Young Qatari boys taking part in the traditional sword dance at Darb al-Saai yesterday evening. PICTURE: Najeer Feroke
Qatari tribes from around the country are busy setting up festive tents ahead of the country’s National Day celebrations.
Each tribe has been keen to present something distinct and new to express their love and solidarity with Qatar, local Arabic daily Arrayah reported yesterday. Some have displayed giant replicas of traditional items such as tea and coffee pots and kettles, many adorned in the colours and design of the Qatari flag.
The architecture of the tents displays designs distinctive to each tribe. The process has been costly, several senior members of the tribes said, adding they did not mind the cost as it was an opportunity to express their patriotism and dedication to the nation.
The Al-Murra and Yam tribe has installed several giant replicas of traditional tea and coffee pots and kettles, highlighting some of the essential things of the daily life. Each of these is about 4m high and 4m wide and made in distinctive and innovative shapes.
The Shemmar tribe has displayed one of the largest tents, made from one piece of fabric stretching to 112m, and 7m wide and 18m high. It took around 10 months to weave the fabric used in the tent. Also, the tribe has displayed a good number of replicas of items used in the traditional Qatari household.
The Bani Hammad tribe has featured a huge gate, 20m wide and 6m high.
Almost all tribes have lined up programmes featuring the traditional sword dances and music by young people clad in festive heritage dresses. Some are also giving gifts to their visitors besides the original Arabic coffee and soft dates. Salim al-Nabit, an organiser of the Al-Murra and Yam festivities, said the tribe will do everything to make the National Day a spectacular event. Its tent would focus on Qatari heritage and flags in various innovative designs, he said.
Ali bin Daraa al-Merri said the Al-Murra and Yam tribe will present scenes from the old Bedouin way of life such as tea making on coal fire as part of its festivities. This used to be a way of extending generosity and hospitality to guests and passersby.
“The young members of our tribe are always present at the festival site to ensure that all preparations are perfected before the National Day,” said Ubaid Juhaim al-Shemmari.
Yusuf Ahmed al-Hammadi, from the Bani Hammad tribe, said his tribe is keen to reflect the Qatari heritage of old forts and castles so it could be a good opportunity to tell the story of the glories of the past and communicate to the younger generations.