Masses continue to flow in hundreds to the National Day Celebrations:
Members of the Municipal Council praise Darb-a-Saai events
Girls take participation in the events of Shada Alzalol, traditional cereals crushing “Dag Al-Hab”and Gais
Young Falconer event launches today with children large participation
Tomorrow: Qatar Ardha & Ad Al Qaseed Finals
Citizens hail the traditional events of the National Day
Mr. Saud Bin Abdullah Al Hanzab Al Marri, Chairman of the Municipal Council, visited yesterday - accompanied by members of the Council - Darb-a-Saai events to participate in the ceremonies organized on the occasion of the National Day which matches the eighteenth of December every year to commemorate the founder Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani, may God have mercy on him.
The Chairman of the Municipal Council and the members were happy with the visit, and praised the traditional events that reflected the image of the people of Qatar that was well mixed with fragrant of the past.
In this connection, several citizens also praised Darb-a-Saai events being organized on the occasion of the National Day of the State of Qatar, and agreed on the significance of such traditional events that is reminiscent of the glories of ancient Qataris.
Mr. Abdullah bin Khamis Al Kubaisi said that: “the activities of this year are very unique, and do realistically reflect the old Qataris’ way of life in a manner that highlights the rich history of the ancient Qataris, which is full of ideals and superior values”. He further indicated that the events were very useful in passing on grandparents heritage to the present generation who has not experienced such old good days.
Mr. Abdullah added that: “thanks to God I have lived my life, whether as a kid or young man, under the umbrella of the old customs and traditions founded by the steering leaders of the ship of State generation after generation until reached the finest images in the reign of His Highness the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, where Qatar has been able to keep pace with developed countries in all areas.
Mr. Abdullah further said that multiple objectives and benefits were gained from Darb-a-Saai events, the most important of which were to more plainly educate youth about our grandparents heritage who had established the basements and rules of the State, by virtue of whom we came to learn the values, principles and ideals of superior life.
In his turn, Mr. Muhammad Faisal Khalil commended Darb-a-Saai events and the excellent level of organization of all the traditional events, during which children were able to riding horses and camels, which was not only the major motivation behind their huge turnout to these events, but also brought more joy to the hearts of all visitors to Darb-a-Saai events.
Sadda Raddha
Mr. Faisal Khalil further said: “Sadda Raddha is one of the events that attracted remarkable number of children, and which they very much enjoyed. This event reminds present generations of the old traditional games that children passed on through generations.
He also praised Al-Nasa event which also received huge attention by both children and adults who admire the sport of shooting, which also comes within the framework of highlighting the ancient customs and traditions of the people of Qatar.
In the above connection, Mr. Abdul Rahman Mohammed Al Mutawa said that: “Mostly all events were spectacularly performed at all levels, in a manner that makes the visitor enjoys all of them, but more particularly Al-Maqtar event which reflects Qatar environment including falconry, falconers way of life, traditional cuisine, drawing, and social gatherings in which people of the desert meet to talk and recite verses of Arabic poetry in its finest generated images and meanings.
Mr. Abdul Rahman Al-Mutawa added that all events involving camels, horses and Slouki dogs were exciting and a success in reflecting the life of ancient Qataris, praising in the same context the shooting event that attracted the public in an unprecedented way.
On the other hand, Mr. Saif Al Kuwari says that: “Darb-a-Saai traditional events are quite exciting and full of fun simulation of the heritage of our grandfathers”. He further pointed out that the events were all unique, including those related to Al- Al-Maqtar, Al-Freej, Al-Mshabayh or the other exciting events.
2030 Event
Mr. Saif al-Kuwari said that the event of Tent 2030 was able to mix the heritage with the preferred future that all the children of Qatar seek to achieve through Qatar Vision 2030 in the years to come. At the same time, he commended the outstanding cartoon film screened as part of 2030 Event, which demonstrates to children in a simple and enjoyable manner how Qatar will be in the future.
