Msheireb Properties staffers marking National Day
By Peter Townson/Staff Reporter

This year’s National Day activities promise to provide citizens and residents alike yet another memorable and spectacular way to mark the occasion. The Corniche will be the venue for a variety of activities throughout the day, giving guests the opportunity to participate in the festivities and celebrate the achievements of the country and its plans for the future.
Various events will be occurring throughout the day, which will begin with the national parade in the morning, with audience members advised to be in place before 7.30am.
The parade will take place on both lanes of the Corniche this year, with the country’s large selection of military vehicles, soldiers, and other equipment and participants on display.
A classic cars exhibition will open at 10am and display the vehicles throughout the day.
Dhow laser shows will take place from 5.30pm to 7.30pm and from 8.15pm-11.15pm.
The highlight of the day, however, is set to be the firework display at 8pm.
Ezdan Real Estate officials with some of the gifts for Rumailah hospital patients
Each year the incredible fireworks have proven to be the best part of the day’s festivities, and onlookers are sure to be thrilled once more as the sky above the Corniche is filled with the sights and sounds of some of the best fireworks in the world.
To help alleviate problems associated with parking and access, organisers have arranged for shuttle bus services from car parks all over the city, from 5am until midnight.
With Qatar hosting the Arab Games for the first time, the 6,000 athletes from 21 nations competing in the event will also be participating in a number of activities.
From 9am until 9pm, the sportsmen will be at the Arab Games National Day ground opposite Grand Regency Hotel where a number of traditional musical and dance performances will take place, culminating in a showcase of Arda, Qatari folk dancing.
A representative of the Arab Games Organising Committee said: “As we continue to achieve great progress in all areas, including sports, in Qatar, Qatar’s National Day is an annual reminder of Qatar’s culturally rich past, rapidly evolving present, and progressive future – making it an ideal opportunity for visitors to experience Qatar during one of its most of festive times of the year.”
“There is no better opportunity to share Qatari traditions and values with our fellow Arab brothers while we have been brought together in Qatar today as a result of our common love and passion for sports,” the official added.
Qatar has the highest number of athletes, 373, participating in the competition.
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