Qatar celebrates its National Day on the 18th of December each year to commemorate the country’s unification in 1878. The Qatar National Day marks the ascension of Sheik Jassem bin Mohammed bin Thani to the throne when he succeeded his father, Mohammed bin Thani. Sheik Jassem is regarded as the ruler who was able to unify all the local tribes in Qatar.

Also known as Founder’s Day in Qatar, December 18 as a national holiday was enacted by virtue of a 2007 Emiri decree of Crown Prince and Heir Apparent Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Prior to 2007, Qatar celebrated its National Day on the 3rd of September, which is the country’s day of independence from being a British Protectorate.

Here is everything you need to know about National Day in Qatar.

Table of Contents

• Is National Day in Qatar a public holiday?
• History of Qatar National Day
• Important Qatar National Day Symbols
• Qatar National Day Activities and Celebrations
• Past and Future Observances of Qatar National Day

Is National Day in Qatar a public holiday?

The National Day in Qatar on December 18th is a public holiday. Schools, government offices, and businesses are closed on this day. However, there are some businesses that remain open.

History of Qatar National Day

Qatar was founded in connection with the British diplomatic response to Bahrain’s violation of the Anglo-Bahraini Treaty of 1820. Back then, the Bahraini Al Khalifas sent their naval forces to Al Wakrah in an effort to press the Qatari rebels into capitulation. During the negotiation between Qatar and the British Protectorate of Bahrain, Qatar sent Mohammed bin Thani as its representative. Mohammed bin Thani is from the ruling family of Al Thanis. His role as a negotiator assured their dynasty’s ruling power as well as Qatar’s independence.

In 1878, Sheikh Jassem bin Mohammed Al Thani, son of Mohammed bin Thani, succeeded his father as the ruler of Qatar. Sheikh Jassem strived to unify all the tribes of the peninsula in an effort to create the modern state of Qatar. In 1913, Sheikh Jassem passed away. However, the people of Qatar still remember the Sheikh’s productive leadership; thus, they celebrate National Day or Founder’s Day on the same date that Sheikh Jassem ascended to the throne.

In 1916, Qatar became a British Protectorate. It was only after the end of World War II that British forces within the Persian Gulf started to weaken. In 1947, India declared its independence from British imperial rule. It was followed by subsequent calls for British withdrawal in the Arab world. In 1961, Kuwait followed suit. After these events, Qatar joined a federation with Bahrain and seven other Trucial States; however, Qatar soon withdrew its membership to the federation and declared itself an independent state on September 3, 1971. This date was the independence date celebrated by Qatar prior to 2007.

Important Qatar National Day Symbols

The main symbol of Qatar National Day as displayed in the country is the national flag. Called “Ladaam” or “Al Adaam” in Arabic, the Qatari national flag is characterized by a dominant maroon color and a nine-pointed edge in white color. Its Arabic name is directly translated as “to the Qataris, since the ancient times”. The national flag of Qatar, as with all other national flags, is a symbol of identity and pride.

The Qatari national flag was first raised in 1971 when the country declared itself as a sovereign state. The maroon shade of the flag symbolizes the banner of Sheikh Jassem bin Mohammed bin Thani, its founder and dearly respected ruler. The nine-pointed edges, however, represent the country as the 9th member of the “reconciled Emirates” in 1916.

Qatar National Day Activities and Celebrations

National Day in Qatar is celebrated with a festive spirit throughout the country. The government organizes various events to mark this important day in the nation’s history. On the morning of December 18th, there is a national day parade through the Doha Corniche. It is attended by the general public as well as officials of the government. The air force and the navy also hold aerial and sea shows for thousands of spectators to enjoy. During the afternoon, light and water shows take place. In the evening, the skies light up with a stunning fireworks display sponsored by the government. The fireworks spectacle usually occurs from  8:00 to 8:10 p.m. This is why the Doha Corniche is filled with families waiting for the National Day shows.

Likewise, the Katara Cultural Village overflows with cultural and heritage-themed events to showcase national history. There are classic car shows as well. In other parts of Qatar, the local communities observe National Day through opera and musical shows, parachuting, trade festivals, theatrical performances, sword dances, flag relay, mall shows, and other fun-filled events. Another spectacle awaited by the entire nation on National Day is the drone show. In 2018, the Drone Air Show took place on December 17th and 19th from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. This is when 500 drones made an incredible aerial display of the map of Qatar.

Past and Future Observances of Qatar National Day

Below are the past and future observances of Qatar National Day: