Qatar National Day

Qatar National Day

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  1. 1878Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani consolidates Qatari leadership
  2. 1971Qatar becomes independent from Britain
  3. 2022Qatar hosts the FIFA World Cup

The story behind the day

18 December marks Qatar National Day, commemorating the accession of Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani in 1878. The date celebrates the founder associated with unifying Qatar, rather than the 1971 independence from Britain.

The day became Qatar's main national celebration because it connects modern wealth and statehood to older tribal leadership, desert life and the Al Thani ruling family. It also presents continuity in a country transformed rapidly by gas wealth and global events.

Today National Day is marked with a major parade on Doha's Corniche, fireworks, air displays, heritage tents, flags and family outings. Visitors see maroon-and-white colours, dhow imagery, falcons, camels and a polished Gulf public spectacle.

Across Qatar, the day blends heritage and modern city life. Families gather for machboos, harees, sweets and coffee, while malls, waterfronts and desert camps fill with national symbols.

  1. 202618 December 2026 · Friday
  2. 202718 December 2027 · Saturday
  3. 202818 December 2028 · Monday
The Qatari flag
Qatar flag

The Qatari flag has a maroon field with a white serrated band of nine points at the hoist. White represents peace, maroon recalls historic dye and sacrifice, and the nine points mark Qatar as the ninth reconciled emirate in Gulf agreements with Britain.

Qatari celebration food is Gulf, desert and maritime, with rice, lamb, fish, dates, coffee and spices served in generous family settings.

What to eat

MachboosQatar's national dish — saffron and spiced rice with Gulf fish and dried lime, the heritage dish of the pearling Qatari coast.
HareesSlow-cooked whole lamb on a saffron rice mound — the centrepiece of every Qatari celebration feast.
ThareedFragrant spiced Gulf fish fillet with steamed rice — a Qatari family dish where the fish is prized above meat.
BalaleetDeep-fried dough soaked in date syrup — Qatar's national sweet, distributed at National Day celebrations.
LuqaimatSlow-cooked spiced chickpeas with garlic and cumin — a Qatari street breakfast staple at suqs and markets.
Grilled hammourCaramel-soft Qatari dates — harvested from the date palms of Doha's farms and presented in trays at every gathering.

What to drink

Arabic coffeeGreen cardamom Arabic coffee in small handle-less cups — Qatar's ceremonial hospitality drink, served with dates at every meeting.
Karak teaSaffron milk drink — warm, fragrant and sweetened, served at Qatari celebration evenings.
LabanFresh lemon and mint juice — the standard non-alcoholic refreshment at Qatari restaurants and outdoor celebrations.
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Qatar culture

Qatar has transformed from a pearl-diving backwater to the world's wealthiest state per capita — the World Cup, the Museum of Islamic Art and Al Jazeera Media Network define its global ambition.

Corniche paradeFIFA World Cup 2022 — Qatar became the first Middle Eastern country to host the World Cup, with eight stunning stadiums in a 50km radius.
FalconryMuseum of Islamic Art — I.M. Pei's geometric masterpiece on Doha's Corniche, holding one of the world's finest collections of Islamic art.
Dhow boatsFalcon souq and camel racing — Qatar's falconry tradition is UNESCO-listed; camel racing with robot jockeys is the national sport.
Darb Al SaaiKatara Cultural Village — Qatar's arts hub on the Doha waterfront, hosting the cultural festivals and performances of Qatar National Day.