Qatar all set for National Day; Doha Corniche all decked up

Qatar is all set to celebrate the National Day and the Doha Corniche where the ceremonial parade will take place Monday afternoon, is all decked up for the grand occasion. Celebrations were in full swing all over the country on Sunday at the major centres, as Darb Al-Saai, Corniche, Katara, Aspire Zone, Souq Waqif among other places were teeming with large number of people and upbeat with patriotic fervour. Several special programmes as well as a number of traditional events were presented at these venues, to the excitement of the enthusiastic crowds.Special lights decoration at Doha CornicheMeanwhile, at the Corniche all the preparations have been completed for the parade that begins at 3pm. Special tents are set up for the dignitaries as well as the public and the entire stretch of Corniche from the Emiri Diwan to the Sheraton Interchange has been marked for the occasion. Special decorations and lights have been put up throughout the stretch. Several large flower beds and bouquets have been set up at the venue that give added colour and beauty to the area. Unique lighting arrangements can be seen at a long stretch of Corniche, giving a dazzling display of colours in the night. The entire area has been filled with the national flag, official portraits of His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani as well as other national symbols. The dhows and boats at the Corniche are decorated with national flags and the whole area is filled national colour, highlighting the patriotic spirit and the importance of the occasion. Arrangements have also been done and areas have been marked on the Corniche waterfront for some special shows.In addition to the National Day parade, the Corniche will also witness a spectacular display of fireworks between 8pm and 8.10pm and the organisers have promised many surprise elements. The special fireworks show will have 100,000 effects and it will be pyromusical – fireworks set to music – a unique feature. It is also said that the fireworks will also include a special National Day surprise involving a very tall structure. Darb Al Saai, the major centre of celebrations, has been brimming with activities for over a week and will continue until December 20. Ministries, government entities as well as major organisations in the country, have put up their stalls at the venue and the entire ground is filled with thousands of people everyday. There are also cultural programmes as well as traditional events at the venue to mark the occasion.Meanwhile, Katara is holding a special and unique air show involving 300 drones as part of National Day celebrations. The show was conducted on Sunday, and will be done again Monday at Katra waterfront from 7pm to 9pm. A total of 300 drones will take to the sky to put up some stunning formations of national icons - including Qatar map, Qatar flag, national animal Oryx and even the face of His Highness the Emir. Katara had announced 60 events on the occasion of the National Day which include workshops, art exhibition and other recreational shows as part of its eight day celebrations. A dancing fountain show accompanied by national songs is also taking place at the venue for every 20 minutes from 4pm each day. Katara is also showcasing parachute parades and spectacular fireworks.