By Peter Townson/Staff Reporter
As the sky above Doha dazzled last night, proud residents and expatriates joined together throughout the country to celebrate National Day, marking what has been another successful year of growth for Qatar.
On the Corniche, where the main festivities for the day were hosted, people from all over the world braved the cold to enjoy the firework display last night and take in some of the other activities, such as the classic car exhibition and the dhow laser shows.
Beginning with the traditional national parade in the morning, the day provided those who visited the Corniche another memorable occasion, and many took their families to enjoy yet another spectacular National Day celebration.
Gulf Times spoke to a number of people at the Corniche last night, to find out what they enjoyed about National Day, and what they thought of the activities that were organised to mark the event.
“I have lived here for five years now, and I try and come down to the Corniche every year to get into the spirit of National Day,” said British expatriate, James, who added “it is amazing how much everybody here celebrates this occasion and I enjoy being a part of that.”
“This year the atmosphere has been brilliant as always, and the fireworks were as incredible as they usually are,” he added.
Mohamed, from Pakistan, said that he had also thoroughly enjoyed the day’s activities, and was proud to be able to join in the celebrations of Qatar’s National Day.
“I live here with my family and we truly love Qatar,” he said, “it is a wonderful place with wonderful people, and we are so happy to be celebrating this day with everybody in the country.”
The sense of community on display throughout yesterday will have provided a feeling of warmth for the crowds of people who decided to venture outside despite the chilly evening conditions.
And as they all said, they had not been let down by what was a spectacular display of fireworks and a fitting way to mark another prosperous and momentous year in the nation’s history.
