Qataris and residents yesterday celebrated National Day here with a variety of functions. The National Day marks the founding of Qatar by the late H H Sheikh Jassem bin Mohammed bin Thani in 1878.
Private companies and semi-government authorities marked the occasion by hoisting the national flag and lighting up the office premises. The Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani received congratulatory greetings from Advisory Council Speaker H E Mohamed bin Mubarak Al Kholeifi. The Speaker conveyed his heartfelt felicitations on the occasion and wished the prosperity and welfare for Qatar under the Emir’s wise leadership. The Emir in his reply also wished the people more prominence, progress and welfare.
The Prime Minister and Foreign Minister H E Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem bin Jabor Al Thani received greetings from leaders and heads of government of sisterly and friendly countries. GCC Secretary-General H E Abdulrahman bin Hamad Al Attiyah also congratulated the Emir. Qatar’s embassies in various countries including the UK, Japan, India, and France celebrated the country’s National Day. The roads leading to Al Corniche Beach wore a festive look. National flags and festoons fluttered on both sides of roads leading to Emiri Diwan. The roundabouts were also decorated.
Shopping malls and souqs hosted traditional and cultural events. Most malls greeted their customers by presenting the national flag. Hyatt Plaza hosted traditional Qatari folk dance and songs. Also, for the first time, the Doha Golf Club organised a “National Day Golf tournament” to mark the occasion. Over 150 players took part in the event. Traditional dhow operators off the Corniche illuminated their vessels. Qatari families turned up in large numbers to enjoy an evening cruise. The traditional souqs also witnessed a heavy rush of Qatari families. However, like last year, this time too the public missed the fireworks at the Palm Tree Island.
