Today December 18, Qatar is celebrating its National Day. For entire Qatari citizens December 18 is an important day marked as a public holiday.

Yes, National Day holds prime value for all the nations. A National day is a special day for the people of the country that is celebrated by the nation with a special function every year with a public holiday marking the statehood and glory for its citizens.

Qatar’s National Day is celebrated by Qataris with full enthusiasm every year on December 18 to commemorate the country’s amalgamation. The National Day is also known as Founder’s Day because Sheikh Jassim Bin Mohammad Bin Thani prospered as a forerunner of all the tribes of Qatar.

Qatar National Day marks the date of succession (December 18, 1878) of Sheikh Jassim Bin Mohammed Bin Thani, the founder of the State of Qatar, who ruled Qatar during 1878–1913.

With a vibrant maroon hue Qatar celebrating National Day. Not only with streets and public spaces adorned in patriotic colours reflecting pride and unity, the roads, skyrise buildings and households are decorated and illuminated displaying a deep maroon paired with a white serrated band of national flags and banners to mark the historic occasion.

Prior to a 21 June 2007 decree, Qatar National Day was annually celebrated on September 3, marking the day of Qatar’s independence in 1971. But afterwards, Qatar begins to mark National Day on December 18 with a public holiday every year marking the date of succession to the throne of the founder of the State of Qatar Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani on December 18, 1878 who ruled until 1913. It is also known as Founder’s Day.

It has been 52 years now an Arab country in Western Asia that consists of water and deserts –Qatar gained Independence from the United Kingdom and was raised as a sovereign nation on the global map in 1971.

In Nepal, to mark the National Day of Qatar the Ambassador of Qatar to Nepal the Ambassador of State of Qatar to Nepal His Excellency Mishal bin Mohammed Ali Al Ansari hosted a reception in the capital on Monday (15th December) where a large number of people from various walks-of-life attended the celebration event.

The celebration of National Day indicates that Qataris did not and will not forget the great sacrifices made by the Founder and ancestors to achieve unity. Yes, National Day contributes to the consolidation of the values of loyalty to the country embodying the solidarity and cohesion of the citizens feeling pride of belonging to the country, their love, sincerity and loyalty to the (wise) leadership and homeland.

Sheikh Jassim Bin Mohammed Bin Thani was a military leader possessing both gallantry and magnanimity. He fought many wars to defend Qatar. He also upgraded the harbors and shipbuilding to support the pearl trade as Qatar has the biggest source of pearl in the region. Thus, he established commercial relations with various countries that had created employment opportunities for Qataris which led to improved living standards. Also, during his reign the urbanization concept was expanded and that made it easier for people’s activities.

Qatar, through soft diplomacy, has established a network of strong external relations with most countries of the world. It also has tied up in economic and commercial activities that upgraded the country’s image into great importance in the regional and international forums expanding activities across all continents.

The most important lessons to be learned from national day occasions is that the celebrations allow youth to learn about the hardship faced by ancestors and the sacrifices they made in order to pave the way for future generations.

During the GCC countries’ blockade period, the visionary leader of Qatar Emir Tamim had motivated Qatari citizens to unite against the aggressors feeling pride of their nation to defeat, as in the past, enemies’ attempts to control the state and its wealth.

Looking at the history, Qatar has made great progress in various fields. The achievements were not limited to a major economic boom; it extended to urban developments throughout the country as a result of the insightful vision of the leadership. During the past decade, the country has been able to modernize its infrastructure and establish extensive and modern networks of traffic-roads, rail-roads and bridges. Additionally, Doha is also becoming a popular destination for modern-equipped hospitals, advanced research centers, and top universities, the best seaport, airport and airline in the region.

Despite the nearly 30 months blockade imposed by neighboring countries, Qatar’s national achievements continued and became stronger than before due to the wise leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani.

Celebration of National Day could be said as the embodiment of the values of loyalty to the homeland and the attachment of the citizens towards the country.

This has proved with hosting of a large range of internationally important meetings, seminars, cultural and sports events including FIFA World Cup 2022 with history-written games. This has clearly indicated that Qatar is ready to play an influential role regionally and internationally.

Today, Qatar is one of the cleanliness, safest, richest nations with world class development infrastructures heightening international image of political, social, and economical.

Building of modern infrastructures especially in the capital city Doha becomes the center of its futuristic skyscrapers and other architectural Islamic designs is considered to be an “International Floor of MICE” and “Gateway of the World.”

Qatari children celebrating Qatar National Day. File Photo credit Shutterstock

Besides hosting internationally important meetings, seminars, cultural and sports events, Qatar’s solidarity and mutual benefits-based strategy has accomplished to win Qatar’s diplomacy as “weighted” and “friendliness.” Thus, without doubt, Qatar is able and ready to shoulder any kind of leadership in the world forums.

Nepal and Qatar established diplomatic relations on January 21, 1977. Since then, both the nations have been enjoying cordial and friendly relationships based on mutual trust, respect, understanding and cooperation.

With a population of only 2.88 million Qatar’s face was uplifted by thousands of migrants from various countries. Among those, nearly 500,000 Nepalese have been involved in “blue-collar”  and “white-collar” jobs to make today’s Qatar.

The relations between Qatar and Nepal is strengthening day by day indicating bonds between the Nepali and Qatari people are inseparable.

A five star airline– Qatar Airways’ direct flights between Doha-Kathmandu has also been adding a milestone in strengthening two nations’ relationships.

Being one of the close-friendliest nations Nepal feels pride to see Qatar as a developed nation with a booming economy. Nepal always remembers Qatar’s unwavering support, assistance, friendship and extended hospitality. Thus, Nepal is proud of its partnership alliance with Qatar. Nepal appreciates Qatari’s support and cooperation extended during the every needed-hours.

Let’s strengthen the 48th year of Nepal-Qatar diplomatic ties by joining hands of friendship and cooperation in the days ahead.

Celebration of National Day would be an opportunity to seek inspiration from the friendly nation’s visionary leaders’ thoughts, embody policies and plans needed for nation building with dedication to nationalism.

On the occasion of the 55th National Day of the State of Qatar, Nepal extends warm and best wishes to His Highness Emir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani and entire citizens for the great success, prosperity and happiness in achieving the noble goals of pride and lofty aspirations of their ancestors.

Let’s hope during the active leadership of Ambassador of State of Qatar to Nepal

His Excellency Mishal bin Mohammed Ali Al Ansari, Nepal-Qatar ties will reach up to the fruitful-based height.

Happy Qatar National Day 2025!!! Long Live Nepal-Qatar Friendship!!!