Doha: Thousands of people visited Darb Al Saai festivities in the last two days to participate in many activities held by more than 50 governmental and non-governmental institutions.
The festivities varied from heritage and cultural events, to introduce the new generation about the Qatari customs and traditions and to cultivate the values of loyalty and unity among them. The Organizing Committee of Qatar National Day 2018 Celebration has allocated a big space this year for heritage traditions.
Among the most important events is the pavilion of the auction of antiques and rare artifacts in Darb Al Saai, mostly from the Qatari, Gulf and Arab heritage, including fishing equipment, diving, radios, old cameras, swords, and boxes.
“Some of the machines that we have in the auction dates back to more than 200 years such as manuscripts, and some dates back to 100 years,” Saadi Talal, the auction of antiques supervisor said.
On prices, he said that the price varies in terms of scarcity and importance, some of which cost more than QR100,000. The sales daily is in the range of QR20,000 to QR30,000.
Among the important events also are the Traffic Village at the Ministry of the Interior, which has attracted large numbers of children. Children get tips about the safety driving and also offers them simulation driving experience.
Also the General Authority of Customs is participating in the activities of the National Day celebrations through a special pavilion.The pavilion includes a number of cultural and recreational events suitable for all ages. Customs officials also provide details to visitors about the importance and role of customs and its security and economic functions.
In the pavilion, the public is introduced to the methods of inspecting the containers, where there is a simulator that simulates a real container. Customs inspectors are clarifying the ways in which smugglers hide the contraband inside these containers.
The Authority is trying to educate the public, especially the new generations, on the nature of the customs work and its security and economic importance in a simple way through games, interactive competitions and animation designed to facilitate the delivery of important customs information to children of all age groups.
