Visitors walking through the Darb Al Saai grounds at Al Sadd on Thursday. PICTURE: Shaji Kayamkulam.
Darb Al Saai, the main centre for Qatar National Day celebrations at Al Sadd in Doha, has a rich history behind it, according to a statement issued by the National Day Media Office on Thursday.
Darb Al Saai means the ‘Route of the messenger’ used by the delegates whom the country’s founder Sheikh Jassim bin Mohamed bin Thani would entrust to deliver his instructions and directives.
These men were known for their outstanding characteristic traits such as loyalty, obedience, courage and insight on account of which they were chosen to play such a sensitive role in those difficult times.
The courageous delegates could not have performed those missions unless they were well trained as camel riders, horse riders, sharp shooters, falconers, and above all, had diplomatic skills.
Sheikh Ali bin Jasim (Jawaan) would lead the delegates. He was entrusted by Sheikh Jassim to carry out sensitive tasks in really turbulent times.
The idea behind Darb Al Saai is to embody those characters through camel riding, horse riding, shooting and many other activities that reflect the Qatari and local culture and national identity.
In this year’s celebration, visitors can enjoy Darb Al Saai and the local and cultural activities. In the Maqtar activity, visitors will witness the upbringing of the younger generation and proper way of receiving and welcoming guests in the traditional Qatari style inside the majlis.
Activities such as Arabic coffee making, storytelling featuring historic and heroic stories of the ancestors, reciting their poems and listening to authentic Qatari melodies played on a local musical instrument, the Rababa, reflect the traditions of the country.
The visitors will witness the training of younger generation on falconry hunting, and Daaw Altayr (Bird taming), and a show for salukis (hunting dogs).
Inside Al Fareeg tent, visitors will enjoy local cultural performances and acts like Lmradah (for women only) performed by girls. Lmradah used to be enacted by women and girls in Qatar in the past celebrating the return of men from their hunting season.
Poetry recitation by students features boys and girls from different age groups reciting verses penned by the famous poets in Qatar.
Arda, performed by students from boys’ schools in Qatar, will also take place inside Al Fareeg tent.
In short, Darb Al Saai is an opportunity to enjoy, live and understand the Qatari culture and identity.