How to Celebrate National Day in Qatar 2019

Qatar National Day 2019 is just around the corner, and here's how the nation and its residents are marking the special occasion

Posted on

11 December 2019

| Last updated on 18 December 2019

Also known as "Founder Day", Qatar is commemorating the annual event in all sorts of interesting ways

It is Qatar's celebration of national identity and pride; held every year on December 18 to mark the day when Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani succeeded his father, Sheikh Muhammad Bin Thani, as Qatar's ruler in 1878.

The Arab nation has commemorated Qatar National Day in the past with extravagant and patriotic activities, from massive parades to traditional dances, fireworks, and a show of Al Hajn (camels), the air is charged with a sense of national unity, solidarity, and loyalty.

If you're in Qatar for this year's round of Founder Day celebrations, here is how you can celebrate Qatar National Day.

Firework shows

Qatar is set to light up the sky with colourful firework shows for this year's National Day occasion.

1. Katara Cultural Village

Firework shows will be held in Katara, Cultural Village until the day after Founder Day.

Location: Doha, Qatar
Date: December 11 to 19
Timing: Expected in the evening

2. Corniche

Keep your December 18 evening free to watch the special Qatar National Day fireworks display at the Corniche. It's one stunning spectacle you wouldn't want to miss!

Location: Al Dafna, Doha, Qatar
Date: Wednesday, December 18
Timing: From 8 pm

Cultural Village celebrations

Katara, the Cultural Village Foundation, will be hosting a stellar line-up of Qatar National Day shows and performances until December 19, a day after the annual event.

From 3 pm to 10 pm on December 11 to 19, Qatar residents and visitors heading to Katara can celebrate National Day with these exciting activities:

Qatar National Day dance Ardha on the Katara waterfront
Containing signatures of previous years' visitors, the "Loyalty Book of the National Day" will be on display
A Qatar National Day operetta entitled "This Is Qatar", directed by Nasser Abdul-Reda
Qadimek Nadimak, which will exhibit antiquities, hold competitions, and even a PlayStation (FIFA 2020) championship in honour of the upcoming 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar
The Al Thuraya Planetarium will host astronomy shows and various workshops for everyone in the family
Drone shows every evening at the amphitheatre
A special paratrooper show titled "Show of Paramotor" from the Qatari Joint Special Forces
Vibrant fireworks displays

Qatar National Day military band at Katara

Qatar military departments will showcase a musical band, classic cars display, and the best of the nation's historical military tanks and armoury
Arabic language workshops for kids
Cultural market
And a range of Qatari heritage activities, games, workshops, and competitions for children

Darb al Saai celebrations

Visit Darb al Saai to celebrate Qatar National Day as they lined a number of dazzling and cultural events from December 13 until December 20, at 9 am to 11 pm.

National Day parade with the Police College
Traditional dancing (Al Ardaa)
A show of al Hajin (camels)
Children's programs, namely activities on sports barriers, self-defense, laser play, combat missions, and infantry activities
Qatar's General Directorate of Traffic will have a Traffic Village, aimed at promoting awareness of traffic rules and traffic history to children and adults

Qatar National Day parade

Enjoy magnificent national parades, held by the military, civil defense, and other government bodies, at these locations in Qatar.

1. Corniche

Every year, Corniche hosts the largest National Day parade in the country. You can also marvel at the scheduled aerial and sea displays from the Qatar air force and navy.

Location: Corniche, Al Dafna, Doha
Date: Wednesday, December 18
Timing: From 2:45 pm

2. Katara

Qatari military crew and government bodies will be holding a brilliant celebratory parade at Katara this year.

Location: Katara Cultural Village, Doha, Qatar
Date: December 11 to 19

3. Aspire Park

Aspire Park will also host a military parade by the Qatar National Service Academy.

Aspire Park

Aspire Park will be loaded with shows and activities for Doha residents and visitors this Qatar National Day.

On December 12, you can watch a colourful air show from 4 pm to pm.

An abundance of activities can be enjoyed by the community, from cultural celebrations to military obstacle courses, friendly shooting competitions, parachuting, children's workshops, art activities, iron man competitions, and more!

On top of it all these fun things to do, there will be also a Qatar Balloon Festival taking place behind the lake, with 30 participants from around the globe.

Location: Aspire Park, Doha, Qatar
Date: December 12 to 18
Timing: 3:30 pm to 10 pm

Shopping Mall celebrations

Expect a variety of retail and dining offers as well as activities and entertainment in the week leading up to Qatar National Day!

1. Mall of Qatar

Mall of Qatar is marking the annual occasion with a series of family entertainment every day from December to Qatar National Day on December 18.

Location: Mall of Qatar
Date: December 6 to 18
Timing: 10 am to 10 pm
FREE

2. Mirqab Mall

Mirqab Mall has prepared some captivating events this year, including a Stilt Walker parade, free traditional henna art, Qatar flag-building, photo opportunities with falconers, and much, much more.