Qatar National Day at GU-Q celebrates heritage, multiculturalism

Qatar’s hospitality was on full display at the Qatar National Day (QND) event hosted by students at QF partner Georgetown University in Qatar's (GU-Q) Al Liwan Qatari Student Association.Held at the GU-Q building and spilling out into Education City’s Oxygen Park, the celebrations included an exciting schedule of activities, performances, and cultural experiences.Al Liwan club president, Asma al-Kuwari, who is pursuing a major in International Economics and minor in Government at GU-Q, said the event was as much a celebration of heritage as it was a recognition of the university’s rich multicultural diversity.Al-Kuwari said: "We wanted to showcase the very best of our people and culture because these connections build bridges between people and communities. They also contribute to a beautiful exchange of cultures, bringing our diverse multinational school community even closer together.”Students, faculty, and staff came together to delight in "shopping” at a traditional "dukan” or vintage candy store, receive a henna design, and challenge their working knowledge of Qatar history and culture with a competitive trivia game. Visitors were also treated to delicious foods from established food venues as well as local Qatari kitchens."Our club members worked so hard and contributed in so many ways to make the event successful. They also brought traditional food from their houses to provide students with a taste of authentic Qatari cuisine,” noted al-Kuwari.A merchant from Souq Waqif demonstrated the making of cultural handicrafts that have been passed down from generation to generation, and an art gallery featured the work of GU-Q graduate Saoud al-Ahmed, whose mixed media pieces reflect themes of culture and change.And no QND would be complete without a riveting sword dance, as well as a oud performance, offered this year by musician Mejdoub Zakaryae.