* The eight-day National Day festivities at Katara come to an end with a grand finale
Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, chairperson, Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, has attended the Drones Show at Katara’s Amphitheatre, held as part of the Qatar National Day celebrations.
The eight-day National Day festivities at Katara - the Cultural Village came to an end with a grand finale on Tuesday. The celebrations, which “offered something special for every age group, attracted people from all walks of life, including nationals and citizens”, Katara said in a statement.
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A moment from the spectacular Drones Show. PICTURE: Ram Chand
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A dazzling aerial display
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The musical fountain.
Katara general manager Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti said: “We have been honoured to witness Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser attend the conclusion of our activities to mark Qatar National Day 2017.”
Dr al-Sulaiti stressed that the festivities at Katara this year were “exceptional, as the events ran over a period of eight days and saw a huge turnout of the public.
The Ardha dance held on the Katara waterfront drew huge crowds who applauded the performers for their patriotism and loyalty to the nation’s leadership. Visitors also queued up to sign their messages on the Tamim Al Majd wall.
For most families, the musical fountain ‘show’ – which took place every 20 minutes – was a big attraction, while sailing enthusiasts assembled on the waterfront to receive the Fath Al Kheir 3 dhow. The Fath Al Kheir team, comprising of 16 Qatari nationals led by Captain Mohamed al-Sada, got a warm welcome as crowds received them back from their voyages in the region.
“Qatar is sovereign and will always stand tall”, was the underlining theme across the festivities. The Katara beach hosted the Al Gaffal ceremony, an event that presented national anthems and folk songs from Qatari maritime heritage, further enhancing the sense of patriotism and loyalty.
Some 50 Qatari outlets participated in the daily bazaar held in co-operation with Bedaya Centre. The outlets displayed products that represented Qatari culture and also had a touch of modernity.
On the sidelines of the celebrations, an exhibition by Qatari artist Ahmed al-Maadeed was inaugurated in Gallery 2, Building 18. Al-Maadeed has gained international recognition for his renowned artwork, including the iconic Tamim Al Majd portrait of His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani.
The Cultural Village also hosted the “first-of-its-kind” Drones Show, which left audiences mesmerised. Besides, shows based on the theme of nationalism and loyalty to the country were regularly held at the amphitheatre.
Paratroopers from Qatar’s Joint Special Forces presented spectacular aerial displays between 3:30pm and 5pm each day, on the Katara waterfront.
The final evening culminated in a riveting fireworks display that set the Cultural Village aglow.