HE the Minister of Culture Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad al-Thani said that celebrating National Day enhances the sense of belonging among all segments of society and reinforces the sense of loyalty to the homeland and to its wise leadership, continuing on the path of development and prosperity.Speaking to Qatar News Agency (QNA), HE Sheikh Abdulrahman said that celebrating National Day stems from the conviction that the homeland is a trust, with the sense of belonging being an expression of the renewal of the relationship with the homeland.He added that this occasion is a time to reflect on the legacy of the founding fathers who paved the way for the progress of this country on all fronts, describing this remembrance as being a duty emanating from loyalty to them and in recognition for their great contributions.HE the Minister of Culture said that National Day embodies valuable principles, notably social cohesion and unity, looking to the past for inspiration and the present as a chance to overcome challenges, something that Qataris have proven to do so well. He explained that these principles form the essence to be instilled into society, teaching the youth to love their country and nurture their sense of belonging.He highlighted the importance of the family unit and its role as society’s building block and its true wealth, adding that the family lies at the core of enhancing national identity. He pointed out that communal strength depends on family cohesion, with both the individual and the social sphere impacting one another with regards to thoughts, behaviour, and ethics.He added that national identity is based on fundamental principles such as a sense of belonging to the homeland, pride in its culture and glorious history, adherence to Islam, and preserving the Arabic language, with the family playing a central role in upholding these elements.HE Sheikh Abdulrahman said that investing in the family unit yields a sense of citizenship, which takes shape by being fully aware of one’s rights and duties toward the homeland.He added that one should not ask what one gains from one’s country, rather, what one gives it, which could manifest itself through community participation, promoting a culture of excellence, and contributing to development in various fields.HE the Minister also touched on the country’s cultural life, overseen by the Ministry of Culture, which aims to educate and enhance morality. He said that culture is a key pillar in strengthening national identity and citizenship, as such he pointed out that the majority of the ministry’s cultural work go in this direction, as is the case with the Organising Committee for Qatar National Day Celebrations, which organises the annual events at Darb Al Saai and the Doha International Book Fair, which for its part encourages reading and instils morality, given reading’s positive impact on shaping the personality of the youth.He also referred to ‘Children’s Doha’ and its role in widening children’s horizons and development, as well as ‘Mythayel’ and its role in spreading morality.Finally, HE Sheikh Abdulrahman underscored the ministry’s commitment to nurturing the sense of citizenship among all segments of society, for which it uses the theatre as a medium, exemplified by the children and students’ theatres, not to mention the Doha Theatrical Festival, which lied at the heart of it all.He said that the ministry puts together programmes to strengthen the youth’s understanding of national identity in addition to learning about other diverse cultures.