Qatar Set to Celebrate National Day with Culture and Sports Events

Doha, December 15 (QNA) - A plethora of colourful cultural, sports events, forums and exhibitions organised by various ministries, government bodies, corporate and private organisations are poised to entertain Qatari citizens and residents this weekend as Qatar celebrates its National Day here this Sunday. Citizens are set for celebrations and reflections on the historic day in 1878 when Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani founded the State of Qatar and laid the preamble to put the country on to the path of prosperity and development which is being fulfilled under the wise leadership of HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. An ambience of national pride and celebration has suffused Doha's highways, business avenues, shopping arcades, the Corniche, culture hot spots as well as prime residential blocks, decorated as they are with the national flag, multi colour festoons and neon light sign boards. The Emiri Diwan has already announced Sunday December 18 will be an official National Day holiday for all ministries, government authorities, departments, financial institutions under the Qatar Central Bank, Qatar Financial Markets Authority. Besides culture events, Qatar's sports-loving citizens can look forward to participating in various contests and sports like football, handball and cricket tournaments organised independent groups to inject a competitive spirit amidst the patriotic spirit. While the younger generation competes in the holiday sports events, there's plenty of high level competitive action going on in Qatar with the 12th Arab Games which the older generation can watch in the swanky stadiums spread all over Doha. The culture hot spots of Qatar - Katara Village, Heritage Village, Fanar Cultural Centre, Souq Waqif which is a testament to the country's customs, traditional architecture and motifs, the Wakra Sealine market - have opened a wide range of events and exhibition to showcase and celebrate the National Day. The Darb-a-Saai (The Path of Messenger) events like Al Nasa (Shooting), Souq Waqif, Alhafeez, Al Maqtar and Marbat Al Shaqab inagurated by HE the Minister of Culture Dr. Hamad Bin Abdulaziz Al Kuwari set the tone and momentum to the National Day celebrations. This year celebrations are being to be held under the theme 'Show-casing the Spirit of Loyal Dignitaries'. The opening ceremony of the culture events reflected the simplicity and beauty of the Qatari heritage. Vice chairman of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development Dr. Saif Ali Al Hajri accompanied by schools students and officials from government departments participated in the activities. The programme was launched by arrival of Darb-a-Saai convoy through the main gate. The convoy featured Arabian camels and horses accompanied by two camel-men, falconers carrying falcons and a horse-rider with a rifle. It was pageantry at its best with well-groomed horses in the lead which narrated how the convoys in ancient era would travel on a path called Darb-a-Saai. Entering through the main gate and heading towards Al-Maqtar, along with the falconers, riding camels on a large wool-made tent set on the right side, the convoy was received to a warm welcome by Al Maqtar dwellers. This scene was an elaborate metaphor which captured the image of love, hospitality and generosity extended to visitors by Qataris. The entourage then passed by the several locations like the Marbat Al Shaqab declaring the start of events show-casing a scene recalling the life and times of the previous generations of Qataris. Then led by the decorated camels the convoy passed through Souq Waqif and then towards Almesahabiyah or the Oryx Reserve, highlighting the country's efforts in protecting oryx and other endangered species. The convoy then, led by an Arab knight majestically holding a rifle, advanced to Al Nasa (shooting) event. A representative from Marbat Al Shaqab receives knight, holding his horse by the halter. The group then goes through the shooting drill and continues towards the Alhafeez area where vintage cars of the 1940 and 50s era were on display. After this modern interlude the convoy moved to its final destination Al Izbba where camel dressing was showcased. The ceremony also witnessed the launch of heritage-based celebration overwhelmed by an atmosphere of joy and solidarity recalling the founders way of life. The events are being telecast live throughout the weekend. Doha TV is broadcasting the programmes, hosted by a distinguished group of Qatari presenters, on the following frequencies: Nilesat 12 169 and Arabsat 11 976. The events for Thursday evening include Al Maseela Horse race finals 3pm onwards, light and water show from 5pm and fireworks at 9pm to be followed by lights show again. (END)