Thousands of visitors continue to converge on Qatar Foundation’s tent at Darb El-Saai national day celebrations

Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development’s (QF) tent at Darb El-Saai is proving to be overwhelmingly popular during the ongoing National Day celebrations.

Thousands of visitors, including a visiting international delegation of young leaders, have been joining in the festivities to mark the nation’s pride celebrating Qatar National Day.

The international group, from the United Nations Alliance of Civilisations, toured QF’s impressive line-up of family activities at its showcase tent. Representatives came from several European countries and the Americas.

Comprising writers, journalists and media professionals, the group is visiting Qatar for three days and is seeking to learn more about the country’s culture, customs and traditions that they will take back to their home countries to share with others within their communities.

“Qatar National Day brings great joy to everyone in Qatar, and Darb El-Saai is helping to encourage a spirit of patriotism among local residents,” said Abdulla Ahmed Al Sada, a member of the Qatar Committee for Alliance of Civilizations, who led the delegation.

“The activities organised by Qatar Foundation are giving visitors a glimpse into the Foundation, Education City, and Qatar’s heritage. It is a fantastic initiative.”

Hani Selim, Project Officer for Intercultural Exchange at the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, said: "This is my first time in Qatar, and I am very impressed by the country’s progress. I am proud that Qatar Foundation, an Arab organisation, is so active in the development of education, science and research, and the community.”

Irish delegate, Emily Glen, who is also making her first visit to the country, added: “We are so excited to be here to mark Qatar National Day and I am having a wonderful time. Everyone is so warm and so friendly and I can’t wait to come back.”

"Qatar Foundation is making great efforts and the activities on offer in the tent, especially those directed at young people, are encouraging children to learn in a fun and entertaining way,” she continued.

“In Ireland we have St. Patrick’s Day, our own national event, but it is nothing like this. This is great and I am getting some great ideas.”

Developing the nation’s human capital is a key objective for Qatar Foundation in support of the Qatar National Vision 2030.   Qatar Foundation’s tent features a special corner for QF-member, Qatar Debates, in order to encourage young people to meet and master the art of dialogue. Discussions about various subjects related to the Foundation’s strategic pillars of education, science and research and community development, and the objectives of Qatar National Day, take place throughout the day.

Elsewhere, Al Shaqab, also a member of QF, is giving special riding and grooming lessons, as well as horse healthcare tips outside the tent in an interactive and educational setting. This activity allows visitors to explore the world of horses, which is deeply rooted in Qatari heritage.

The tent will be open throughout the Qatar National Day celebrations which, this year, are taking place from 8^th December until 20^th December. Open to families, some of the activities include a reading corner, a colouring station, and healthy living exercises. 

Qatar National Day is celebrated every year, and is a national commemoration of Qatar's unification and independence.