Tribune News Network
Doha
Patriotic fervour gripped the country on Tuesday as Qatar celebrated National Day with pomp and gaiety.
The Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani and Father Amir HH Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al Thani attended the 11th National Day Parade 2018, showcasing the rich cultural heritage, tradition and military might of Qatar, on Doha Corniche.
Thousands of citizens and residents also lined up along the Corniche to watch the parade.
The show began with the National Anthem, a recitation from the Holy Quran followed by an 18-gun salute.
The parade showcased the military strength of the country, displaying an impressive array of sophisticated arsenal of the army, air and naval forces.
The parade began with aerial displays of various types of warplanes, combat helicopters, cargo aircraft, performing aircraft, followed by an entrance by armed forces’ armoured vehicles, tanks, missile defense systems, military police equipment, anti-terrorism equipment and military communications. The parade also included a maritime show featuring the Amiri Naval Forces’ striking boats and modern naval vessels.
The Amiri Land Forces along with the Amiri Air Forces and Naval Forces participated in the parade. Afterwards teams from the Ministry of Interior and Civil Defense took part in the parade as Internal Security Forces “Lekhwiya” paratroopers descended on the Corniche.
Later, the Amir and the Father Amir participated in Qatar’s Arda at the Amiri Diwan yard on the Corniche. In the evening, spectacular fireworks lit up the Doha sky.
Meanwhile, Darb Al Saai, Katara, Asian Town, Al Wakra Sports Complex, Barwa Al Baraha, Cricket Stadium at Asian Town in Al Shahaniya Industrial Area, Lusail Sports Arena and Al Khor Sports Complex attracted thousands of expatriates who enthusiastically took part in the National Day celebrations.
See also pages 3, 4, 5, 17, 18, 19 & 20
