What to know

It Is The Qatar National Day Holiday

Qatar National Day Holiday

Happy Qatar National Day 2016!

The Qatar National Day is the biggest national holiday and celebration in Qatar, marking the country’s unification and independence that happened under the guidance of Emir Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani on December 1878.

Even though it was the current ruler of Qatar, Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who declared it a national holiday in 2007, this year he ordered all celebrations cancelled in solidarity with the people suffering in the war torn Syria, and especially the city of Aleppo.

The usual festivities, like the Corniche fireworks show, the National Day parade, and other activities were put-off earlier this week on orders from the Emir.

The significance of the day, December 18, is important in Qatari history because it was the day Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani succeeded his father, Sheikh Mohammed bin Thani, to the throne as ruler of the Qatari Peninsula. It is thanks to The Founder, as he is also known in the country, that Qatar became one nation.

Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani is credited the unification of the tribes living on the Qatari peninsula, and leading them against external forces, such as the British Empire, making sure that the people of Qatar lived free from the imperialism and colonialism of the time.

Even though the official celebrations have been cancelled, it doesn’t mean that you can not find anything for to do to enjoy your long Qatar National Day weekend. While they were already up, most venues have not taken down the maroon and white decorations, and some are even hosting mini-events.

For the kinds, the country’s public parks department chose the occasion to open three new parks for children to play in in Al Shamal, Duhail and Al Thumama.

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