Flags are fluttering all over the country as Qatar gears up to mark the National Day on Tuesday. Many events are being organised all around the country by government and private entities.
There is something for everyone as Qatar celebrates the momentous day with lot of pride and joy. These occasions gain importance in the national narrative as it tells the story of the whole country and its people – be it citizens or expatriates – overcoming the obstacles thrown at it and emerging victorious and expressing the gratitude in one loud voice.
The National Day motto for this year is ‘As long as it was proven by our deeds ... Qatar remains free’. The motto blends a verse taken from one of the poems by the Founder Sheikh Jassim bin Mohamed bin Thani with a phrase taken from the national anthem.
The symbolism of the motto assumes great significance in the current scenario as Qatar remains free and independent despite the illegal attempts by some of the Gulf neighbours to interfere in the sovereignty of Qatar.
Qatar stood steadfast on its foreign policies and commitments to the international community and emerged stronger and this is aptly conveyed through the motto.
The whole country is in a festive mood and there are events aplenty at Darb Al Saai, Katara Cultural Village, Aspire and Ministry of Interior is organising cultural and sports activities all over Qatar.
There are events for children and adults – educational and entertaining – set-up by various ministries, institutions like Qatar Foundation and various government and semi-government bodies.
There are stalls at Darb Al Saai, which showcase the history and culture of the country and also the latest scientific, agricultural and educational developments seen in the country.
There also outdoor activities like parasailing, largest fireworks in Qatar, military parade, ‘Ardha’ sword dance and more at Aspire.
One of most interesting events happening at Katara, the “All united hand in hand” operetta features the strong unity between expatriates and citizens living in Qatar.
Qatar has always been a shining example in the region for the mutual love and respect showed by the citizens and expatriates. The last one-and-a-half-year after the blockade was imposed on Qatar, this mutual respect was amplified further and each and every expatriate stood behind the Qatari leadership and the country as a rock and joined hand with the government and citizens to make sure ‘Qatar remains free’.
