Residents and expatriates came together as one as Qatar celebrated its national day with pomp and vigour all over the country.

Leading the celebrations from the front were HH The Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and HH The Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.

The two beloved leaders attended the 11th National Day Parade on Doha Corniche, much to the joy and happiness of the thousands of people who had thronged the venue, reported Gulf Times.

HE Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Khalifa Al Thani, HH The Amir’s Personal Representative HH Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani, HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa Al Thani and HE Sheikh Jassim bin Khalifa Al Thani were some of the top officials who were also present at the celebrations.

Many top ministers and officials, as well as foreign dignitaries, also witnessed the proud March Past by Qatar’s armed forces.

Members of Shura Council, members of Central Municipal Council, heads of diplomatic missions accredited to Qatar and many senior officers of the Armed Forces and the Ministry of the Interior, as well as dignitaries and scores of citizens and residents also attended, according to The Peninsula.

The march past showcased Qatar’s rich cultural heritage, tradition and military might. The show began with the National Anthem, a recitation from the Holy Quran followed by an 18-gun salute.

The parade showcased Qatar’s military might, displaying an impressive array of the sophisticated arsenal of the army, air and naval forces, reported Qatar Tribune.

There were aerial displays of various warplanes, combat helicopters, cargo aircraft and performing aircrafts followed by an entrance by the armed forces’ armoured vehicles, tanks, missile defence systems, military police equipment, anti-terrorism equipment and military communications.

The parade also included a maritime show featuring the Amiri Naval Forces’ strike boats and modern naval vessels.

The Amiri Land Forces along with the Amiri Air Forces and Naval Forces participated in the parade. Teams from the Ministry of Interior and Civil Defence took part in the ceremony as Internal Security Forces “Lekhwiya” paratroopers descended on the Corniche. 

Later, HH The Amir and HH The Father Amir participated in Qatar’s Arda dance at the Amiri Diwan yard on the Corniche.

Many activities related to the National Day were also organised at Darb Al Saai, Katara, Asian Town, Al Wakrah Sports Complex, Barwa Al Baraha, Cricket Stadium at Asian Town in Al Shahaniya Industrial Area, Lusail Sports Arena and Al Khor Sports Complex.