Qatar’s National Day is celebrated yearly on 18th of December to commemorate the anniversary of the founding of the modern State of Qatar in 1878 by the late Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani.

The National day is official holiday. It is celebrated by Qataris with full enthusiasm every year.

Slogan: "We praise You, o, the Lord of the Throne."

This year's slogan is a quote inspired by a verse in one of the poems by the founder of the State of Qatar. 

Confused on where to go this upcoming Qatar National Day 2020 celebration? 

Here are the event highlights:

Activities (on December 18, 2020)

The Corniche is one of the amazing places to enjoy Qatar National Day festivities. There are two main events organized at the corniche on this occasion.

However, there is no official announcement from the Qatar Government yet if it will be observing its regular National Day outdoor activities due to the recent coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

(Follow this article for more updates).

• National Parade - 9 AM at the Corniche (with a grand show of troops in diverse military sectors)

Usually, all members of the public can enjoy watching the national parade that starts at 3:00 pm and presented by the Ministry of Interior, the internal security force (Lekhwiya), the Amiri Guard and other government bodies. There will also be wonderful air shows by Qatar Air Force, and people usually start heading to the corniche from 12:00 pm.

• Fireworks - 8 PM at the Corniche

In the previous celebrations, a spectacular display of fireworks starts at 8:00 pm, and the Corniche is usually closed one hour earlier, so people are advised to go early in order to witness the whole event.

• Live Stream - Doha 360 website (including Tahadi & Injaz, 360 Wyak, Saet Alkhatir). For more details, click here.

A number of establishments have already started celebrating Qatar National Day with some promotions and offers. Here are our top picks for this year:

NOTE: Our Qatar National Day 2020 listing will be regularly updated. We suggest that you bookmark this page so you don't miss any updates. 

HOTELS

Wish Tree and Brunch at City Centre Rotana Doha

City Centre Rotana Doha, one of the leading contemporary 5-star hotels in the heart of the city, is offering an array of exclusive activities at its premises on the occasion of Qatar National Day, which will be celebrated across the country on December 18.

The activities include a Wish Tree in the hotel’s lobby and a lavish National Day Brunch at its all-day dining outlet Olive Oil.

The Wish Tree, which will continue for the third successive year, has been one of the major attractions of CCRD’s Qatar National Day celebrations. It is a medium for guests to express their gratitude and an opportunity for them to convey their wishes for the country on the National Day. The Wish Tree is also a great way to engage with the local community, and almost 400 people participated in the activity last year.

Commenting on the occasion, Martin Kendall, General Manager of City Centre Rotana Doha, said: “We are really excited to showcase, once again, the Qatari spirit and tradition with our arrangements for Qatar National Day. This year holds special significance for the country as well as for all of us at the hotel. Our team has gone all out to make this year’s preparations a truly memorable one, and we are proud to celebrate this day with our guests and employees. City Centre Rotana Doha has been and will always remain part of Qatar’s journey towards success and excellence.” 

Staycation, Afternoon Tea, Brunch and Dining at Hilton The Pearl

Hilton The Pearl will be joining in the National Day celebrations this December 18 with special offers and staff sporting distinctive Qatari flag pins.

Special celebrations include:

• Lobby Café

Lobby Café at Hilton The Pearl will serve a special Qatar National Day Afternoon Tea

The café will also be selling specially- themed cakes which guests can take-away to enjoy at their leisure.

When: December 18, 2020: 12pm-6pm

Price: QAR 119 per person for the afternoon tea. Whole themed cakes at QAR 169 and smaller versions at QAR 35.

Reservations: 4492 4625 or message through social media

IG: @lobbycafedoha

• Make Your National Day Celebrations a Staycation with In-Home Dining or Brunch at The Kitchen

Why not mark National Day with a staycation at Hilton The Pearl? Book any of the one- and two-bedroom suites and dine from a special celebration menu designed by our culinary team. Suite rates start from QR 695 and include breakfast.

Studio rates for 2 guests including breakfast and the superb The Kitchen Brunch on National Day start from QR999 QAR.

The Kitchen Brunch:

When: December 18, 2020. 1pm-4pm

Price: QR 169 per person food only menu (beverages will be ordered a-la-carte)

Reservations: +974 4492 4444

Link to In-Room Dining Menu

• The Kitchen: Friday Brunch Takes on Qatar Flavour

The newly launched five-course Friday Brunch at The Kitchen Restaurant, which is renowned for its use of the freshest ingredients will take on the flavours of Qatar this National Day with special Qatari cuisine dishes included in the menu. The National Day Friday Brunch at The Kitchen will give guests the opportunity to celebrate with others over a menu which includes  imaginative breakfast-style appetisers, starter selections, main courses, which come with a choice of vegetable sides and include pasta, fish, meat, and vegetarian options before rounding off with delicious, hand-crafted desserts or an artisan mature cheese board complete with jam and honeycomb.

When: Friday, December 18: 1 pm - 4 pm

Where: The Kitchen, Hilton The Pearl

Price: Soft beverage package: QAR 259

Kids under 6 years eat free those between 6-12 years are half price.

Minimum Booking minimum 2 persons, reservations mandatory adhering to current health & safety restrictions.

Contact: + 974 4492 4610

Website: thekitchendoha.com

MALLS

National Day Celebrations at Mall of Qatar

Join an 8 days festive program for Qatar National Day. Check its family-friendly diverse activities from 2:00pm to 9:00pm here:

Ground Floor:

• Ball Pit - West Gate 3

• Kids Stage - East Gate 1

• Majlis - Luxury Court

First Floor:

• Henna - Luxury Court

• Face Painting - Marble Fountain

• Falconry - West Gate 2

• Calligrapher - West Gate 2

• Traditional Handicrafts - Marble Fountain, Luxury Court, and east gate 2

Roaming Entertainment:

• Arda show

• Hospitality Coffee and Dates

• Mall Wide Performances

Oasis Stage Shows:

• MOQ Live main shows

TIME:

Monday 11 to Monday 18 December 2:00pm to 9:00pm

GYMS

Finish 2020 on a HIGH. 48 stories high, to be exact!

The next available helipad events of Evo Fit will take place on December 18th (Qatar National Day).

Join them at Marriott Marquis Doha for aYoga exercise at 8 AM or Bootcamp at 9am 🏋🏼

Visit its website www.evofitqatar.com or its app EvoFit Qatar to sign up!