Just prior to the State National Day on Sunday:

Finals of Ad Al Qaseed “Women Poetry Contest” launches toady amid challenging competition amongst young participants

Aba-al-zimat wins Camel Dressing Contest

Six schools competing for the first rank of Qatar Ardha

The Young Falconry contest begins today after a large turnout to registration

While the State National Day is approaching which falls on the eighteenth of December each year; the traditional events continued to glow at Darb-a-Saai by the huge presence of families who enjoyed the revived atmosphere of grandparents’ way of life, which was derived from the anniversary of the founder of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani, may God rest his soul.

The event continued to receive ceaseless flow of visitors including men, women and children through their participation in Ad Al Qaseed, Ardha, Al-Nasa “shooting Contest”, the Young Falconer, Al-Maqtar, Slouki Square traditional games, Souq Waqif and Al-Freej, which included women activists this year such as Shada Alzalol, Gais and other events, in which the past was merged with the spirit of the present to have the past the gloriously revived.

Ad Al Qaseed (women poetry contest)

Qatar National Theatre witnessed yesterday evening, Ad Al Qaseed final qualifier for women, during which six semifinalists were declared from amongst the two categories that had earlier been specified.

The first qualifying contests for the second category were held during the period from 9 to 13 October at the Arab Training Center of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), where the first qualifier for the first category was held during the period from 15 October to 30 November so as to provide a fair opportunity for participants of the first category.

Fifteen and five qualified participants were nominated from the first and second category respectively, who participated in the final qualifier during the period from 10 to 12 December that was followed by a 2-day break. The playoffs concluded as follows:

Ad Al Qaseed qualified participants from first category:

Aysha Al-Manee, Ghonaima Hamad Ali, Bashayer Ahmed Al Hammadi, Sheikha Ali Al-Ahbabi, Haya Sultan Al Kuwari and Nov Jarallah Mishaan Draa Al-Marri.

Ad Al Qaseed qualified participants from second category:

Mayassa Ali Saeed Al Marri (youngest participant), Amal Mohammed Al-Qashouti, Al Jazi Salem Al-Napt, Daleel Mabkhout Al-Marri, and Atheir Hassan Marei.

Shada Alzalol

Shada Alzalol event was concluded yesterday evening at Darb-a-Saai. This has been designated for two categories, the first for participants from 13 to 16 years old, of which the first place was won by Mr. Rashid Saleh Rashid Saleh Aba-al-zimat, where Mr. Ali Bakheet Hamad Ali Mgarh came in second place, Mr. Abdul-Hadi Mohammed Rashid Almgarh in third place, Mr. Muslim Mabkhout Abdul Hadi Al-Marri in the fourth place, and Mr. Nasser Bakhit Hamad Ali Mgarh in the fifth place.

Whereas, in the second category for participants under thirteen years old, Mr. Sultan Saleh Rashid Saleh Aba-al-zimat were declared as the first winner, Mr. Mohamed Hamidi Ali Hamidi Almgarh came in the second place, Mr. Ibrahim Hamidi Ali Hamidi Almgarh in the third place, Mr. Al-Hamidi Rashid Ali Al-Hamidi Almgarh in fourth place, and Mr. Rashid Saleh Rashid Mohammed Zkiba in fifth place.

Ad Al Qaseed and Qatari Ardha for Young Men

On the other hand and as part of Darb-a-Saai activities, Al-Freej event begins today by hosting Ad Al Qaseed & Qatari Ardha dance finals for participants, from amongst whom 6 participants in Ad Al Qaseed were qualified, 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.

Al-Nasa (Shooting) for children

The number of participants in Al-Nasa event has exceeded ten 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 bout the sport of archery that has been characterizing Qatar heritage since ancient times.

Tens of schools visited this event, 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 to be held tomorrow. 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.

Launch of the Young Falconer contest

By reason of the huge demand for registration, the launch of the young falconer contest – that was proposed to be held as part of Al-Maqtar activities - was postponed yesterday and has been decided to be launched instead today and to continue for two days. 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.

Al-Maqtar continues to receive large audience who are interested in seeing the houses of hair mimicking ancient nomadic life in Qatar including their generosity, sheep, camels, falcons and hunting dogs “greyhounds”. The event includes places for professional painters, platforms to provide Qatari traditional foods & cuisine, in addition to multiple events such as falconry, young falconer, Handcrafts shop, nomadic gallery and other associated activities.

Slouki “Greyhound”

Slouki event continued yesterday with children distinguished participation in three runs, where each winner received a token reward.

Many visitors were impressed by this event, who are looking forward to attending its semifinals tomorrow for the selection of the best 17 contesters, from amongst whom two winners will finally receive valuable cash prizes.