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Qatar National Day
The unification day of Qatar: a Corniche parade in maroon and white, with camels, folk dances and fireworks.
When is Qatar National Day in 2026?
Qatar National Day 2026 is on Friday, 18 December 2026. Other years: 2027, Saturday, 18 December 2027; 2028, Monday, 18 December 2028.
About Qatar National Day
Qatar National Day, on 18 December, marks the date in 1878 on which Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani became ruler and began the process of unification. A parade is held on the Doha Corniche with marching bands, military units, camels and horses, and floats showing the heritage of the country. The people wear traditional dress, and flags in maroon and white are everywhere, on cars, buildings and shops. The Darb Al Saai, a cultural village, sets up displays of falconry, pearl diving, traditional crafts and music, and the souks organise additional events. Qatari folk dances, including the Ardah, are performed, and fireworks are set off in the evening on the waterfront.
Qatar National Day dates: 2026, 2027, 2028
| Year | Qatar National Day date |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Friday, 18 December 2026 |
| 2027 | Saturday, 18 December 2027 |
| 2028 | Monday, 18 December 2028 |
What is eaten
- majboos
- machboos
- luqaimat
Traditions of Qatar National Day
Also part of it, and being written: Pearl hunting (The old pearl-diving trade shown at heritage events.), Souq Waqif (The traditional market.).
More marked on Qatar National Day
Written by the EveryParampara desk with AI assistance. Background: "Qatar National Day" on Wikipedia. Customs differ from place to place and family to family. If this is your tradition and we have it wrong, tell us.
Photo credits on this page
The small pictures above come from Wikimedia Commons under free licences. Some are cropped to fit.
- Qatar National Day: Mohamod Fasil, CC BY 2.0, source
- Ardah: Abodi009, CC BY-SA 3.0, source