Doha: Qatar University will celebrate National Day on December 16 with an array of events which reflect the country’s culture, heritage and traditions from a bygone era.
Organised by the university’s Student Activities department with 150 volunteer students, the afternoon of celebrations will feature a packed programme of activities which will take place in the university stadium on the campus.
The free, interactive event, open to the public, will include actors dressed in costumes from the past, re-enacting scenes of traditional Qatari life and explaining what they are doing. Visitors can learn about how fishermen made their nets, the making of traditional tents, how ladies mixed henna paste and how furniture of the past was constructed.
There will be a fashion show of Qatari dresses from across the ages, an opportunity to take part in games popular in the past, displays of horse riding and classic cars and performances of traditional sword dances (Ardah).
Guests can sample Qatari food as they walk through the exhibition, with an opportunity to buy more modern National Day souvenirs in preparation for the official day of celebrations on December 18. There will also be poetry recitations and Quran readings, while children from Um Al Amad Primary Independent School for Girls and Al Muthana Primary Independent School for Boys will participate in a modern Qatari performance.
Vice President for Student Affairs Dr Omar Al Ansari said: “The students have been working tirelessly for months to put on what promises to be a real spectacle and a chance for us all to enjoy traditional Qatari culture, sports and traditions.
“As well as putting on a fantastic family day, the preparations have given students a real sense of community engagement as well as invaluable experience in teamwork, event management and leadership. All of these skills will serve them well in their futures.”
Detailed schedule of events:
2.00pm : Opening
3.30-3.45pm : Horse and classic car show
4.30-5pm : Holy Qur’an recitation
4.30-5pm : Traditional sports
4.30-5pm : Al Murada
5.15-5.30pm : Horse and classic car show
5.30-6.30pm : Poetry session
6.30-7pm : “In love with Qatar” performance
7pm-8pm : Qatari Ardah (traditional Sword Dance)
9pm : Close
The publicity poster for the event was painted by QU staff member Abdulaziz Sadeq.