Qatar ready to celebrate
By Arvind Nair
THE entire population, including nationals and expatriates, is awaiting today’s National Day celebrations with a lot of excitement and anticipation.
Never before in the country’s history so many people may have looked forward to the National Day with so much enthusiasm. It is not surprising either since the day is packed with activities of different nature, targeted at different segments of the population.
The programmes include not only those strictly designed to entertain and amuse people but also to evoke patriotism and pride in the country’s heritage and history.
The National Day is dedicated to the revered memory of the founder ruler, Sheikh Jassim bin Mohamed bin Thani al-Thani, the tribal ruler who stood up against the big powers towards the end of the 19th century and achieved statehood for Qatar.
He led Qatari tribes and fought a decisive battle against Ottoman troops at Wajba on March 25, 1893. That was a turning point in the history of the region. The day is also in remembrance of the nation’s forefathers and the sacrifices they made.
On December 18, 1878, Sheikh Jassim took over the reins of leadership following the death of his father, Sheikh Mohamed bin Thani.
The Qatar National Day Organising Committee (QNOC) has striven this year to mount events that are rooted in the history and directly connected with the identity and special culture.
Among the important events that will be held along the Corniche is a military parade that will portray Qatari camel riders in their traditional uniforms, in addition to the cars and vehicles of the Qatari Armed Forces, Ministry of Interior, Internal Security Forces (Lekhwiya) and Emiri Guard. This parade will take place today at 9.30am and will depict Qatar’s military history during various periods.
An exciting light and water show and a giant fireworks extravaganza will take place at the Corniche at 5pm. Beautiful lightings illuminate buildings and trees along the Corniche and historic scenes of Qatar’s cultural past will be broadcast on 10 giant water screens positioned in Doha Bay.
At 9pm a pyro-musical extravaganza will light up the sky over the Corniche and Doha Bay.
In an effort to ensure the safety of the public, the organising committee has taken several steps including closing of the Corniche area today from the morning and until the end of the military parade.
There will be a parking ban on the Corniche to avoid traffic jams. Various designated parking lots for the public will be available in the surrounding areas of the Corniche.
Ten Karwa buses will be available to transport the public from designated parking lots to the Corniche area where events are held. Many bus stations and family buses will be provided.
Five medical emergency and missing children sites will be set up during the events.
“We urge families and the public to be careful and to closely watch their children to make sure they stay away from equipment and tools used during the show,” the committee said.
Following the military parade, the public can watch the historic military car and vehicle parade near the Orry on the Corniche.
The city has already gone into a celebratory mode with hundreds of flags adding colour to the streets and buildings, and illumination lighting up public and private institutions.
The public has already joined in the mood with hundreds of them sporting miniature flags and stickers on their vehicles.
More information is available by accessing www.ndqatar.com.
n Qatar residents can expect a pleasant weather today though the forecast says the sky will be partly cloudy. The weatherman has forecast moderate temperature for the day with slight dust haze. There is a possibility of scattered rain.
The maximum temperature will be 19C while the minimum will be 13 degrees.
via Gulf Times – Qatar’s top-selling English daily newspaper – First Page.