Minister of Public Health H E Mansoor bin Ebrahim Al Mahmoud (second right); MoFA Secretary General H E Dr. Ahmad Hassen Al Hammadi (left); Director of Protocol Department, MoFA, H E Ambassador Ibrahim Yousif Abdullah Fakhro (right); and US Ambassador to Qatar H E Timmy Davis at the cake-cutting ceremony to mark 249th Anniversary of US Independence Day. Pic: Rajan Vadakkemuriyil/The Peninsula
DOHA: The US Embassy in Qatar celebrated the 249th anniversary of the Independence Day of the United States yesterday, highlighting the role of sports in promoting unity and understanding.
The event, held under the theme ‘A Night of Champions,’ gathered around 1,300 guests including government officials, diplomats, sports and business people, and other key members of the local community at the Qatar National Convention Centre.
Minister of Public Health H E Mansoor bin Ebrahim Al Mahmoud; Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) H E Dr. Ahmad Hassen Al Hammadi; and Director of Protocol Department, MoFA, H E Ambassador Ibrahim Yousif Abdullah Fakhro graced the event as guests of honour.
A ceremonial cake was cut to mark the occasion.
US Ambassador to Qatar H E Timmy Davis addressing guests.
“Tonight, we commemorate the 249th anniversary of American independence — our birthday — celebrating our unwavering commitment to liberty, democracy, and justice. These principles are the heart of our nation, guiding us true in an ever-changing world,” said US Ambassador to Qatar H E Timmy Davis, addressing the guests.
Highlighting strong relations between Qatar and the US, he said, “It is a relationship built on a shared vision for progress and for peace, and shared values that animate our work across all sectors. This bond serves to make Qatar and the United States safer, stronger, and more prosperous. Qatar has been and will continue to be an exceptional partner to the United States.”
Ambassador Davis emphasised the importance of sports diplomacy, highlighting the similarities in patience, skill, and teamwork needed in both sports and diplomacy.
“Diplomacy, much like sports, teaches us the value of perseverance, teamwork, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. On this ‘Night of Champions,’ we honour those champions — in sport and throughout our history — whose dedication and achievements inspire us to push boundaries, reach new heights, and build a brighter future together,” he said.
Qatar Music Academy's Senior Youth Choir performing at the event. Pic: Rajan Vadakkemuriyil/The Peninsula
The evening featured live performances by the US Air Force Central Band (AFCENT Band) and Qatar Music Academy’s Senior Youth Choir.
“We travel across all 21 countries of Southwest and Central Asia. So, we are happy to be here in Doha this weekend,” said 1st. Lt. Julian Sconyers, conductor of six-member AFCENT Band speaking to media on the sidelines of the event.
They played a variety of country, pop, rock, jazz, and top 40 hits, as well as some sports-related songs to align with the evening’s theme.
Pop-up exhibition honouring the past and future 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles, presented by 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum. Pic: Rajan Vadakkemuriyil/The Peninsula
The band also performed ‘Sweet Home Alabama,’ a classic Southern rock song that evokes a sense of nostalgia and pride for Alabama, where Ambassador Davis hails from.
The 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum presented a pop-up exhibition honouring the past and future 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles featuring artifacts from 1932 and 1984. The US Embassy’s Independence Day celebration paid tribute to athletes whose excellence and resilience inspire us to aim higher, work harder, and achieve more, reaffirming the strong and enduring friendship between the US and Qatar.
