By Raynald C Rivera
Doha: Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani witnessed the Eighth National Day parade along Doha Corniche yesterday morning.
Father Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani was present, along with H H Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, Personal Representative of the Emir; H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani; H H Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa Al Thani; and sons of the Father Emir.
Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, Advisory Council Speaker
H E Mohamed bin Mubarak Al Khulaifi, his deputy, sheikhs, ministers, state guests, heads of diplomatic missions, senior Army and Interior Ministry officers, dignitaries and thousands of citizens and residents were also present.
A festive atmosphere permeated the air as people witnessed the parade which started the day’s celebrations. Like in previous editions of National Day festivities, the parade saw an overwhelming response from people.
The makeshift seating area which could accommodate thousands of people was filled with families as early as 7am and others had to stand by the road to catch a good view of the spectacular parade held every December 18.
People donned caps, shirts, scarves and anything maroon and white — the colours of the national flag — enhancing the patriotic fervour felt by everyone.
The National Anthem was played, verses from the Holy Quran were recited and an 18-gun salute fired to signal the start of the stunning pageantry.
It was quite a sight to see as parachutes descended from the sky in maroon and white colours.
Paratroopers from the Armed Forces and Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya) spiralled down, with maroon and white smoke trailing behind them, creating a unique visual in the sky.
Later, fighter jets screamed above, performing breathtaking aerobatics and painting the clear blue sky maroon and white.
The parade was a visual narrative of Qatar’s past, present and future, starting with the entry of horsemen and camel cavalry depicting the country’s pre-oil era.
It was followed by infantry battalions of Armed Forces units, Emiri Guard, the ministry and Lekhwiya.
Modern and vintage military vehicles, sophisticated weaponry and military equipment also joined the parade, followed by the marine display of boats and special naval forces.
Spectators aimed their mobile phones towards the sky to capture images of fighter jets, helicopters as well as transport and cargo aircraft performing the air show.
Gallant soldiers representing all branches of land, air and naval armed forces marched snappily at the parade which also saw participation of the ministry’s units, including Civil Defence, Coast Guard, Border Guard, Traffic Department, Police College, National Service and Qatar Leadership Academy.
Recognising children as the future of the country, the Emir, along with the Father Emir and other officials, stood up as a group of children wearing Emiri Guard uniforms marched past at the conclusion of the parade.
The Emir and the Father Emir took time to shake hands with people lining up the road who wished them happy National Day.
Deputy Emir H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani visited more Qatari tribes that held their celebrations at various venues across the country.
He also participated in Bani Tamim’s celebrations at Al Wajbah Palace.
H H Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, Personal Representative of the Emir; H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani, sons of the Father Emir, sheikhs and ministers also took part.
Associated activities organised by the ministry annually were a big success, with thousands, including students and expatriate communities, participating in activities and competitions.
Exciting cultural and sport contests and shows were held from 8am until 10pm at four venues — the Asian Town in Industrial Area for the Indian and Sri Lankan communities; Al Wakrah Sports Stadium for the Pakistani and Bangladeshi communities; Al Rayyan Sports Club for the Filipino, Indonesian and Malaysian communities; and the Barwa Workers Recreation Complex in Al Khor for the Nepalese and Al Khor communities.
Many people also thronged Katara for events and activities which started in the afternoon and highlighted shows featuring the Emiri Guard and the Qatari Armed Forces. Qatari singer Mohammad Al Sai, who sang the patriotic song My Beloved Qatar, was honoured.
Events also featured horseback riding at Katara esplanade as well as local and international musical shows.
Thousands of people also participated in activities and enjoyed performances and exhibitions organised by entities and companies at Darb El-Saai which opened in Al Sadd last week.
The Peninsula
