Doha, Qatar – The annual Darb Al Saai celebrations concluded on December 21st, drawing an estimated 300,000 visitors over 11 days. Organized by the Ministry of Culture, the event at the Umm Salal venue aimed to showcase and celebrate Qatari heritage, national identity, and the values of loyalty and belonging. The festivities coincided with Qatar’s National Day and featured a diverse range of cultural and artistic activities.
A Celebration of Qatari Heritage at Darb Al Saai
This year’s Darb Al Saai events were held under the national slogan “By you we rise, and from you we draw hope,” a theme woven throughout the exhibits and performances. The large-scale celebration provided a platform for numerous governmental and private entities to participate, further enriching the experience for attendees. The event expanded upon previous years, covering an area of 150,000 square meters, offering more interactive displays and cultural presentations.
Desert and Maritime Traditions
Central to the Darb Al Saai experience were recreations of traditional Qatari life, focusing on both the desert and maritime heritage that shaped the nation. The “Al-Maqtar” area featured traditional homes and demonstrated the nomadic lifestyle of Qatar’s ancestors, highlighting their customs and resilience. According to the National Day Organizing Committee, this segment elicited significant public engagement.
Alongside the desert-focused displays, “Al-Bidda” showcased Qatar’s rich seafaring history. This area included recreations of traditional coastal structures, a showcase of maritime tools and crafts, and cultural competitions related to naval skills. This presentation aimed to educate visitors about the crucial role the sea played in Qatar’s economic and social development.
Broad Participation and Cultural Programming
A wide array of organizations contributed to the success of Darb Al Saai. Participants included the Ministries of Defense and Interior, the National Cyber Security Agency, Qatar National Archives, and organizations representing the visually and hearing impaired, demonstrating an inclusive approach to cultural preservation. The “Qatar Reads” initiative also had a presence, promoting literacy and a love of books.
The event also catered to families and children, offering sports activities and cultural programs on the main stage. These programs featured poetry evenings and seminars focusing on national and cultural themes, providing intellectual stimulation alongside entertainment. Qatar Islamic Bank was among the financial institutions supporting the event and showcasing their contributions to the nation’s progress.
Additionally, the venue itself served as a canvas for showcasing visual arts, including exhibitions of works by pioneering Qatari artists. These creative displays added another layer to the cultural panorama, illustrating both the historical roots and modern renaissance of Qatar’s art scene.
The success of Darb Al Saai underscores the importance Qatar places on preserving its cultural identity while embracing modernization. The event’s popularity, with approximately 30,000 visitors per day, demonstrates a strong public desire to connect with and celebrate the nation’s past. The celebrations aligned closely with Qatar’s broader tourism strategy, offering a unique cultural experience to both residents and visitors.
Looking ahead, the Ministry of Culture will likely assess feedback from this year’s event to refine future Darb Al Saai celebrations. The date of next year’s National Day, and therefore the anticipated timeframe for the event, will be announced in due course. Future iterations may explore new technologies to enhance the interactive elements of the displays, while continued efforts to involve diverse community groups are expected.
