Qatari flag. Photo: Unsplash
December 18 marks Qatar National Day, an occasion of great pride and joy for the nation. To mark the day, Google also dedicated its homepage to Qatar with a special doodle featuring the country’s flag.
What is the story behind Qatar National Day?
Also commonly known as Founder’s Day, Qatar’s National Day is a celebration of the day Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani assumed leadership in 1878, officially becoming the founding father of the nation. Under his care, Qatar blossomed into the incredible country it is today.
While National Day has always been a special one for the citizens of Qatar, it only officially became a national holiday on June 21, 2007, under the decree of the country’s then Crown Prince and heir apparent, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Prior to Founding Day’s establishment, Qatar National Day was celebrated instead on September 3, which is the day of Qatar’s independence.
Google’s doodle for Qatar National Day 2023
How is Qatar National Day celebrated?
As one would expect, Founder’s Day is first and foremost marked with a national holiday. Residents of Qatar spend the day with family and friends, often celebrating with machbūs, the national dish of Qatar.
Along with this, Qatari National Day is also marked by a host of activities. While Katara Cultural Village hosts countless heritage-themed events, a National Day parade at Doha Corniche brings together officials from the armed forces, ISF, Ministry of Interior, and Amiri Guard. Qatar also hosts classic car shows, where the public can observe and enjoy antique automobiles that were formally owned by government officials. Come sunset, the country lights up its skies with dazzling firework displays to celebrate its rich past and equally bright future.
