A participating team rides camels during the launch of Qatar National Day activities at Darb Al Saai yesterday. PIC: Mohamed Elshaer
Doha: Minister of Culture H E Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad Al Thani yesterday opened activities of Qatar National Day (QND) 2022 celebrations at Darb Al Saai, the venue of QND celebrations in Umm Salal.
Spread over an area of 150,000 sqm, Darb Al Saai will host 4,500 cultural, heritage, arts, sports and entertainment activities for 24 days until December 18, daily from 3pm to 11pm.
The opening ceremony was also attended by Minister of Labour H E Dr. Ali bin Smaikh Al Marri along with members of the Organising Committee for 2022 QND Celebrations, and other officials and guests.
The QND activities began by hoisting the national flag at Darb Al Saai, following which the ministers along with officials and guests toured the pavilions where they were briefed about the events and activities.
The Minister of Culture, who is also Chairman of the Organising Committee for 2022 QND Celebrations, said: “The occasion of QND is very close to our heart because it carries noble values expressing the meanings of loyalty, belonging, and allegiance to this generous country.”
The Minister stressed that Darb Al Saai is considered a cultural space, which brings together many activities derived from the ancient Qatari environment and culture, and is inspired by the authentic Arab values.
He noted the diversity of cultural and heritage activities in Darb Al Saai, which reflects the richness of Qatar's history and heritage, and confirms the interest of the Ministry of Culture and the Organising Committee in presenting distinguished and rich activities.
“I am proud of the work that has been accomplished in preparing events and Darb Al Saai, which is considered a sustainable legacy for the people of Qatar and future generations, and a unique cultural, artistic and heritage forum,” said the Minister.
The Minister of Labour also praised efforts by the Organising Committee, and the events scheduled for this year, which reflect the Qatari identity and highlight the cultural and heritage aspect of the Qatari people.
“Darb Al Saai environment embodies the QND 2022 slogan ‘Our unity source of our strength’. Since Darb Al Saai activities coincide with the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, it enables fans from all over the world to take a look at our culture and history,” said the Minister.
Minister of Culture H E Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad Al Thani, Minister of Labour H E Dr. Ali bin Smaikh Al Marri, and other officials hoisting the national flag to launch the Qatar National Day celebrations at Darb Al Saai yesterday.
General Supervisor of Qatar National Day 2022 Celebrations, Dr. Ghanem Al Ali said Darb Al Saai was expecting a large number of visitors, especially the World Cup fans.
“To provide unique experience to visitors — citizens, expatriates and guest, a bus service has started from Al Rayyan Bus Depot to Darb Al Saai,” said Al Ali. The committee has dedicated six buses to transport World Cup fans free of charge throughout the activities of Darb Al Saai.
“Darb Al Saai will present rich cultural, heritage and entertainment activities. It is expected to attract more visitors compared to the former QND venue, given the capacity of the new site and the new events that the Organising Committee was keen to add this year, as the committee prepared a distinguished and varied package to keep pace with the mega sporting event,” said Al Ali.
He said people will get full services at Darb Al Sai which will receive visitors from 3pm to 11pm daily. “Darb Al Saai enjoys a high level of public facilities and services for the comfort and safety of visitors and participants.”
Ahmed Khalid Al Ansari, Deputy Director of Qatar Photography Center and who is also responsible for the activities of the center in Darb Al Saai, said there are several activities that the public will witness throughout the event, with the participation of 30 photographers. Abdul Rahman Al Maadeed, In-Charge of Al Adhab event, said the aim of holding this event was to depict the life of the desert and its poets and narrators.
The ‘Music Event’, is being presented for the first time, by the Music Affairs Center of the Ministry of Culture.
Khalid Al Salem, Director of the Music Affairs Center, said the center is presenting 42 daily events at Darb Al Saai over a period of 24 days.
Huda Al Yafei, Director of the Visual Arts Center affiliated to the Ministry of Culture and responsible for the Art Gallery in Darb Al Saai, said the activities will focus on Qatari artistic aspects and what characterises local creativity in all fields and activities of visual arts.
