This year’s Qatar National Day celebrations will kick off at the Darb Al Saai ground today.

The celebration ground, which will be filled with stalls and shows highlighting Qatari culture, will have ‘an atmosphere charged with emotions of patriotism, pride and national identity, reported Gulf Times.

 

 

In an atmosphere charged with emotions of patriotism, pride and national identity, the Qatar National Day 2018 celebrations will kick off today (Wednesday) at Darb Al Saai; the prime venue of Qatar National Day celebrations.#QND2018

— اليوم الوطني لدولة قطر (@NDQatar) December 12, 2018

Darb Al Saai will be a key venue for Qatar National Day celebrations. The events will begin soon after the official opening ceremony, which is set for 4pm today. After the flag hoisting ceremony in the main square, the festivities will continue until 11pm. Darb Al Saai grounds will be open until December 20.

This year, the National Day celebrations are being marked under the motto ‘As long as it was proven by our deeds ... Qatar remains free.’

The motto blends a verse taken from one of the poems by Qatar’s Founder Sheikh Jassim bin Mohamed bin Thani with a phrase taken from the national anthem.

Festivities at Darb Al Saai achieve the National Day vision by strengthening loyalty, unity, and pride in Qatar's national identity.They commemorate the anniversary of establishing the State of Qatar by the Founder Sheikh Jassim bin Mohamed bin Thani. #QND2018

— اليوم الوطني لدولة قطر (@NDQatar) December 12, 2018

Darb Al Saai will welcome guests in the morning on December 13 from 9am to 1pm. The evening activities will run from 3.30pm to 11pm, reported The Peninsula.

December 14 will be reserved for families from 2pm to 11pm while on December 15 families can visit during two dedicated timings — morning from 9am to 1pm and evening from 3.30pm to 10pm.

The festivities at Darb Al Saai aim to introduce the current generation about those special men (messengers trusted by the founder) and their outstanding characteristic traits such as bravery, patience, and pain tolerance in those difficult times spent in the desert. #QND2018

— اليوم الوطني لدولة قطر (@NDQatar) December 12, 2018

Darb Al Saai will be open on December 16 for all visitors during the morning period. The evening period will be allocated to families from 3.30pm to 10pm.

On December 17, the morning hours will be from 9 am to 1 pm reserved only for families, while the evening will be allocated to women, from 3.30 pm to 10 pm.

On December 18, events will begin from the morning (9 am to 1 pm) and in the evening for all visitors, from 3.30 pm to 10 pm.

Darb Al Saai means ‘Route of the Messenger’ used by the delegates whom the country’s founder would entrust to deliver his directives. They were known for their astonishing traits. They were chosen to play such a sensitive role in difficult times. #QND2018

— اليوم الوطني لدولة قطر (@NDQatar) December 12, 2018

On December 19, the morning hours will be open to women, from 9 am to 1 pm, while the evening hours will be allocated for families from 3.30 pm to 10 pm.

On the last day, the morning hours will be reserved for families from 9 am to 1p m, while the evening events will be open for all, starting at 3.30 pm and closing at 11 pm, according to Qatar Tribune.

Nine gates have been allocated for entry into Darb Al Saai. Signs are also provided to guide the public. Twelve signs have been placed at various locations in Darb Al Saai to provide all comforts to visitors.

About 50 entities from government and non-government sectors are participating in Darb Al Saai festivities and getting larger space this year reflecting the value of this national occasion and presenting the accomplishments in the state. #QND2018

— اليوم الوطني لدولة قطر (@NDQatar) December 12, 2018

There will also be ample parking spaces for school buses, taking into account the safety standards for entry and exit of students. Sufficient traffic routes have also been provided to make it easier for visitors.

Darb Al Saai means ‘Route of the Messenger,’ used by delegates whom Qatar’s founder would entrust to deliver his instructions and directives.

These men were known for their outstanding character traits such as loyalty, obedience, courage and insight on account of which they were chosen to play such a sensitive role in those difficult times.

About 30 entities from government and non-government sectors are participating in Darb Al Saai festivities.

Picture courtesy: The Peninsula