To know the true spirit of celebration and what the Qatar National Day means to them, Nidhi Chandran talked to a few personalities from different nationalities and professional backgroundswho have been living in Qatar for the past few years
Qatar National Day is celebrated every year on December 18 to commemorate the founding of the state in 1878 by Shaikh Jassim bin Mohamed al-Thani, who unified the people under his leadership and won autonomy for them. Although Qatar did not become an independent sovereign state until 1971, the National Day marks how national unity was achieved.
On this day, the people of Qatar pay homage to their forefathers who faced severe hardships and all those people who participated in building the nation. The day also emphasises the identity and history of the country, embodies the ideals and aspirations that the country was founded on.
Every year Qatar hosts spectacular celebrations on the day starting with military parades down the Corniche early in the morning with armoured vehicles and battalions from the Armed Forces, the Emiri Guard, the ISF and the Ministry of Interior.
Air Force will be setting off coloured jet trails and the Coast Guard will put on a show over the bay with speed boats and traditional dhows. This year visitors can expect an exciting daytime ‘powder fireworks’ show at the Corniche.
Also, there will be some exciting fireworks in the night accompanied with traditional music. A huge line of illuminated palm trees and some decorated traditional dhows along the Corniche are a real treat for the eyes. A number of cultural shows have also lined up for this year’s celebration. For kids, a lot of activities are organised at the Sheraton Park during evening.
To add to the celebrations, a huge pavilion, Darb Al Saai, has been set up next to Sports Roundabout where visitors get a glimpse into Qatar’s heritage, culture and past. Various activities that have started last week are attracting a huge number of people from different nationalities.
A cross-section of Qatari residents share their thoughts with us:
Dr Khalid Ibrahim al-Sulaiti
General Manager of Katara Cultural Village
Firstly, I would like to extend my congratulations to His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, the Emir of Qatar, and His Highness the Heir Apparent, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, Crown Prince of Qatar on this very special occasion. Qatar National Day is an opportunity to celebrate the unity of our nation — it is a day that emphasises the identity and history of our country, embodies the ideals and aspirations that Qatar was founded on and pays tribute to all those who participated in building the nation.
At Katara, we contribute to this growth by showcasing international arts and developing local arts, creating a rich calendar of cultural activities in Qatar.
Qatar’s development is without a doubt moving in the right direction. Development of the country is flourishing rapidly and witnessing and experiencing this development allows us to feel extremely proud to be a part of it. At Katara, we strive to contribute to Qatar National Vision 2030, by creating an environment that allows arts and cultural initiatives to develop and flourish.
Deddy Saiful Hadi
Indonesian Ambassador to Qatar
I extend our warm greetings and sincere wishes to the Emir of the State of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, and His Highness the Heir Apparent, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, and also to the people on the occasion of Qatar National Day. I am proud to witness the spectacular development of the State of Qatar to become one of the prosperous countries in the world. We all acknowledge the positive and active role of Qatar in solving various conflicts in the region.
In accordance to the bilateral relations between Indonesia and Qatar, it can be said that they have never been better than today. Both countries share similar visions and missions on their foreign policy and keep improving the quality of economic and socio-cultural co-operation and others. In the last 10 months during my assignment here, in the State of Qatar, the progress in various field of co-operation have increased significantly, Insha Allah, it will make the relationship of both countries become closer.
In the meantime, Qatar has become a dynamic and flourishing melting pot for expatriates from many countries. The tremendous economic development has given opportunity for expatriate including Indonesians to implement their creativity, to enlarge their horizon and to materialise their dreams. Qatar has also become “a second home” for Indonesians, and I am hoping there will be more Indonesian professionals participating in the development of Qatar in the years to come.
Viva and Long Live Qatar!
Kenjiro Monji
Japanese Ambassador to Qatar
I would like to congratulate all the people in Qatar on the occasion of celebrating Qatar National Day. Under the strong leadership of HH Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, Qatar has demonstrated a spectacular progress in recent years and I hope it will continue. I am very pleased to be able to attend the ceremony on National Day and looking forward to see the parade and the fireworks.
I am proud that Japan is a very good and long friend of Qatar and continues to be the number one trading partner of the State. This year, our ties have strengthened more and we hope the future will be much brighter. We also hope to diversify our relations centring on economy and energy and to cover much wider areas like culture, education, science and technology and sports. I am pleased to represent Japan in Qatar and hope to further strengthen our friendship and trust in the future.
Japanese people appreciate so much the support from government of Qatar after the devastating earthquake and tsunami. About $100mn was provided as reconstruction assistance by the initiative of HH the Emir and also additional supply of huge amount of LNG and LPG.
In last October, a big fishery processing centre was launched in Onagawa town, one of the devastated regions by earthquake, which was constructed with the support of Qatar under the Qatar Friendship Fund.
Qatar is also supporting the fishery industry, health and education of the children in Japan. There are more than 1,200 Japanese working in Qatar and I hope this will also help to promote Japan-Qatar relations further. Again I would like to thank the government of Qatar on behalf of the people and government of Japan.
Dr R Seetharaman
CEO of Doha Bank
Qatar’s National Day is a dear and special occasion for all of us. It emphasises the identity and history of the State of Qatar, embodies the ideals and aspirations that Qatar was founded on and pays tribute to the men and women who participated in building the nation. It is also a time to reflect on Qatar’s rich heritage and celebrate its ambitions for the future.
Qatar is writing in history that the state which is clinching to its originality, identity, traditions and national heritage, can easily cope with the era and stimulate modernity with all its useful contents leading to progress and prosperity.
