Qatar National Day 2022: All you need to know

Dec 15, 2022

Qatar National Day (QND) 2022 is almost here and Doha is gearing up to celebrate the holiday with more pomp and grandeur than ever. Celebrated on December 18, QND this year is also coinciding with the magnificent FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ closing ceremony, which adds to the whole festive flair in the country. The country is home to expatriates from several nationalities and the national holiday is a symbol of solidarity, unity, and pride for the citizens as well as residents of the State of Qatar.

Here is all you need to know about Qatar National Day 2022.

The history

Qatar National Day is celebrated to commemorate the unification of Qatar in 1878 by Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani. The holiday has been celebrated on December 18 since 2007 when it was deemed as a Founder's Day by a decree passed by HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani, who was also the Crown Prince back then. The holiday is not to be confused with Qatar's Independence Day, which is actually on September 3.

National holiday

The Amiri Diwan has announced the National Day on December 18, 2022, which falls on a Sunday as an official holiday.

Slogan for 2022

Each year, the Ministry of Culture reveals the slogan for the National Day of the year. This year, the Minister of Culture, HE Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad al Thani has announced the slogan of QND 2022 as ‘Wahdatuna Masdar Quwatina’ meaning ‘Our unity is the source of our strength.’ The slogan took inspiration from HH The Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani’s address, which was delivered at the Shura Council’s 50^th session opening.

The slogan aligns with the ongoing World Cup tournament and the values that have united the country in hosting this event so successfully.

Festivities for QND

Multiple events and activities are always lined up for the community during QND celebrations. Right from free activities at popular public spots and malls to the commercial hotels and restaurants, there is something for everyone. People and kids get decked up in all finery, replete in the National flag colors and traditional dresses. Check out where to get QND outfits and décor for QND.

The QND 2022 festivities will take place around many places in the city including Katara Cultural Village, Pearl Island, Msheireb Downtown and Aspire

Ardha dance

Another important aspect pivotal to Qatari culture is the traditional Ardha dance. The word means 'to display' and dates back to when Bedouin tribes in Qatar used their sword to display their tribe's physical prowess publicaly. The ardha sword dance was meant to motivate the warriors and be a symbol of pride for the tribes in Qatar. With time, the dance has become integral to Qatari culture as it is now performed at special occasions like weddings, Qatar National Day, and Eid al Adha and Eid-al-Fitr.

This year, the Ardha will be predominantly featured at The Pearl, Qatar at the following times:

Qanat Quartier : 4:15 pm, 5:30 pm, 6:50 pm
Medina Centrale : 9 pm, 9:45 pm, 10:30 pm
Porto Arabia (Arabia Experience 2 to 6 La Croisette) : 4:15 pm, 5:30 pm, 7 pm

Darb Al Saai

Darb Al Saai in Umm Salal Muhammed is the hub for all National Day celebrations as permanent 150,000 sq.mts venue for hosting all activities for families and children.

This year, the festivities have kicked off earlier than usual and there are more then 4,500 activities spread across more than 190 events from November 25 till December 19. The almost-month-long celebration is due to the World Cup and the goal is to showcase the diverse richness of Arabic culture to the fans.

Doha Corniche

Doha Corniche is another important venue which hosts the main Qatar National Day attraction each year, including the National Day Parade, Air show, and fireworks. This year, it has been pedestrianized since November 1, and has hosted major cultural activations for fans during the World Cup. Hence the National Day Parade and Air Show will take place at Lusail Boulevard.

Fireworks display will take place in Doha Corniche at night and the spectacular display along with the drone show will be made even more special owing to World Cup closing ceremony and final match. The public can enjoy the fireworks from anywhere along the Corniche stretch and even far away. The area will also host some amazing cultural activities and carnivals to keep the public entertained.

Lusail Boulevard

With the onset of the Qatar World Cup, Lusail Boulevard has been a hub for activites and events drawing crowds from around the world. With the World Cup final taking place at the Lusail Stadium, both the annual National Day Parade and Airshow have been scheduled to take place at Lusail Boulevard as follows:

Lusail Boulevard Airshow : 3:15 pm to 3: 35 pm
Qatar National Day Parade : After the final of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™️ (around 8pm to 9 pm)