This article was published on December 12th, 2018
December is all about National Day in Qatar, and celebrations have already started for the big day. Nationals and expats alike head out to the different venues hosting events for Qatar National Day to mark this very special day. Here are some of the venues to visit and events to check out before and on December 18th.
1. Katara Cultural Village:
Celebrations at Katara Cultural Village span over 9 days, and the 45 events and activities lined up for this year’s National Day festivities will run until December 19. The activities include a fireworks display, musical and cultural shows, as well as parachuting and drone shows. Qatari artistes Fahad Al Kubaisi and Anwaar will also be preforming throughout the nine days, and performances from the Police Training Institute band at the Ministry of Interior and the Amiri Air Force are also part of the agenda. Visitors can also enjoy a cultural Bazar, as well as a number of children activities. It has also been announced that the country’s first planetarium will be unveiled at Katara Cultural Village on Qatar National Day.
2. Darb al-Saai:
Organized by the National Day Committee, Darb al-Saai has been a highlight of National Day celebrations for a few years now, and 2018 will be no different. Opening the doors to the public today, the Al Saad location will include a number of different activities with participation from governmental and other entities, including The Ministry of Health, Qatar Foundation, Qatar Traffic, Souq Waqif, Police College, and Al Baladiya. The cultural tent will include events such as rifle shooting, horse riding, and a parade which includes camels, classic carols, old patrol motorcycles and even a mini metro rail, among many others. Darb al-Saai is the perfect location for celebrating QND and also experiencing the history and cultural of Qatar.
3. Doha Corniche:
The Doha Corniche is also another location where festivities take place, with two of the most popular National Day Events taking place here. The much-anticipated National Day Parade also happens on the corniche, where MOI, Emiri Guards, Lekhwiya, and Civil Defense representatives all participate. This year, organizers have announced that the seating capacity for spectators on the Corniche will be around 25,000. Of course, the Corniche is also the setting for the very popular fireworks show, which takes place on the evening of December 18th.
4. Aspire Zone:
Celebrations at Aspire Zone will take place from the 13th to the 18th of December this year. Activities and events will include cultural celebrations, military parades, a parachuting show and various activities for children as well. The Doha Fire Station, the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs and Aspire Academy will all be organizing events in Aspire Zone for the Qatar National Day celebrations.
