Doha: The Cultural Village, Katara, continued with National Day celebrations yesterday. People thronged the Katara beach, Esplanade and the amphitheatre and saw fireworks illuminate
the sky.
More than 48 events were lined up yesterday, the second day of National Day celebrations at the Cultural Village.
The events were held in association with different local public and private organisations.
In his address on the occasion, Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, General Manager of Katara, said: “Compared to previous years, the number of visitors increased significantly this year, which indicates Katara’s success in attracting visitors and illustrates its position as a key destination for the National Day not only for Qataris, but also for tourists, expatriates and GCC nationals”.
Having visited several stalls at the Cultural Village, a Qatari, Mohamed Nasser Al Ali, excitedly said: “The Qatar National Day offers an opportunity for the entire population to know more about the country’s vibrant and rich traditions”.
A host of cultural shows organised mainly for children drew crowds at the celebrations as kids in traditional attire performed
on stage.
A member of Katara’s National Day celebrations’ Organising Committee said, “Children have presented their outstanding skills on stage even without proper rehearsals. The dances, games and other events inspired everyone in the audience”.
Saif Rahim, an Asian expatriate, said: “We rarely get an opportunity where members of different expatriate communities meet at a single spot. It creates a feeling of oneness among us even though we belong to different cultures and traditions”.
Powered parachuting by personnel from the Qatar Armed Forces, Harrods Village at Shakespeare Street, ‘Colours of Patriotism’ — a workshop organised for children on the beachfront and art gallery were other highlights of National Day celebrations at Katara.
An exhibition of camel-riding accessories, and demonstration of handicraft-making organised by Ooredoo were other highlights of the celebrations.
A parade by students of Qatar Leadership Academy of Qatar Foundation, exhibitions by Al Gannas Society, exhibition of traditional tents and photo exhibition by Algalayel Championship, theatre shows and literary competitions by Childhood Cultural Centre, an exhibition of vintage cars by Al Nahdi Car Accessories, were some of other highlights.
Qatar Charity (QC), Qatar Youth Hobbies Centre, Mannai Corporation and Qatar Heritage and Identity Centre also joined the two-day National Day celebrations at Katara.
THE PENINSULA
