Qatar celebrates National Day with grand national parade

Qatar is celebrating National Day today with a major parade along the Doha Corniche and a full program of cultural and heritage events taking place across the country. Large crowds gathered from early morning after access points opened at 5am, and the parade began at 9am in a display emphasising unity, national identity and loyalty to the leadership.

The parade features military formations, cultural groups and representatives from public institutions in a program that highlights solidarity between people and state. Attendance continues to build along the waterfront as residents and visitors join the festivities.

Activities are underway at key venues including Darb Al Saai, Katara Cultural Village, Old Doha Port, Aspire Park, The Pearl, Gewan Islands and Lusail Boulevard. Each site hosts heritage-focused and family-oriented events, with The Pearl and Gewan Islands offering themed performances and Lusail Boulevard presenting live shows that highlight Qatari identity.

Darb Al Saai remains a central hub, drawing steady crowds to heritage zones showcasing aspects of early Qatari life on land and sea. Visitors move through traditional houses, old-style markets and cultural installations, with poetry and storytelling introducing younger audiences to tribal dialects and historic desert paths. Heritage houses dedicated to falconry, women’s crafts, Sadu weaving and dairy production are active throughout the day, while Al Azba allows children to learn camel handling and observe re-creations of seasonal Bedouin migration.

Organisers say participation across venues reflects strong engagement with this year’s National Day celebrations, which centre on national pride, shared values and the country’s long-standing cultural heritage.