Strengthening the belonging and loyalty, all the while expressing solidarity, pride, and unity in their identity, Qatar National Day has always been celebrated with full force in the country. Different events will be held all across the country in Qatar to celebrate the QND 2021, reflecting the importance and value of the occasion, including the grand national parade on December 18 on the Corniche.
 
Slogan

This year, the slogan has been selected as ‘Ancestral Meadows: A Matter of Trust’, reflecting this day as an expression of pride, love, and gratitude to the people of Qatar, who swore an oath of loyalty and obedience to their leader, Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani. The slogan calls on us to consider and focus on environmental development as one of the four pillars of the 2030 vision.

The new slogan is based on the poetry written by Sheikh Jassim:
Oh, how many caravans have passed by,
Leaving behind vestiges of the fluctuations of the times,
Abodes our sights are accustomed to as the seasons slip by,
Our meadows ornamented with herbs.

The slogan represents the relationship of Qatari’s to their environment, of how they grew up in it and were influenced by its characterics, so they co-existed with nature, land and sea, through all seasons, till it became a part of their personality.

National Day Parade

This year the parade is closed to the public due to COVID-19 precautionary measures. However, the parade will be broadcast on AlKass TV. The parade features MOI, Emiri Guards, Lehwiya, air force, navy, Civil Defense to name a few.  

Airshow 

Although the corniche will be closed in the morning, you can still watch the airshow from different areas in Doha. The airshow is one of the most magnificent parts of the celebrations and has always been one of the most awaited segments of the morning celebrations. 

Fireworks

One of the major highlights of the Qatar National Day over the years has been the firework displays. There will be music, lights and the sky being decorated with fireworks at 8 PM on 18 December. Just make sure you’ve got your mask on! 

Fireworks at The Torch Doha Hotel
The Torch Doha Hotel is putting up a spectacular fireworks night and you’re not going to want to miss it. The tickets cost as low as QR 25 and are available at Burgeri at Aspire and Sukar Pasha restaurant at Katara Cultural Village.

Doha Festive Lighting

This year, you’re in for a treat as you experience eight interactive installations as part of the QND celebrations. A musical show along with the largest LED installation will be set up at the Corniche from the Al Masrah Park to the Pearl Monument. You can witness these till 18 December.

Laser Light Musical Sync Show
Weekdays: 4 pm to 10 pm every 30 mins
Weekends: 4 pm to 12 am every 30 mins

Water Fountain Musical Show
Weekdays: 4:15 pm to 9:45 pm every 30 mins
Weekends: 4:15 pm to 11:45 pm every 30 mins

Pearl Lighting Shell
Weekdays: 4 pm to 10 pm
Weekends: 4 pm to 12 am

Meeting Stripes
Weekdays: 4 pm to 10 pm
Weekends: 4 pm to 12 am

Talking Heads
Weekdays: 4 pm to 10 pm
Weekends: 4 pm to 12 am

Colorful Interactive Screens
Weekdays: 4 pm to 10 pm
Weekends: 4 pm to 12 am

Covered in Color
Weekdays: 4 pm to 10 pm
Weekends: 4 pm to 12 am

Other Dimensions
Weekdays: 4 pm to 10 pm
Weekends: 4 pm to 12 am

Light Tunnel x 2
Weekdays: 4 pm to 10 pm
Weekends: 4 pm to 12 am

Drive-in Cinema National Day Films

Celebrating Qatar National Day 2021 in all its glory. The drive-in cinema has a selection of short stories by filmmakers in Qatar that celebrate the country and their love for it. You can visit from 16-17 December at 7 PM 

Darb Al Saai 

The Organizing Committee of the Qatar National Day (QND) celebrations has announced that the Darb Al Saai activities will not be held this year 2021 and will instead have various activities at different places in the country to celebrate QND 2021.

Doha Festival City - QND celebrations

This year, Doha Festival City is hosting Qatar National Day festivities from 14-18 December between 2 PM – 10 PM with family-oriented activities. The mall will be decorated with Qatar flags throughout with special decor and 3D projected animations at the entrance. 

You can leave a printed message on the ‘Message Wall’ or enjoy the ‘Selfie Mirror’ in the center court on the first floor! You can dress in Qatari attire and have fun with the changing background here. All pictures will be sent by email as a souvenir and the best picture will win an iPhone 12!

Qatar National Library - QND-themed events

Qatar Art Exhibition for Young Adults
Celebrating Qatar National Day by appreciating and celebrating young adult artists showing appreciation of the Qatari culture through various forms of art. This will be a two-hour session from 4 PM on the 18th December that will give you the opportunity to work with Qatar’s arts community. 

Mall of Qatar (MoQ) - QND activities

Mall of Qatar brings to you a fun-filled QND-oriented time with traditional activities for the entire family. From the castle to the balloon modelers, face painting to national flag-making in the arts and crafts section – your kids will love to be here! You can also enjoy the henna booth on the west gate as you prepare for the Ardah performance and Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra take the center stage at the Ooredoo stage.

FIFA Arab Cup Final

The final of the FIFA Arab cup will take place at the Al Bayt Stadium at 6 PM. Along with the celebrations of the Qatar National Day, the event is expected to create a buzz for the winners and audience on the day!

---

Make sure to check out our social media to keep track of the latest content.

Instagram - @qatarliving

Twitter - @qatarliving

Facebook - Qatar Living

YouTube - qatarlivingofficial

_{Cover Image Credit: Sanjay JS
Inline Image 2 Credit: Martin Evans 3: Fitria Ramli, 4: Shain Olakara, 5: Noushad Thekkayil, 6: Peninsula, 7: QNL, 8: MoQ, 9: Goal}