Qatari leadership has sought to establish a more developed country feeling pride of its past, flourishing by its exciting present and reaching to a better future.
Qatar has made rapid progress and is set for further growth aligned with the Qatar National Vision 2030 (QNV 2030). Through QNV 2030 Qatar will sustain its own development and provide high standard of living for its entire people for generations to come. The National Vision builds on a society that promotes justice, benevolence and equality.
On the occasion of this Qatar National Day, I am pleased to send my warmest wishes to the State of Qatar’s government and people and wish more progress and prosperity in the coming years.
Tarun Basu
Indian Cultural Center (ICC) President
On this happy occasion of the 41st National Day of Qatar, on behalf of the Indian community based in state of Qatar, I take this opportunity to wish His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, the Emir of the State of Qatar and to all Qatari nationals a very happy National Day.
I feel proud to say that for us Indians living in Qatar, December 18, the Qatar National Day shares the same importance as the Republic Day and Independence Day of India. So we are very delighted and honoured to be part of this National day celebration being conducted by the government authorities. It is a matter of great pride for us to be living here and contributing in our own small ways as Qatar strides ahead in its economic growth and continues to be recognised as a leading destination not only in the Gulf but also worldwide.
Qatar is a bridge between tradition and global innovation. It is a place where people see things differently. Citizens embrace new ideas and visitors are welcomed as honoured guest and dear friends. Their unparalleled hospitality is surely praiseworthy. The results of all the countrymen’s efforts to be a leading country in the new age global space has come into fruition as Qatar is now recognised as the most valued destination for international events and sports. Qatar will only continue to grow leaps and bounds in the upcoming future. Let us come together to celebrate with joy our Qatar National Day.
I moved to Qatar about three decades ago, and this country is now my home away from home. Through the years I have made friends who are like family to me now. I have grown to love the culture, food and social life immensely. Witnessing this country grow from to where it is this day, is an experience that I will reminisce for the rest of my life time.
Long live Indo-Qatar relation!
Dr Mohan Thomas Pakalomattom
ENT Specialist
Qatar National Day is an embodiment of the dreams of an aspiring populace, one which celebrates the past and welcomes the future while cherishing every aspect of a time-honoured culture. The nationals have worked hard under the able leadership of His Highness the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani and the Heir Apparent Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, to realize their dream in a wide variety of fields such as industry, health care and education while forging international co-operation and giving opportunities to a large expatriate population within Qatar.
When I arrived 30 years ago, Qatar was a nation in its infancy. In the decades since, it has vastly outgrown this infancy and made great strides in almost every international standard such as the standards of healthcare, infrastructure facilities, access to education (Qatar Foundation), aviation (Qatar Airways), sports and other fields while maintaining perfect law and order. Qatar’s development is moving at a brisk pace and the country’s future is bright; its achievements will go down in history as a pre-eminent example of how skilful leadership can chart an optimistic course for an entire nation.
Badri Prasad Pandey
Managing Director, South Asia Trading and Contracting Co
First of all I would like to express my hearty congratulations and best wishes to the State of Qatar and its people on its National Day.
As a Nepali expatriate residing in Qatar since 12 years, I have seen Qatar grow as a nation in a very short span of time. It has proved to be one of the leading nations in the world in recent times. It gives me a sense of pride to call myself a resident of Qatar and to have spent the most of these years of my life and career in this country.
National Day for me means the day which celebrates the unity between the Qatari citizens and the expatriates and an opportunity for us all to come face to face with the rich history and culture of Qatar. The involvement of the different nationalities residing in Qatar to celebrate the National Day has made a huge impact in strengthening the bond between Qatar and other nations. I look forward to the National Day celebrations, to be a part of yet another year of historical events that portrays the uniqueness and diversity of this nation.
M Abdul Sathar
IT Department, Qatar Fuel Additives Company
Honorary Secretary, Qatar Chapter of the Institution of Engineers
Qatar National Day is a public holiday for almost everyone living here and the celebration goes big with a parade of military and other government personnel down the Corniche early in the morning. On this day people greet each other exchange compliments.
Qatar has adopted an excellent methodology for development for achieving the vision of Qatar National Vision 2030, thus providing the best education, healthcare as well as social protection and employment opportunities.
I am here in Qatar for the past 12 years and my experience of life has improved a lot as each year passes by. Today, Qatar is at a world leading competitive position in the international economy.
May Allah guide Qatar to reach new heights and become a role model to the world.
Jehmar R Tabili, CPA
President, Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants -Qatar Chapter
An adopted child who was fully loved by his surrogate family must have been feeling blessed of being accepted, despite the truth of no blood relations and no original ties.
Qatar has been my source of living for quite number of years, and I feel blessed and privileged of the fact that despite that I am only an expat and a sojourner on this foreign land, I still feel welcomed, accepted and respected. It is truly a second home beyond what I can imagine.
Qatar National Day serves as a reminder to me that this rich country is a big help not only to myself, to my family, but also will help to achieve my dreams and aspirations in life. It means within me more regard and respect to my Qatari friends and locals, and fellow expatriates. I thank this country for what it has given and will be giving me.
Kudos Qatar!! Haya Bena Qatar!
Benjardi Nacu Wong
President/BOD-2012
Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers (IIEE)-State of Qatar Chapter
For me, Qatar National Day is an annual celebration in commemoration of the state unification and independence.
Qatar National Day has been declared a public holiday and it is an opportunity for expats like us to witness this momentous annual celebration with various activities all over the country. My family and I are planning to go to the Corniche and join the celebration with all those people who will be present there. I would say that the State of Qatar is number one among the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) countries which we consider a nice and safe place to work and live with family.