Commercial Bank vice-chairman and managing director Hussain Alfardan with other board members and senior officials. PICTURES: Jayaram

Commercial Bank has commenced Qatar National Day celebrations with a variety of traditional activities in the “Freej and museum” set up at Commercial Bank Plaza in West Bay.
To begin the celebrations, the bank’s board members and the CEO participated in an Arda dance with a traditional folkloric group, to the delight of the audience, followed by the opening of the Commercial Bank “Freej and museum” and a cake-cutting ceremony for staff and guests, with the cake embodying life in Qatar between land and sea.
Bringing Qatar’s rich cultural heritage to the fore, a special Commercial Bank museum has been created at Commercial Bank Plaza for the public. On display at the museum are items of historical significance, with some reflecting Commercial Bank’s long Qatari heritage stretching back 40 years.
Among the artefacts are historical bank notes, women’s traditional accessories, Kahraman gemstones, old pictures of Qatar and Commercial Bank and cultural mockups of traditional items, including a Sambuk (type of dhow) and Mabkhara (burner for oud).
Outside Commercial Bank Plaza, the public enjoyed a specially constructed Freej (neighbourhood) in old Qatari style in front of the main entrance of the bank.
Visitors experienced a range of traditional and folklore art activities, handicrafts, food, drink and music.
Among the attractions were opening oysters for pearls, henna painting, Al Fajiri (the art of performed sea songs), Al Moradah (a girls’ traditional song and dance performance), Arda (folkloric sword dance) and Bisht (stitching).
During the celebration days at Commercial Bank “Freej and museum”, visiting local boys and girls schools have the opportunity to perform the Arda dance and will be given special National Day gifts.
Commercial Bank CEO Abdulla Saleh al-Raisi said, “Qatar National Day is a joyful occasion when all Qataris can be especially proud of our nation’s great achievements. We have chosen to celebrate National Day this year by hosting a wide range of traditional Qatari activities, which are vital to maintain and cherish our vibrant heritage for the years to come.”
In addition to the museum and traditional Freej, Commercial Bank has also engaged in a number of community outreach activities, visiting 12 schools, Dhreima - Qatar Orphan Foundation, International Centre for Special Needs and the Centre for Care and Empowerment of the Elderly People to share the joyful celebrations.