Activities planned for National Day at Al Zubarah

Qatar Museums (QM) is hosting a number of unique and exciting events and activities at the historic Al-Zubarah starting this National Day to celebrate the diverse heritage of Qatar.

The country’s first World Heritage Site and largest archaeological site, Al-Zubarah lies on the northwest coast 85km from Doha and 25km south of Al Ruwais. On June 22, 2013, it was included in the Unesco World Heritage List, an international register featuring 911 natural and cultural properties.

In a press statement, QM said the celebrations are under the guidance of its chairperson, HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani and in collaboration with the Qatar Tourism Authority.

Different community institutions will take part in the celebrations. There will be Al Arda, a traditional dance performances by Qatari men, exhibition of marine handicrafts like splitting shellfish, netting etc. (brought by the Doha Youth Centre) and marionette traditional crafts performance by Qatari artist Abdurrahman al-Mulla.

There will also be an exhibition showcasing traditional garments and gold jewellery by Amel Al Ali and a display of local fish models from Qatar and the region brought by the Ibrahim Bin Ali Centre.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to be photographed while dressed up (wearing thobe) like Qataris in a traditional setting. All these activities will take place from December 11 to 13.

In partnership with the Al Gannas Association, QM will hold live demonstrations of the most common falcons in Qatar from December 11 to 13 from 10am to 5pm, and on March 6, from 3pm to 5pm. It will also include paintings and artistic models exhibition of different species of falcons.

Live demonstration of old handicraft-making methods such as Sadu too can be watched on every Friday and Saturday until April 30.

Qatar’s traditional cuisine will also be showcased with a variety of delicious dishes. Visitors will also have the chance to ride camels on their way to visit the archaeological site.

Photo by ziggy_wellens