Darb Al Saai
The most popular venue of Qatar National Day, Darb Al Saai has been decked up in maroon and white and attracting residents since December 9. About 29 activities are being organised this year at Darb Al Saai by various government organizations.
A number of armoured vehicles and other military machines including tanks are on display at the Defence Ministry’s pavilion.
Qatar Foundation has a number of activities including an immersive QF Tram experience, interactive storytelling sessions and an exciting horse-riding simulator, catering to all ages and designed to provide learning opportunities that will promote and preserve Qatar’s culture and heritage.
Ministry of Municipality and Environment set up a big tent comprising of five separate sections to create awareness among the visitors specially school children.
Visitors are also being educated about beekeeping and fish farming. Zoo section has some animals, favourite to children like monkeys and rabbits.
Another activity drawing attention is the Guinness World Record attempt to colour the biggest portrait of Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani called “The Dignity Image” launched by the Police College.
The celebrations will continue for ten days till December 20, and people can visit Darb Al Saai during this ten day on two shifts from 8am to 12noon and from 4pm to 10pm except on Friday it will receive visitors from 2pm to 11 pm.
Where: Darb Al Saai
When: Till 20 December
Details: For more info, Click here
Katara Cultural Centre
Katara is hosting 60 events and activities varying from Al Ardah National Qatari performance, first-of-its kind performance by paratroopers, theatrical play by Qatari youth, exhibitions including a mosaic painting of Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani at the theatre venue.
On National Day, maritime and sailing enthusiasts can gather on the Katara waterfront to welcome Fath Al-Kheir as it returns from a month-long voyage to Oman and Kuwait.
An ‘entertainment’ train, which can carry up to 18 children and parents, will be winding its way through Katara’s Esplanade.
A highlight of the festivities at Katara include a dancing water fountain designed to be a multi-sensory experience in itself. The ‘dancing’ fountain show will be accompanied by national songs, which will take place every
20 minutes starting from 3pm each day.
The festivities will culminate in a thrilling fireworks display on December 19.
Where: Katara
When: 12-19 December; 4-10pm
Details: For more info, Click here
Live Circus Show Meraviglia
Sheraton Doha has arranged for a Sonics’ Meraviglia Live circus as a part of its Qatar National Day Celebration. Witness breathtaking air acrobatics, big scenic machines, dream-like atmosphere merge in one unforgettable experience. What’s more? It’s free for everyone.
Where: Sheraton Doha Lobby
When: 14-17 December (two acts: 6:30pm and 9pm) 18 December (11:30am and 6pm)
Details: For more info, Click here
Mall of Qatar
Mall of Qatar is hosting an eight-day event in honour of Qatar National Day. Apart from the fun events that include ball pit, kids stage, face painting, falconry, calligraphy, henna (ladies and kids), traditional handicrafts, Arda show, there will be live show by Qatar Radio where the prizes will be from AlRayyan Hotel, Xtremeland, Kidzmondo, Scalpers, Napapijri and Fairmont.
Cultural events will also be held in collaboration with Qatar Tourism Authority making sure families go home with Qatari sweets and flags in addition to numerous kids’ activities and live entertainment with a unique MOQ Live show, “Fantasia” on National Day. “Fantasia” show is a lovely reminiscence on the milestones of family theatre that are adored by people all over the world, from Cinderella to Beauty and the Beast; from Marry Poppins to Tarzan.
Where: Mall of Qatar
When: 11-18 December; 2-9pm
Details: For more info, Click here
The Pearl-Qatar
Four-day extravaganza at The Pearl Qatar will have events enjoyable by all ages. Arabic-style tents serving dates and traditional coffee will open their doors to residents and visitors while children enjoy dedicated spaces to play and colour their faces with National Day inspired designs. The other events include traditional Arda, Falcon Display, Kids march, and Henna (Ladies and Kids).
Where: Pearl-Qatar; 6 & 7 La Croisette, Porto Arabia
When: 15 -18 December (6-10pm)
Details: For more info, Click here
Qatar National Library
QNL’s National Day celebrations include activities for children and teenagers that develop better understanding of Qatar’s history and heritage.
Qatari author Sheikha Al Ziyara will read to children on December 15. There will be a puzzle game, ‘Qatar District Map’, in which participants learn about Qatar’s geography, on December 17 and ‘Jassim’s Story’, an interactive session telling the story of a Qatari child discovering a love of learning, on December 17.
On December 17, QNL will host ‘Letter to the Nation,’ where teens can write letters expressing their feelings about Qatar. They can also work together on a large map puzzle of Qatar designed to educate participants about the nation’s geography, also taking place on December 17.
Where: Qatar National Library
When: December 15 (5pm-6pm) & 17 (8am-8pm)
Details: For more info, Click here
