Art Unites Us: Celebrating Qatar National Day Through Creativity

As QIC, we proudly commemorate Qatar National Day on the 18th of December–a day that celebrates solidarity, loyalty, and the pride of Qatar’s national identity. This day is for everyone who calls Qatar home, whether national or resident, and it honors the country’s rich heritage while looking forward to what the future holds.

We collaborated with four artists to create digital artworks inspired by this yearly celebration. Each piece tells a story of connection, culture, and hope, which we’re honored to present in our very own virtual exhibition.

This evocative artwork celebrates Qatar’s National Day by weaving a tale of heritage and ambition. The dhow, a timeless symbol of exploration, emerges from the pages of history, carrying the nation’s stories toward a radiant future. Encircled by intricate patterns and a vibrant skyline, it honors the enduring spirit and unity of Qatar.

Rami Kanso talks about the project and explains the blend of modern and traditional elements in his artwork:

This artwork captures the profound sense of safety, love, and growth that family brings to an individual, weaving it into the broader theme of national identity and unity. At the heart of the composition is a close-knit family, their connection symbolized through intertwining hands and shared warmth, radiating an aura of protection and unconditional care. Surrounding them are vibrant patterns inspired by the nation’s rich heritage, representing the cultural fabric that binds families and communities together.

An inspiring creative process by Abdulaziz Yousef:

This illustration weaves personal and cultural narratives into a vision of harmony and care. At its heart, a female figure stands beside two oryxes—one adult, one young—her touch gentle yet protective, embodying the balance between strength and nurturing. She is both a reflection of Qatar’s women—graceful guardians of tradition and progress—and a symbol of our role as stewards of nature. The oryx, a cherished emblem of Qatar’s heritage and conservation efforts, anchors this scene in the country’s deep respect for its land.

Through the archway, the skyline of Doha rises, blending seamlessly with the tranquil setting. This duality—the natural and the urban—reflects Qatar’s identity as a land where modernity and tradition coexist in harmony. The restrained palette of neutral tones for the oryxes, the woman, and the cityscape is enlivened by the vibrant colors of bougainvillea and frangipani, and the seawater whose beauty mirrors the richness of life in this country.

For Paula, Habitat holds an additional, personal layer. As an expatriate who arrived with her husband and young son, she sees in this scene an unconscious echo of her own story: a mother navigating a new land, finding connection and purpose. The younger oryx evokes the tender role of a parent, while the adult one represents the guidance and strength we draw from our surroundings.

Ultimately, Habitat is a tribute to balance: between humanity and nature, tradition and progress, the personal and the collective. It is a celebration of Qatar’s spirit and the possibilities that arise when worlds come together in harmony and peace.

Paula Bouffard shares her artistic concept and personal view on the project’s theme:

The artwork featured on the mixed media canvas depicts Doha’s unique future. Through lines and curvature, Mubarak tries to capture the core essence of the city and its promise of a high quality of life. The painting features a diverse skyline, technological advancements, means of transport all balanced with things from the rich past, including local patterns and motifs used in traditional Qatari architecture and culture. These are presented in a more abstract and contemporary manner. From a color standpoint, the work celebrates the rich diversity within Qatar through the color range, mixture and intensity of saturation.

Sheikh Mubarak Nasser Al-Thani and his creative process, where every detail matters: