Qatar certainly won't be short on celebrations on the National Day this year. Hosting a wide variety of events to experience and take part in, the whole country will be in the festive mood. If you're a fan of poetry, traditional dance and music or excited to watch the parades and fireworks, there literally is an event for everyone. Simply have a look at the list and take your pick!
Al Masseela Horse Race Venue: Darb-a-Saai Camp in Rawda Umm Rouman (Al Rayyan) The Masseela Horse Race, featuring both Arabian horses and Qatari riders dressed in the traditional attire of the ancestors is an apt way to introduce the young generation to the traditions of their ancestors.
National Day Television Live A special channel specifically created for Qatar National day. Al Doha Channel will cover the history, culture, and progress of Qatar. It’s also a great way to watch what’s happening around Qatar on tv. (Arabsat - Frequency 12111 MHz, Nilesat Freuqency 12418 MHz)
Corniche Jewelry The cornice road will be closed for most of the day but for a good reason! There will be a fun military parade and rally which will showcase the history of Qatar, the country’s visions and highlight it’s biggest achievements. Camel Dressage Venue: Darb-a-Saai Camp in Rawda Umm Rouman (Al Rayyan) Arabian camels from the best stables in Qatar will compete to win one of two awards — camel dressage and Best Behaved Camel.
National Poetry Finals Venue: Qatar National Theatre Enjoy the finals from the Poetry competition and hear some of the finest poetry in Qatar. Tribal Ardha Ardha is a type of folkloric dance performed by tribes. It was traditionally performed before going to war, but nowadays is performed at celebrations or cultural events. The dance, which is performed by men carrying swords or canes, is accompanied by drums and spoken verse. La Cigale Traditional Qatari Menu La Cigale Hotel will be preparing a special menu of Qatari food for guests to feast on! It’s your change to dine like a Qatari!
Grand Regency’s Day of Fun Grand Regency's staff will be dressed in national dress to get in the spirit of tradition. Pick up a flyer to learn about national day, enjoy some great Qatari food, and watch a special show called ‘The Dancing Camels’.
Qatari Projected Performance Venue: Commercial Bank of Qatar Building View live performance projected onto the CBQ building by Qatari artists.
National Poetry Recital It’s said that some of the most beautiful poetry in the world comes from Arabia. The Gulf is particularly proud of this skill, and in Qatar, men and women shall be judged based on their recital skills, speed, tone, and emotion.
Al Khaleeji Festival Venue: Sharq Village Resort Enjoy special celebrations and decorations themed in the colours of the national flag. Experience authentic Middle Eastern cuisine with a five day celebration of Al Khaleeji delights inspired by the traditional regional dishes from the Arabian Gulf.
Vodafone and iLoveQatar.net at Aspire Park Venue: Aspire Park A fantastic event organized by Vodafone in partnership with iLoveQatar.net. Get ready for bouncy castles, free Qatari food, rahesh, traditional music and entertainment, balloons, stickers, flags, and a great fun time!
Sparkles Venue: Aspire Park If there are sparkles in the sky then there should be sparkles in your hand. We’ll be passing out sparklers throughout the day, but we’re going to start lighting them up together at 5pm. Don’t worry, there’ll be assistants there to help out.
Face Painting and Bouncy Castles Venue: Aspire Park It’s fun for all the family, so bring your children over to Aspire Park and let them enjoy a bouncing good time in our bouncy castles and paint their faces. What will you choose? Tiger? Qatari Flag?
Fun Day at the Ritz Venue: The Ritz Carlton Hotel A great day with a bouncy castle, face painting, balloon twister, candy floss, and a special Qatari Buffet at the Lagoon restaurant await you!
Traditional Music Venue: Aspire Park We’ll have singers, musicians and dancers. So be sure to pick a good spot to enjoy the entertainment.
Marriott’s National Events Venue: Marriott Hotel The Marriott is very excited to bring you a special treat. Qatari Chef Abdullah will be serving you his favourite Qatari food.
Qatari Food at the Park Venue: Aspire Park Come on over and enjoy some traditional Qatar food for free! We’ll be serving Harees, Lamb with rice, and some rahesh (delicious sweets). Be sure to get here early before we run out!
A National Day Delight Venue: BomBini at Sealine Beach Resort A delightful Arabian cuisine will suit your taste on this special occasion, exclusively prepared for National Day.
Military Parade and Colorful Rally Venue: Doha Corniche The cornice will road will be closed for most of the day but for a good reason! There will be a fun military parade and rally which will showcase the history of Qatar, the country’s visions and highlight it’s biggest achievements.
Old Boat Show Venue: Doha Corniche Come and view a great boat show, show-casing the old traditional boats and Dhows.
Classic Car Show Venue: Doha Corniche A car show that shows off old government vehicles and some great collected classics.
Fireworks Venue: Doha Corniche A celebration like this deserves fireworks! To celebrate National Day, the sky will light up in the corniche with colour. 2008 was great and 2009 will be amazing!
Al Masseela Horse Race
Camel Dressage
La Cigale Traditional Qatari Menu
National Poetry Recital
Sparkles
Traditional Music
A National Day Delight
Classic Car Show