Katara – The Cultural Village Foundation has announced that it will join the nation in celebrating Qatar National Day with “an array of festivities that will reflect the spirit of pride and loyalty to the country”.
Beginning today, National Day 2017 activities at the Village will be held over eight days, until December 19.
The “scale and grandeur of the events are unprecedented, and guaranteed to heighten the sense of patriotism and unity among visitors”, according to a press statement issued by Katara.
A press conference held to provide details of the activities was attended by Katara general manager Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti and chairman of the Katara National Day Celebrations, Abdul Rahman Jassim al-Tamimi.
The overarching theme of ‘Promise of Prosperity and Glory’ will set the tone for the 60 exclusive programmes that Katara has organised for the public. “Each of these programmes is an example of stunning innovation, aimed at embracing national identity and bringing the community together.
A highlight of the festivities will be the unveiling of a stunning water fountain, which has been designed to be a multi-sensory experience in itself,” the statement noted.
The Cultural Village Foundation has also ensured that its programmes involve various sections of the community. Military and student parades, Ardha performances, workshops and fine art exhibitions, and other cultural and recreational shows will feature residents and citizens from all walks of life.
Speaking on the occasion, Katara’s general manager said: “The celebrations serve to renew a beautiful and precious memory embedded in the hearts and minds of those who live on the land of Qatar.
“We are thrilled to offer an exciting array of cultural activities and artistic performances that will last for eight consecutive days. Visitors to Katara will have a ring-side view of some first-of-a-kind events that include performances by paratroopers, staged by the Joint Special Forces.
Aside from that, traditional tents, workshops and fine arts exhibitions will cater to those with an artistic inclination.
“A theatrical play by Qatari youth will beckon those interested in drama and theatre. The venue will also boast of a mosaic painting of His Highness the Emir. Maritime and sailing buffs can gather on the waterfront at Katara to welcome the vessel Fath Al Kheir as it returns from voyages to Oman and Kuwait on December 18.”
He also informed that an ‘entertainment’ train, capable of carrying up to 18 children and their parents, will be winding its way through Katara’s Esplanade. The festivities will culminate in a fireworks display, scheduled to take place on December 19.
“These are in addition to many other activities that reflect our sincere love for our country, Qatar, and our pride in our leader – His Highness the Emir. These activities will transform Katara into a spacious oasis of art and thought, a grand platform for culture and heritage and a microcosm of unity, participation and patriotism,” Dr al-Sulaiti added.
Al-Tamimi said visitors can enjoy all the activities and events from 3pm to 11pm on all days of the celebrations at Katara. He also indicated that guests will be treated to surprises and gifts provided by participating institutes and restaurants.
He pointed out that ‘dancing’ fountain shows will be accompanied by national songs, and are scheduled to take place every 20 minutes starting from 3pm each day. Katara’s façade, specifically its arches and hills, have already been decked up with decorative items and flowers for the Qatar National Day 2017 festivities.
Katara has kicked off the start of the National Day celebrations by unveiling a distinctive design to mark the occasion. The design embodies Qatar’s cultural renaissance, proud heritage and noble values, as it marches forward under the vision of a wise leadership, the statement notes.
Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti (right) and Abdul Rahman Jassim al-Tamimi at the press conference.
