Qatar National Day (QND) celebrated annually on December 18 is a day of great significance for the country’s history.
The QND, also known as the Founder’s Day, commemorates the country’s unification in 1878, marking the day Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammad bin Thani succeeded his father as leader of people of Qatar.
Sheikh Jassim grew up in Fuwairat, north-east of Qatar, under the patronage of his father, Sheikh Mohammad bin Thani, the most prominent leader at that time. The founder of Qatar was a man driven by wisdom, prudence and generosity. He was a man of knowledge, virtue and over all a true leader.
The country takes pride in its people who have preserved their unity and values. The National Day serves as an annual reminder of the country’s core values. It’s a day to get inspired by the past, celebrate the present, and look at the future.
The QND comes every year with a new slogan inspired by the poems of the founder. The National Day’s slogan has a great importance for its noble messages as it expresses the strength and pride of Qatar’s people and the foundations of faith upon which the country was founded.
In celebration of the QND, the activities of the Darb Al Saai 2023 were launched on December 10.
The Ministry of Culture is keen to ensure that Darb Al Saai includes activities that highlight the Qatari culture. Two of the major events at Darb Al Saai are Al Maqtar and Al Izbah activities. Al Maqtar reflects the traditional tenets of Qatar, commemorating the life of the desert. It also includes activities that introduce people with Qatari traditions. Al Maqtar activities include tents focused on falconry and hunting and women’s crafts such as Al Sadu. Al Izbah activities at Darb Al Saai offer children an opportunity to learn to ride and engage with camels. Darb Al Saai also hosts activities related to the sea.
The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change is showcasing the wildlife in Qatar at Darb Al Saai, while the Ministry of Culture is offering cultural and artistic activities to strengthen Qatari identity.
Al Shaqab, a member of the Qatar Foundation, participates in equestrian-related activities with the aim of highlighting purebred Arabian horses and the importance of equestrianism in the country.
Meanwhile, the Cultural Village saw considerable public turnout for the QND celebrations, which began on Friday.
A wide range of cultural, artistic and entertainment events are being organised to celebrate the culture and identity of Qatar in collaboration with various entities.
