Darb Al Saai, the venue for Qatar National Day-linked celebrations in the heart of Doha, was officially opened with a flag hoisting ceremony and an elite police parade accompanied by music and various other popular activities in the presence of senior government officials and a great number of visitors from the public.
The venue of the multi-event celebrations in the Al Sadd area will remain open to the public until December 20, as a major centre of festivities for marking the Qatar National Day on December 18. The flag hoisting was followed by the police music band playing patriotic songs. Men riding horses and camels and a number of schoolchildren, some attired in military uniform and others in traditional dress, added to the charm of the launch programme.
The organising committee was keen to provide the visitors with comprehensive services to ensure their convenience while enjoying the various activities. The venue features a number of shops that sell gift items, food, souvenirs and other things. Some private hospitals are taking part in the event , offering the visitors basic health checkups.
A number of government organisations are also offering similar services. The venue has four health service pavilions under the supervision of the Hamad Medical Corporation including Qatar Red Crescent, Lekhwiya Medical Unit, Al Emadi Hospital and Al Ahli Hospital.
The various exit and entry points are well controlled and easily accessible. officials and volunteers are at hand to maintain the smooth flow of people and offer assistance when needed.
Children and families in particular are the major focus of the events with many entities offering them various activities that both entertain and educate them on vital topics such as science, environment, nature, agriculture, technology, tradition and arts. There is a special stress on promoting values such as social responsibility and love for local environment with its various features.
The Traffic Department has launched the traffic village, where visitors can enhance their knowledge of safety rules and children learn how to respect the traffic laws in an entertaining manner.
Other main features of the popular venue include different animals such as camels and horses, goats and sheep, and children given rides on ponies. Theater activities and performances are also staged , especially with schoolstudents performing live for the public in different shows.
An interactive children's library is available at the place targeting children aged 4 to 10 years.
The Ministry of Defense has displayed a number of old and modern equipment and machinery, with scheduled live military parades accompanied by military music and other military shows. Vintage vehicles are also on display.
Heritage is a major theme throughout , with a stress on traditional cuisine, folk cafes and various related cultural activities.
Darb Al Saai has become a major feature of Qatar's National Day celebrations where both the public and private entities keenly participate and show their love for the country.