Qatar today celebrates its National Day with patriotic fervour, commemorating the historic occasion when the founder of the nation, Sheikh Jassim bin Mohamed bin Thani, assumed power in 1878 and laid the foundations of a confident and modern Qatar as we know it today.
The excitement that has been building up over the past few days for the National Day festivities will reach its climax today with public and private celebrations throughout the country. Qataris and expatriates join the festivities in honour of the country’s founder.
HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, HH the Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani and HH the Deputy Emir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al-Thani yesterday joined his loyal citizens in the celebrations organised to mark the historic occasion. They have toured a number of celebratory functions organised by Qatari tribes in different areas of the country.
A freedom fighter and visionary, Qatar’s founder Sheikh Jassim was instrumental in organising local tribes into a dedicated and united force that inflicted a huge defeat on the powerful Ottomans in the Battle of Al Wajbah in 1893 to put Qatar on the road to independence and prosperity.
The reign of Sheikh Jassim was characterised by security, peace and justice as Qatar became an important economic hub in the region mainly through pearl fishing and trading.
Today, 122 years after the Battle of Al Wajbah, Qataris under the wise leadership feel equally blessed as the nation makes rapid strides in all spheres of human activity.
Be it business, health, science, philanthropy, education, sport, arts and culture, Qatar is right up there with the best thanks to the drive and initiative of the Qatari leadership who have ensured the country’s progress without compromising its cultural and religious identity.
Today Qatar can proudly look back on its past achievements. The most important among them is none other than the nation winning the rights to host the FIFA World Cup in 2022, thus bringing the prestigious event to the Middle East for the first time.
Over the past five decades, Qatar has made phenomenal progress by establishing a strong academic system that is of tangible value to current and future generations, and is seamlessly tailored to usher in a new era of advancement. HH the Emir has made an ongoing commitment to the development of notable educational initiatives and reforms.
HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani stressed that “the 18th of December will remain an important milestone and a shining symbol in the march of Qatar’s history.  
“This precious occasion comes at a time when our country is blessed with safety and security, high rates of economic and social development, best services particularly in health and education areas, and is enjoying strong ties in the Gulf, Arab, Islamic and international countries and has a prominent and respected status throughout the world.”