Thousands of people thronged Doha’s Corniche on September 24 to welcome HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani back from his first trip abroad after the Gulf crisis.

Sheikh Tamim was in New York for the UN General Assembly, where he thanked and expressed pride in the locals and residents of Qatar.

His appearance back on familiar land prompted a celebration organized by local activists, only days before his imminent arrival.

The crowd was a mix of locals and expats, where both adults and children cheered for the beloved leader.

Hence, the Corniche exuded an atmosphere of festivity resembling the yearly National Day celebrations, which was canceled last year in solidarity with the people of Syria.

The masses were also entertained with the traditional Qatari dance “Arda”, performed around the Al Bida area. 

Roses showered the Emir’s car as he passed by, where he surprised everyone by stepping out to personally greet the people.

This occasion brings back memories of the Father Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani when he was welcomed home in a similar fashion after surgery in 1997.