‘Al Maali Kaydah’, which means ‘the path to excellence is arduous’ is this year’s Qatar National Day slogan launched by the Ministry of Culture and Sports. It truly reflects patriotic fervor, feeling of love, devotion and sense of attachment of Qatari people with their homeland. After all, the slogan reminds people of the legacy of their ancestors, the years of struggles and sacrifices on which today’s Qatar is built on.
It showcases history that reflects Qatar’s values which are embedded in its heritage and culture. It inspires, encourages and motivates the Qatari youth to move ahead with firm and determined steps to face all difficulties of the time.
There couldn’t have been a better slogan than this when we take into account the ongoing regional developments and Qatar’s outstanding growth in all sectors by overcoming challenges.
The slogan was inspired by a poem by the Founder of the State of Qatar lamenting his martyred son Sheikh Ali bin Jassim (Joaan) and it recognises the contributions of the whole generation of Qatari youth in the founding period.
Qatar was founded on December 18, 1878, by Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani and the Qatar National Day commemorates this historic moment. Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani ruled Qatar during 1878 – 1913. He ran the affairs of the country along with his father, Sheikh Mohammed bin Thani. He took over after his father passed away on December 18, 1878. Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani was a military leader, judge and scholar, knight and poet possessing courage and magnanimity.
The slogan tells Qatari people, especially its youth, to take valuable lessons from country’s history and also trying to put spotlight on Sheikh Joaan as a role model for Qatari youth as he was resilient, resourceful, honourable and devoted enough to lead the nation. The slogan tells the youth to follow him in acquiring ethics and knowledge in science and also in the willingness to sacrifice for homeland.
Qatar and its people are blessed with natural resources. In the past, it was pearl and now the Qatari people and its vast expatriate population lead a decent living with the blessings of its rich oil and gas resources. Challenges and difficulties are not something new to Qatar.
The slogan is actually a pointer to the ‘Pearl Depression’ and ‘Challenges from the Mesaimeer’ in the past and the current siege by the neighbouring nations. The slogan tells its people to take serious notes from the past to face future challenges. No doubt that the slogan will add charm to this year’s National Day and undeniably it will fill Qatar and its people with more confidence, courage and strength to conquer new heights against all odds.
