The Qatar National Day 2018 celebrations at Darb Al Saai started Wednesday with the participation of a large number of public and private entities, offering diverse activities and programmes.
HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs Dr Khalid bin Mohamed al-Attiyah launched the activities alongside a number of senior officials and dignitaries.
The opening ceremony was attended by Commander of the Joint Special Forces Major General Hamad bin Abdullah al-Fetais al- Marri, Director-General of the Police College Brigadier General Dr Mohamed Abdullah al-Mahna al-Marri, several civilian and military figures and a large number of citizens and residents.
The opening ceremony started with the hoisting of the Qatari flag and a performance by a police music band, followed by a parade. A large number of people from different nationalities attended the ceremony and enjoyed the various activities on offer, which have a special focus on children to engage them in different educational and fun exercises.
Many children were seen dressed in military uniforms to reflect their patriotism and love for the country. Several activities at Darb Al Saai also help foster the patriotic spirit among all visitors in general and youngsters in particular.
This year, the National Day celebrations are being held under the motto 'As long as it is proven by our deeds ... Qatar remains free’. The motto blends a verse taken from one of the poems by the Founder, Sheikh Jassim bin Mohamed bin Thani, with a phrase from the National Anthem.
Major General Hamad bin Abdullah al-Fetais al-Marri said the opening of Darb Al Saai is a special occasion for all and sends a clear message that Qatar will remain free and independent.
He stressed that the upcoming National Day is the second in row after the unjust blockade was imposed on the country by Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt, and the celebrations convey a strong message that Qatar has overcome the crisis and looks forward to further achievements and progress.
Major General Issa Ibrahim al-Sada of the Qatar National Service Academy said the academy has prepared a number of activities and exercises that will engage young visitors in simulated battlefield situations that will enhance their spirit of national solidarity, which is already high. There also some self-defence exercises conducted by specialist coaches.
PICTURES: Ram Chand, Noushad Thekkayil, Thajudeen & Shaji Kayamkulam
The venue of the event, which is located opposite Al Sadd police station, has a number of entry and exit points with police and security personnel ensuring the easy and smooth flow of the visitors in and out of the place. Besides, there are a number of ambulance services , with some personnel going around the venue on bikes and in golf carts. Every participating entity at the event offers special activities to engage children and teach them different skills. While some of the participating entities offer the latest innovations and the most technologically advanced products, there are sites and exhibitions that celebrate the old ways of life and the local natural life scenery. These include horse and camel rides, falcon and wildlife exhibitions, traditional Arabic tents with coffee prepared the traditional way, local handicrafts, and folk chants and dance.
The visitors to Darb Al Saai can enjoy around 252 activities, in addition to other featured programmes and activities that give more focus on the history of Qatar, its culture and traditions.
The opening ceremony was attended by Commander of the Joint Special Forces Major General Hamad bin Abdullah al-Fetais al- Marri, Director-General of the Police College Brigadier General Dr Mohamed Abdullah al-Mahna al-Marri, several civilian and military figures and a large number of citizens and residents.
The opening ceremony started with the hoisting of the Qatari flag and a performance by a police music band, followed by a parade. A large number of people from different nationalities attended the ceremony and enjoyed the various activities on offer, which have a special focus on children to engage them in different educational and fun exercises.
Many children were seen dressed in military uniforms to reflect their patriotism and love for the country. Several activities at Darb Al Saai also help foster the patriotic spirit among all visitors in general and youngsters in particular.
This year, the National Day celebrations are being held under the motto 'As long as it is proven by our deeds ... Qatar remains free’. The motto blends a verse taken from one of the poems by the Founder, Sheikh Jassim bin Mohamed bin Thani, with a phrase from the National Anthem.
Major General Hamad bin Abdullah al-Fetais al-Marri said the opening of Darb Al Saai is a special occasion for all and sends a clear message that Qatar will remain free and independent.
He stressed that the upcoming National Day is the second in row after the unjust blockade was imposed on the country by Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt, and the celebrations convey a strong message that Qatar has overcome the crisis and looks forward to further achievements and progress.
Major General Issa Ibrahim al-Sada of the Qatar National Service Academy said the academy has prepared a number of activities and exercises that will engage young visitors in simulated battlefield situations that will enhance their spirit of national solidarity, which is already high. There also some self-defence exercises conducted by specialist coaches.
PICTURES: Ram Chand, Noushad Thekkayil, Thajudeen & Shaji Kayamkulam
The venue of the event, which is located opposite Al Sadd police station, has a number of entry and exit points with police and security personnel ensuring the easy and smooth flow of the visitors in and out of the place. Besides, there are a number of ambulance services , with some personnel going around the venue on bikes and in golf carts. Every participating entity at the event offers special activities to engage children and teach them different skills. While some of the participating entities offer the latest innovations and the most technologically advanced products, there are sites and exhibitions that celebrate the old ways of life and the local natural life scenery. These include horse and camel rides, falcon and wildlife exhibitions, traditional Arabic tents with coffee prepared the traditional way, local handicrafts, and folk chants and dance.
The visitors to Darb Al Saai can enjoy around 252 activities, in addition to other featured programmes and activities that give more focus on the history of Qatar, its culture and traditions.