Ad Al Qaseed & Qatari Ardha
Tomorrow evening, the finals of Ad Al Qaseed and Qatar Ardha will be held for the 6 qualified participants, these are Mr. Masoud bin Ali Al-Shacol, Mr. Salem Mohammed Al-Nabit, Mr. Al-Bouraq Rashid Al-Khyarein, Mr. Darman Mohammed Al-Hajri, Mr. Mubarak Abdullah Al-Martizik, and Mr. Saleh Faraj Al-Ghaffrani.
At the same time, 6 preparatory and secondary schools from amongst those participating in the Qatari Ardha were qualified to the finals; these are Ali Bin Jassim Secondary School for Boys, Omar Ibn Al-Khattab School and Nasser Al Attiya School; where preparatory schools qualified were AbdulRahman Bin Jassim School, Khalid Bin Al-Waleed School and Al-Yarmouk School.
Ad Al Qaseed judging panel for this year consists of the following poets: Mr. Mohammed bin Nasser al-Shahwani, Mr. Radi Ben Ajlan Al-Anzi, and Mr. Ali bin Salem Al- Daiyah Al Marri.
Qatar Ardha judging panel consists of Mr. Abdulrahman bin Ahmed Al Badi, Mr. Matar Bin Matar Al Badi and Mr. Tariq Bin Saleh Al Kuwari.
Ad Al Qaseed & Ardha Finals are broadcasted at 06:30 pm local time on Doha TV.
Shada Alzalol contest for girls
As part of Al-Freej activities at Darb-a-Saai, Shada Alzalol event for girls was launched last night in a step to revive traditional heritage in celebration of National Day, in which everyone is participating to contribute to the revival of the ancient heritage through the events held at Darb-a-Saai.
The first day of the women's events witnessed the participation of hundreds of children and women in Shada Alzalol event, which consists of two categories of participants:
-From eighth to the sixteen years old; and
-From seventeenth to fifty years old.
Within this context, Al-Freej event had already received a large turnout of women and children to participate in this beloved day to the hearts of the people of Qatar, which is reflected by attending the events of Shada Alzalol, traditional cereals crushing and Gais, which were held to commemorate Qatar heritage. This proves that such events were not restricted to men only, but for women as well, which indicates the significant role of women in the past.
Traditional cereals crushing “Dag Al-Hab”
In context of this event, women participated in the revival of Qatari heritage, where Qatari women were famous of exercising this unique tradition. During this event, three scenes of women wearing traditional dresses “Alkar” and crushing cereals in the old fashion by use of the same ancient gear through five daily presentations offered as part of Darb-a-Saai events.
In addition, particular folkloric teams have also participated in the above referred daily shows to provide women with demonstration of the traditional cereals crushing “Dag Al-Hab” to help instilling the principles of Qatari women heritage into participants who were greatly attracted by this event.
Al-Nasa event “Shooting”
The number of participants in Al-Nasa event has exceeded five thousands since the date it was launched. This event daily attracts large audience of Darb-a-Saai visitors, who expressed their admiration of this activity that reflects the history of ancient grandparents, during which children and adults may come to find out about the sport of archery that has been characterizing Qatar heritage since ancient times.
More than ten schools visited this event yesterday, where school children demonstrated an excellent level in shooting and many of them were awarded prizes.
Al Nasa activities continued yesterday and witnessed an unprecedented turnout, where four participants qualify each day to shooting finals. The first winner will receive QR 5 thousand riyals, where QR 4 thousand will be presented to the second, and QR 3 thousand to the third, taking into account that QR one thousand will be awarded to each qualified participant.
The Young Falconer contest
The Young Falconer launches today as part of Al-Maqtar which will continue until the next day. This event is aimed at attracting children to practice falconry, and also at identifying the ancient heritage of this hobby that has been passed on by Qatari generation after generation. Children under 12 years old will participate in this activity, where QR 50 thousand total awards has been made available for winners. The event panel of judges includes Mr. Mohammad Saeed Al-Kubaisi, Mr. Salem Hamad Al-Kurdi and Mr. Mubarak Hamad Al-Kaabi.