Qatar University celebrates National Day

Led by the Students Activities Department, Qatar University (QU) celebrated Qatar National Day with a series of events that reflected the country’s heritage, culture, and traditions. Under the theme “I am loyal to my country”, the organization’s celebrations on December 14-15 included two consecutive events on the male and female campuses. They featured a number of booths highlighting Qatari traditions, a traditional tent and Qatari food.

On the male campus, the celebrations featured live performances including poetry recitations and hymns, as well as national and traditional songs performed by Arabic singer Abdulaziz Al Elewi. Two competitions -- “QU Narrator” poetry competition and “Best National Photography” competition --  were also part of the celebratory program, as well as a live operetta themed “Education builds Qatar”, and a video screening highlighting Qatar leadership’s role, past and present, in building the country.

The event on the female campus was organized by the Female Students Committee for National Day in conjunction with Qatar Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, Qatar Ministry of Municipality and Urban Planning, and Lekhwiya. It featured an operetta that highlighted the successful stories of Qatari women, and a number of cultural booths that showcased Qatari traditional food, costumes, photography and medicine.

As part of the celebrations at QU, the male student dormitories organized an event which was attended by Qatar Minister of Energy & Industry H.E. Dr Mohammed Bin Saleh Al-Sada, QU President Dr Hassan Rashid Al Derham, as well as members of QU leadership, faculty and staff. The event program included “Al-Ardah” dance presented by national students proud to show Qatar’s customs and traditions. International students showed solidarity with the Qatari culture by presenting their countries’ traditions and folklores.

At the female student dormitories, the celebrations featured an operetta under the heading “Qatar, home of love”, as well as Qatari traditional food and dance. On the sidelines of these celebratory events, QU presented a booth at Darb Al Saaei, showcasing its programs, courses, facilities, and students’ innovative projects to the large number of visitors.

Commenting on the celebrations, QU President Dr Hassan Rashid Al Derham said: “On December 18, we celebrate our shared identity, and the history which shaped it, as well as the traditions and values that bring this country together. As the country’s first national university, QU is committed to promoting national identity among students and to shaping the country’s ambassadors, leaders and strong role models for the younger generation by equipping them with the values and ethics in keeping with the heritage and legacy of our ancestors.”

QU VP for Student Affairs Dr Khalid Al-Khanji said: “Qatar National Day brings together all those who live in Qatar to celebrate our country’s rich civilization and culture, and to show pride in the Qatari nation’s accomplishments. This special day highlights the role of education in serving the country’s growth and progress, in line with the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030.” QU Associate VP for Student Life and Services Mr Abdulla Al-Yafei said: “This special occasion gives us the great opportunity to strengthen the spirit of citizenship among QU community, and to express our gratitude and reverence to our ancestors who have endured many hardships to make Qatar what it is today.”

Section Head of Event and Campus Activities Ms Salwa Darwish Zainel said: “This timely event highlights Qatari values, traditions and culture. It also shows the department’s commitment to engaging students in activities that empower them with the knowledge and skills for lifelong learning, enabling them to make significant contributions in driving the country’s development and growth.”