DOHA: Hundreds of events and activities are in store for citizens and expatriates at various locations as Qatar celebrates its National Day today.
While celebrating this glorious occasion, Qatar recalls the achievements of its Founder Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammad bin Thani, who laid the foundation of the modern state at a time when the region was experiencing a state of conflict, unrest and instability due to competition between the colonial powers.
Kicking off today’s events is a spectacular National Day military parade on the Corniche this morning in which the Qatari army, air force, navy, Emiri Guards, Lekhwiya, Al Fazaa, Coast Guards, and other units of Ministry of Interior will march past along with military vehicles and warfare equipment. Schoolchildren dressed in traditional and military costumes will also join in the colourful parade which will also feature a breathtaking aerial show.
Around 5,000 soldiers and officers from the armed forces will march along the Corniche, accompanied by sophisticated weaponry and military equipment. The parade is scheduled to begin at 8am and last for 48 minutes.
For a first, top military delegations from three countries that have friendly relations with Qatar — Georgia, Belarus and Uruguay — are also expected to attend the parade.
The Ministry of Interior has instructed people attending the parade and other events to keep away from stunt driving daredevilry and not to decorate their vehicles in a way that obstructs visibility.
“National Day is a joyous occasion to show your loyalty to the country. It is everybody’s responsibility not to make it a sad day by your reckless behaviour,” the ministry reminded citizens and expatriates in a statement yesterday.
As in the previous years, the Ministry of Interior has arranged exclusive activities for different expatriate communities to ensure their active participation in the celebrations.
A total of 282 cultural and sporting events will be held at four venues as part of Associated Activities for Qatar National Day under the theme ‘One Love’.
West End Park Amphitheatre and Cricket Stadium in Industrial Area, Wakra, Al Khor and Rayyan Sports Clubs will stage the events from 8 am to 10 pm. Students from 17 schools will stage a total of 102 shows and nine community teams will stage 180 performances at the four venues.
National Day celebrations at Darb Al Saii in Al Sadd which kicked off several days ago are expected to attract a huge number of citizens and expatriates today.
Katara has lined up 42 events and activities for its visitors today and tomorrow. They include military, horses and motorcycle parades, boat shows, heritage tents, cultural contests, power parachuting, awareness initiatives and an all-new ‘Katara FM’ radio station. The 42 festivities are organised in collaboration with more than 20 different public and private institutions.
During the two-day programme, Katara will witness a number of marine activities including a sailboat show and dhows decorated with Qatari flags cruising along the seashore. The Cultural Village’s beach will also host children games and activities while 11,000 LED and helium-filled balloons will be released on Katara’s Corniche over the two days.
Between 2 pm and 5 pm, military shows will be one of the celebrations’ highlights. The Qatar Amiri Guard will showcase 14 horses in national costumes, some of which will tour Katara’s alleyways, as well as engage in a silent military parade and another with army rifles and fire shots. Meanwhile, Lekhwiya and the Qatari Armed Forces will perform Paratroopers shows with fireworks and photo displays of the national flag.
Different ministries, government departments and a number of private companies and organisations have also lined up a series of activities to mark the National Day.
The Peninsula
