The Ardha dance being performed at the Katara waterfront provides a festive atmosphere while visitors enjoy the different activities at Katara’s National Day celebrations which run until December 19. Pic: Salim Matramkot/The Peninsula
Doha: The festive spirit of Qatar National Day is in the air at Katara Cultural Village with still several days before the actual day as a large number of events and activities begain in Katara on Wednesday.
Events ranging from various shows, operettas, and displays of national culture and heritage to drone and fireworks shows have been lined up in co-operation with various ministries, and government and private entities until December 19.
The celebrations, which run for over a week, were officially launched by Katara General Manager, Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti and events are being held from 3pm to 10pm every day.
Qatar’s national dance, the “Ardha”, being performed at the Katara waterfront provides an atmosphere of festivity while different activities are enjoyed by visitors leading to the National Day on December 18.
The ‘Loyalty Book of the National Day’ is once again is on display. The book containing the signatures of visitors of previous years is on display for the seventh consecutive year.
Katara is also hosting a cultural market, heritage collections, “Qadimek Nadimak” an exhibition of antiquities, national shows, competitions offering gifts, and PlayStation championship (FIFA 2020).
A National Day operetta titled “This is Qatar”, directed by Nasser Abdul-Reda, is one of the highlights of this year’s celebrations.
Fireworks display and drones show are also taking place every evening at the amphitheatre.
Al Thuraya Planetarium is holding astronomy shows, colouring workshop, and “Phases of the Moon” workshop.
The Qatari Joint Special Forces have paratrooper show, ‘Show of Paramotor’, and parachute fireworks.
The Ministry of Defense – Armed Forces are showcasing the best of its armoury and old military tanks. The military parade with army musical band is also held each day.
Meanwhile, the Amiri Air Force has their Air Ambulance on display.
Mawater Center, on the other hand, have put up a ‘Classic Cars’ display.
The Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy is showcasing Qatar as the world’s sports destination with a folkloric show on the occasion of the FIFA Club World Cup Qatar 2019 now being hosted in Doha.
The show has participation of 15 international communities including Pakistan, Korea, Japan, Palestine, Bangladesh, Uganda, Nepal, Kenya, Tanzania, Morocco, Jamaica, Tunisia, Mexico, Sudan, and Ghana.
Apart from presenting an exhibition of ancient vehicles, Qatar Media Corporation has a live broadcasting studio, and display of radio booth model.
The Ktateeb Company is organising Arabic language workshops for children.
Hamad Medical Corporation is presenting its institutional history, and the ambulance service.
Amal Center for Special Needs has a programme with participation of youth over 15 years old.
Alfaisal Social Responsibility Centre is conducting Qatari heritage activities and popular games competitions while Al Shabhanah Association has educational workshops for children.
In another interesting feature, Nebras Power Company has installed air fans on the Katara Hills.
Ooredoo has an electronic football game with interactive presentations based on 3D technology being held on the stairs of Katara Beach Club.
The general public will have free access to all the beach games.
The entire Cultural Village premises have been decked up in national colours and lights in supervision of the Ministry of Municipality and Environment.
