A large number of visitors thronged the Aspire Park to witness the celebration, featuring several activations, attractions, interactive games and performances, which will run until December 18.
“We have started our festivity with the hosting of the annual flag relay’s grand finale, organised by the Qatar Olympic Committee in the presence of numerous dignitaries and VIPs,” Aspire’s National Day organising committee member Tahani Khalifa al-Suwaidi told reporters on the sidelines of the event.
AZF organises an array of games for children to enjoy.
Children playing traditional board games at the children's corner
More than a dozen stalls at Aspire Park offer various items, including National Day souvenirs
She added that a series of military parade by members of the Qatar Armed Forces’ National Service will also be taking place at the Aspire Lake from 6pm to 9pm throughout the celebration.
AZF, in collaboration with the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs, also set up more than a dozen stalls at Aspire Park as part of its cultural and heritage activities.
Families get a chance to buy food (snacks and sweets) and non food items such as National Day souvenirs, from clothes to accessories, and other handicraft at affordable prices. Live cooking demonstrations, pop up photo studios, and henna designs are also attracting many visitors.
AZF partnered with 7th Heaven Arts Centre to put up an exclusive corner for children, an area for different kinds of games and a number of workshops free of charge.
“For the first time at Aspire Park, people will witness a one of the largest fireworks display in Qatar on December 17 between 8.30pm and 9pm,” al-Suwaidi said.
She added that an intricate parasailing performance by the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya) will be among the highlights of Aspire’s National Day celebration.
Festival-goers will have the chance to see members of Lekhwiya descending from the sky in different formations into the park behind the lake near Al-Furousiya Street. The final date and timing will be announced on @Aspirezone social media channels.
Al-Suwaidi also urged residents and visitors to watch movies produced by Qatari filmmakers during the festivity, organised in collaboration with the Doha Film Institute.
“Aspire park caters all nationalities and all members of the community, and we believe this will be appealing to all ages and categories,” she stressed.
Al-Suwaidi announced that an AZF staff event will feature cultural performances such as the traditional “Ardha” dance on December 17 from 9am to 11am.
“It will involve employees and Aspire Academy student-athletes. This is to showcase the unity of AZF staff under the Qatari flag and commemorate and revive the heritage of our forefathers,” she noted.