BY YASIN ABU TAQIU KAKANDE
DOHA: The parade that marks the start of National Day celebrations in Qatar is one of the best in the region and draws a large number of visitors from the neighbouring GCC states.
An average of 25,000 people from other GCC countries arrive in Qatar by road via Abu Samra check-point at Qatar-Saudi Arabia border daily roughly a week before National Day which falls on December 18.
GCC visitors, a majority accompanied by families, stay for a week or so, enjoy festivities and return by road.
A large number of citizens from the UAE came to Qatar this year and many said they enjoyed the ride to take part in the celebrations and had no problems crossing the border.
Omair Mohammed Muharam said he travelled by car with friend Saeed Ahmed Sharaifi. “I have friends in Qatar who are like family and had invited me to witness one of the best military parades in the region,” said Muharam, while taking a walk with friends at Souq Waqif. Muharam arrived in Qatar a day before the celebrations and was among the first to arrive at the Corniche on National Day.
He said he had found the parade very interesting as he was always interested in military activities.
He and Al Sharaifi said that with their Qatari hosts they visited several places like Darb Al Saai and Katara Heritage Village. They are expected to leave today.
Al Sharaifi said their journey through Saudi Arabia to Qatar had been smooth with ordinary waiting at the borders for checking in. He said he had visited several countries around the world but as a football fan he was interested in seeing preparations by Qatar for the World Cup in 2022.
“I visited Aspire Zone and saw the completed stadiums and other sports facilities. They are excellent.
“With these facilities and more under construction, it’s no surprise Qatar presented a stronger bid for the 2022 World Cup and won it.
The Peninsula
