National Day celebrations begin at Darb Al Saai in Umm Salal
It’s that time of the year again when the entire nation begins to build up toward the celebration of Qatar National Day on December 18.
Like in the preceding years, Darb Al Saai — filled with hundreds of cultural and traditional events and activities — kicked off at Umm Salal on Sunday.
The event, which highlights Qatar’s rich history and authentic heritage, is spread over nine days and is organized by Qatar’s Ministry of Culture in coordination with public and private sector partners.
#QNA_Video |
— Qatar News Agency (@QNAEnglish) December 10, 2023
Highlights of Darb AL Saai activities that were started on the occasion of the National Day of #Qatar amid a large turnout. #QNA pic.twitter.com/Cwxk1KZCwa
Spread over a mammoth 150,000 sqm area, Darb Al Saai will receive citizens and expatriates daily — from 3pm to 11pm — until December 18.
The Qatari national flag was hoisted at the Flag Square on Sunday, marking the official opening of the heritage space. Displays of the military band, horse and camel riders, and dhow on wheels followed it.
Numerous cultural and heritage events are offered daily at the Darb Al Saai area.
The Al Adhba event allows children to ride camels and learn in detail about different facets of desert life.
“Al Muqatar will hold competitions, including riding a camel and playing traditional folk games, in addition to receiving guests at the tent,” said Abdul Rahman Ahmed Al Badi Al Maadheed, head of the Al Adhba event.
#Darb_Al_Saai Launches on Occasion of #Qatar's #National_Day. #QNAhttps://t.co/kYyh6niPD8 pic.twitter.com/mKlQiQVfuI
— Qatar News Agency (@QNAEnglish) December 10, 2023
Al Bidda event embraces Qatar’s marine heritage. It includes Al Bidda Council, Al Mutawa House, Popular Café, Al Nukhadha Al Naham Majlis, Akkas Al Freej, Al Tawash, and others documenting the country’s maritime heritage.
Many traditional folk games will also be played, like tug of war and snatching the sail.
The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change will display several wildlife and plants to let people know more about them.
Al Shaqab will highlight equestrian-related activities, purebred Arabian horses, and the importance of equestrianism in Qatar’s culture.
“We offer various activities to instill a love of horses among younger generations. It’s an integral part of our ancestral heritage,” Mohamed Al Khayareen, Manager of the Equine Education Department at Al Shaqab, was quoted as saying by The Peninsula.
The Ministry of Culture’s Visual Art Centre has lined up art competitions, ceramic workshops, Liyuan art, Arabic calligraphy workshops, caricature drawing workshops, and exhibitions of Qatari tradition.
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