Qatar National Day on December 18th

This was my second time in Qatar where the state celebrated its annual national day on every 18^th day of December. Thousands of locals and expatriates of different race usually flock along the corniche, which is the heart of the event, to witness different series of programs organized by the government of the world’s wealthiest country in the world – the Qatar. The series of events were air show (parachuting, synchronize flying jets with colored trails), civic parade participated by the students and personnel of the ministries and non-government organizations, the military parade which showcases the state’s latest and state-of-the-art military artilleries and armored vehicles together with the battalions of Emiri guards and Armed Forces and traditional grand fireworks display at night. However, I missed the previous year’s celebration because I have no one to go along with. Whilst a multitude of people were considerably enjoying the huge event, I just spent my entire day inside my room getting updates online from others in social networking sites. But this year, I have sworn to myself that no matter what happens, I would definitely go outside and witness for myself how the world’s wealthiest country, the Qatar celebrates its foundation day. Several days prior to the national day celebration, I already told my fellow roommates and we agreed to go out and watch the celebration. For the reason that this might be my last year to see how Qatari people celebrate it, no one is more determined going out than them but me. 

The entire national day celebration was really an expression of remarkably and admirably evidence of strong nationalism of the Qatari people. Every houses, building and establishments, street lamp posts, popular landmarks, and passing cars, is either carrying giant-size flags or flag lets. Even some cars and people faces are also painted with white and maroon – the country’s flag colors. You could see these colors here, there and anywhere. The roads too were so busy and people of different races were passing by the main streets now and then.

Let me give you some insights on the history of their National Day. It is observed because of Sheikh Jassim Bin Mohammad Bin Thani, who courageously led in unifying the oft-divided local tribes and gaining sovereignty for them. In December 18, 1878, the State of Qatar was founded which was established by the decree of the Emir in June 2007. However, the date of national day was not really a full freedom since the state was still a British colony until 1971. Nevertheless, 1878 was recognized because it basically commemorates the unity and solidarity first exhibited by the Qatari people led by the Al Thani family, amidst conflicts and hardships endured by different tribes. Until now, the people of Qatar, show high respect, affection and gratitude to the Al Thani family, the current leaders of Qatar, not just during this kind of event but even in any ordinary days.

Here are some of my shots during our sight-seeing experience during the holiday:

my co-nurses along Corniche

parade of cars by Qatari nationals

the traditional Dhow boat

a local waving the white-maroon flag

flock of spectators along the Corniche

By the way, we were not able to catch up the events shown in the morning, the worst consequence of getting up late in the morning. Air force colored-jet trail shows, civic and military parades, navy speed boat exhibitions and grand fireworks display at night (due to limited transportation, we agreed to go home at past 6pm wherein the fireworks display will start at 8pm) were just some of the action-packed holiday we missed!