The Qatar National Day celebrations on December 18 are going to be distinctly different from that of any previous year, as they are being held under the ‘One Love’ theme, highlighting the bond shared between Qataris and expatriates who have made Qatar their home from home.
The ‘One Love’ logo that shows two hands forming the shape of a heart, symbolises the partnership between Qatari citizens and expatriates, demonstrating how by joining hands communities can spread love and friendship among each other.
In keeping with the fact that the majority of the country’s 2mn population are expatriates who are a vital component of the development engine, the Organising Committee of Associated Activities for Qatar National Day Celebrations 2013 has lined up a number of activities for them.
Cultural programmes and sports competitions at venues across Qatar are sure to attract the participation of hundreds of thousands of expatriates, especially the low-income workers, who will be overjoyed to be a part of the celebrations.
Al Rayyan Sports Club, Al Wakrah Sports Club, Al Khor Sports Club and the West End Park open theatre and cricket stadium at Doha’s Industrial Area will witness unprecedented jubilation when massive expatriate crowds share the pride and joy of their host nation’s National Day.
As Qatar University president Dr Sheikha Abdulla al-Misnad observed on Saturday, this year’s Qatar National Day celebration under the leadership of HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, will further boost Qatar’s march towards achieving its ambitious National Vision 2030.
The march will not stop until the State of Qatar becomes a bright star among the nations. The vision aims to make citizens proud of their identity, and encourage interaction with the world’s various cultures.
The National Day is an opportunity to reflect on the principles for which the State of Qatar was established. Qatar has proven since its inception at the hand of founder Sheikh Jassim bin Mohamed bin al-Thani, that it is able to achieve its ambitions through diligence and offering.
In this context, the leaders of Qatar have shown persistence and determination, and an unmatched courage. The National Day, as the QU president said, is as an occasion for the people of the country to meet to strengthen their relationship with their heritage and aspire for a brighter future of greater peace and prosperity.
Qatari tribes from around the country are busy setting up festive tents ahead of the National Day celebrations. Each tribe has been keen to present something distinct and new to express their love and solidarity with Qatar,
Darb al-Saai, one of the major attractions of the Qatar National Day 2013 celebrations, continues to attract a large number of visitors. Located in the Al Sadd area of Doha and open daily from 8am to noon and 3.30pm to 10pm until the National Day, Darb al-Saai features enactment of a number of traditional activities.
Let this National Day serve as a fantastic bonding experience for all the communities that have made Qatar their home while reassuring the citizens that their guests will continue to wholeheartedly support their host nation’s march towards greater heights.
