of their hotels and distribute flags inside their hotels in visible areas to tourists.
Hotel staff will wear traditional Qatari national dress or Qatar National Day pins, and female staff will wear Thoab Al Nashel.
White and burgundy balloons will be displayed at hotel entrances and reception areas and traditional Qatari food and dishes will be put on main course menus for the day.
QTA is also staging a National Day competition for the best decorated hotel front. This competition will put the spotlight on Qatar’s iconic building designs and architecture.
The Abu Samra Border Post will be decorated with patriotic motifs and volunteers will be appointed to distribute Qatari flags, pins and promotional items to guests entering Qatar.
Volunteers representing QTA will be waiting for visitors with gifts and flags.
At Doha International Airport, QTA is planning a special tourism booth in the Arrivals terminal where volunteers will give away national flags, National Day pins, maps and other promotional items to everyone arriving in Doha on the day. A traditional Qatari tent will offer Arabic coffee and dates. Doha bus, sponsored by QTA, will be providing shuttle services during National Day celebrations between Corniche stations: Qatar’s Past Station – Al Bidda Promontory, Modern Qatar Station – Ory Jetty, Qatar’s Future Station – Sheraton Park, and Darb Al Sai Station.
The Peninsula
