Darb Al Saai activities get under way

The Darb Al Saai activities were inaugurated by HE the Minister of Culture Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad al-Thani, who is also the chairman of the Organising Committee for the Qatar National Day (QND) 2022 celebrations, Friday at Umm Salal Mohamed, in the presence of HE the Minister of Labour Dr Ali bin Smaikh al-Marri and other dignitaries.
The activities the new location of Darb Al Saai mark the beginning of the QND 2022 celebrations, which falls on Dec 18. The opening saw hoisting of the Qatari flag and singing of the national anthem. The Ministry of Culture hosts a variety of programmes in Darb Al Saai, with special focus on the distinctive aspects of Qatar's history, heritage and culture.
HE Sheikh Abdulrahman toured Darb Al Saai, accompanied by the guests, and he reviewed the necessary preparations and was briefed on the different sections. He stressed that the National Day is a very dear occasion for all and signifies the values of solidarity and loyalty, and the deep rooted belonging to the homeland.
HE the Minister explained that Darb Al Saai will provide an active platform for various cultural activities and programme focusing on the Qatari environment, culture and its original Arabic heritage and values. He also expressed his happiness about the readiness of the place and its excellent preparations, considering a sustainable legacy for the people of Qatar and the future generations, besides being a unique cultural, folkloric and heritage meeting space.
HE the Minister of Labour highly appreciated the efforts exerted by the organising committee and the events scheduled for this years' celebrations as they will reflect the Qatari identity and focus on the culture and heritage aspects accordingly. HE said that as the event coincides with the ongoing FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, it will be a good opportunity to introduce the Qatari culture, history and heritage to the world.
Dr Ghanim al-Ali, general supervisor of the Organising Committee for the QND 2022 celebrations, said that opening day received a considerably good numbers of visitors and expected more people to visit the place as the activities start. Friday, the Qatar - Senegal match from the World Cup was telecast live on big screens across Darb Al Saai.
Dr al-Ali said that the activities at Darb Al Saai will be open for the public until December 18, from 3pm to 11pm daily. The committee has dedicated six buses to transport World Cup fans free of charge to Darb Al Saai and back. He pointed out that the new location of Darb Al Saai offers visitors great facilities that offer them comprehensive services. It also has a unique heritage architectural design and layout that reflect the spirit of the original heritage Qatari architecture.
The Ministry of Culture has prepared a large collection of events with 4,500 different culture and heritage activities that cover more than 191 main events. Darb Al Saai theatre will be leading these activities with more than 46 different activities a day that include 24 culture forums, six poetry recitation events, and nine performances, with the participation of the Theatre Affairs Centre, Music Affairs Centre, Visual Arts Centre and Qatar Poetry Centre, in addition to Qatar Media Centre, Qatari Forums of Authors, Qatar Photography Center and all the other centres that pertain to the Ministry of Culture.