By Joey Aguilar/Staff Reporter

Qatar National Day celebrations continued at Katara, the Cultural Village, with numerous events and activities, attracting a large number of people and families.
The celebrations saw the Qatar Amiri Guard’s 14 horses in national costumes enthrall visitors for two consecutive days, touring Katara’s Corniche and alleyways with an artful display of the horses.
Lt. Col. Mohammed al-Kaabi, chairman of the organising committee for the Amiri Guard’s National Day celebrations, said they have been participating in Katara’s festivity for the third consecutive year.
He noted that their horses and knights had trained for two months to prepare for the shows.
The Childhood Cultural Centre’s traditional tent and poetry house also attracted many visitors. It showcased innovative school projects made by students in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030.
Rawdat Rashid Preparatory School for Boys showcased a speed-hump detector aimed at helping reduce the number of accidents on Shahaniya-Salwa road. The Al Aqsa Independent Preparatory School for Girls presented a 3D model of a mosque where footsteps can be converted into electrical energy that will power the building.
Another school, the Musaab bin Omair Preparatory School for Boys presented an environment-friendly project that transforms waste into natural gas that can be used for electric power generation.
A huge autograph book known as “Loyalty Book” had also given people of all ages an opportunity to sign and write their heartfelt felicitations about the country.
Some messages in English said: “I am not a Qatari but I really love Qatar”and “Qatar! You deserve the best and we love to be here always.” Another message said: "Happy National Day for Qatar. All day, every day, I will ride with you".
For some visitors, the “Tale of a homeland” activity and the Katara Cultural Market was one of the amusing activities. Others were interested to listen to Dr Abdul Qader al-Qahtani’s lecture about the biography of Qatar’s founder – Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed al-Thani.
“The festivities are fun and suitable for all families and that the swords show, children’s shows and tents along the Corniche allowed families to live a unique experience of the country’s culture and national heritage,” said Dennis Anthony and his wife.
Some 22 artworks painted with sand and oil colors highlighted the “Spirit of the desert” exhibition.
In a press statement, Bosnian artist Sanita Lisica, who also serves as the first secretary and deputy head of mission of Bosnia-Herzegovina in Qatar, said that she has been influenced by the Arab civilisation since her childhood days.
“I was encouraged to learn Arabic language and that was when I fell in love with the desert through poetry,” she stressed. The exhibition will continue at Katara’s Building 18 until December 31.
Visitors were also fascinated with the marine activities such as the sail boat show and beautifully-decorated dhows with Qatari flags roving around the Katara seas.
Also at the esplanade area, dozens of children participated in a number of fun-filled games on a stage set up at the esplanade area.
Many visitors, local and international, lauded this year’s celebration at Katara saying the numerous events and activities were suitable for all ages and segments.
An exhibition of classic cars and Harley Davidson motorbikes was also a crowd-puller especially to those who are passionate about vehicles in front of the amphitheatre.
Some 11,000 LED and helium-filled balloons were also released on Katara’s Corniche over two days from December 18.

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