QF schools mark Qatar National Day

Qatar Foundation schools have commemorated Qatar National Day through a series of events and activities centered on the overarching theme of Our Unity…Our Pride, highlighting the organization’s commitment to preserving the country’s rich culture and heritage.

Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice Chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation, attended Renad Academy’s event on Sunday, which kicked off with a welcome message from Sherri Miller, Director and Principal.

The event featured a traditional dance by Qatari girls; an army show by students from Qatar Leadership Academy (QLA); an Ardha, the traditional sword dance, performed by Qatari boys; and activities such as henna, face painting, and falconry.

Similar celebrations were seen at Awsaj Academy. The Honorable Tun Dr. Siti Hasmah Binti Hj Mohd Ali, Wife of the Prime Minister of Malaysia, attended the event, which featured sword dancing, educational entertainment booths, interactive games, and presentation narrating the story of Qatar in the past.

Buthaina Ali Al-Nuaimi, President of Pre-University Education, QF, said: “Qatar National Day is an opportunity to appreciate what Qatar has achieved and inspire our students to contribute to its development and progress in the future.” 

Meanwhile, Tariq Bin Ziad School held traditional games such as Taq Taqieh, tug of war, sack races, wheelbarrow races, and land and sea games for their students. Parents also got the chance to join in as fathers of Grade 1 students performed an Ardha alongside their sons.

Qatar Academy Al Wakra (QAW), Qatar Academy Sidra, Academyati, Qatar Academy Al Khor, Qatar Academy Doha (QAD), QLA, Qatar Academy Msheireb, and Qatar Academy for Science and Technology (QAST) also hosted a range of fun and interactive activities that included poetry reading, a wall canvass for students to express their love for Qatar, a photo booth corner, and traditional food carts.

“I am so proud to be Qatari. The love I feel for this amazing land I call home, with its beautiful heritage and diversity of culture, cannot be expressed in words. As the youth of the new generation, I hope to leave my mark on Qatar's history,” said Ali Al Kuwari, a grade 10 student from QAST.

Two QAD students also shared their love for their homeland. Lolwa Al Misnad, a grade 11 student, said: “The Qatar National Day celebrations here at Qatar Academy brought students together to celebrate our nation and share our love and respect for it. It makes me proud to call this country my home.”

Ali Fakhro, a grade 10 student, said: “Qatar National Day is very important for me and for other citizens in Qatar, as it is a day that I can show my appreciation towards the country and my patriotism. Qatar Academy helps us achieve this through the celebration that occurs within the school. It creates a platform for the students to all show their patriotism and their love for Qatar through different activities.”

Steven Thomson, High School Principal, QAD, noted that the Qatar National Day celebrations at the school allow students, faculty, and staff to recognize the beauty of Qatar, and to appreciate a shared love of its history and unique culture. “The day unifies the country, and unifies our school in developing a sense of national identity among Qataris, locals, and expats,” he said.

Students from QAW had similar emotions, noting the achievements of the nation. “I always feel proud when I sing our national anthem, and it gives me great pleasure to see the joy and happiness on the faces of the sons of Qatar during the Qatar National Day celebrations,” said Hind Hassan Al Jaber, a grade 3 student.

“I cherish His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, the Amir of Qatar, who seeks and works to build strong relations within our society, and with countries of the world. I look forward to attending the Qatar National Day parade on December 18 at the Corniche.”

Abdullah Al-Malki, a Grade 4 student from QAW, said: “I feel great enthusiasm and joy on Qatar National Day. I am so proud of what Qatar has achieved and that I am Qatari. On this day, we extend our love for the country and the progress of what this nation has accomplished.”