DOHA: Qatari tribes marked the National Day with traditional Al Arada dances (sword dance) and poetry sessions at Al Rafa Street on the Shahaniya road. The activities in the evening drew a large number of citizens from different age groups.
A number of Qatari tribes had set up tents on both sides of the road at the area dedicated for them to celebrate the occasion. Some tribes had pitched their tents along the E-Ring Road, the D-Ring Road and several residential areas. The sword dance was performed by elders and youngsters together and in different traditional and modern styles.
“We are happy that we are celebrating our nation’s birthday,” Khalid Mohammed Al Kaabi, from the Al Kaaban tribe told this daily. He works as a student coordinator at Mohammed bin Jassim Independent Secondary School. Al Arada dance is of two types — traditional and modern, explained Khalid. Both elders and youngsters take part in the dance.
At the poetic sessions, several young Qataris presented new poems they wrote to commemorate the National Day.
“We have a very good turnout this year. We are proud to have so many people attending the festivities,” he added.
The participants were treated to a traditional dinner, served in the tents. They also lit fire outside the tents where they made coffee and tea in the traditional style. The Peninsula
