Tomorrow 18 December is Qatar National Day, a national commemoration of Qatar’s unification and independence and is celebrated on December 18 every year. The holiday was established by a June 21, 2007 decree of the Emir and Heir Apparent Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani.
The History
December 18 is the day Qatar commemorates the founding of the state of Qatar on 18 December 1878. In 1867 the Al Khalifa military of Bahrain launched a successful effort to crush the Qatari rebels, sending a massive naval force to Al Wakrah. However, the Bahraini aggression was in violation of the 1820 Anglo-Bahraini Treaty.
The diplomatic response of the British to this violation set into motion the political forces that would eventuate in the founding of the state of Qatar on 18 December 1878. Some Qatari nationalists describe this event as Qatar’s First War of Independence. Fifteen years later, in March 1893, at the Battle of Wajbah (10 miles west of Doha), Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani defeated the Ottomans and forced a treaty that would later form the basis of Qatar emerging as a separate country. Some Qatari nationalists describe this event as Qatar’s Second War of Independence
The Qatar National Day celebrations will be held under the ‘One Love’ theme this year, highlighting the bond shared between Qataris and expatriates who have made Qatar their home away from home.
On December 18, the national anthem will be played at 8:00 am followed by a parade of school children at each location, which then will be followed by the various activities till 10:00 pm.
Don’t missed out the event. Happy National Day for All Qatari & Residents.
(Dukhan 17 December 2013 at 22:00)
