Would you like to watch fireworks on the Corniche or a dhow spectacle in Katara Cultural Village? You won’t have to choose if you plan accordingly! To help you make the most of the Qatar National Day celebrations, we’ve compiled a list of what’s going on in each neighborhood, along with exact timings.  

Qatar National Day (QND) celebrates the time Qatar became a unified state, which happened under the leadership of Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani on December 18, 1878. It was officially declared a holiday in 2007, celebrating the state’s founders and their efforts to make Qatar a cohesive, independent entity. 

Since this year, cities around Qatar have been organizing parades, celebrations, hosting various events, and lighting fireworks in different neighborhoods, which celebrate shared values and bring the community together. Each year, QND has an official slogan that sums up the main message for that time in Qatar in one sentence. In 2025, it’s Bekum Ta'lu W' Minkum Tantazer, which translates to The nation rises with you, waits for you. It reflects the importance of human development for progress and prosperity.

QND: Celebrations across the country

Al Corniche Street: Main events and marches

If you’ve never experienced Qatar National Day, Al Corniche is the place to be. It’s the key destination of the official annual celebrations, fireworks, costume displays, and the military parade. In addition, you can expect the whole neighborhood to light up from different interactive light installations and water shows throughout the day. 

The most unique of all these festivities are usually sea and aerial displays by the Navy and the Air Force, usually happening from 3 PM. A fireworks show almost always starts in the evening, from 8 or 8:30 PM. The celebration in the street begins at 9 AM, but this whole area will be closed from 6 AM, so you’ll probably have to visit it on foot. 

Katara Cultural Village: Festivals and fireworks

This year, Katara Cultura Village will be the host of the first-ever Doha Tatto Festival. Held between the 16th and 20th of December, the event will feature marching performances from around the world and will be a blend of international sounds and military artistry. So, festivities in this area will already be in full swing days before the Qatar National Day.

Aside from the festival, you can expect car parades, decorations all around the neighborhood, as well as shows and dances in the Katara Amphitheatre and 21 High Street. In addition, the Annual Dhow Festival continues into the 18th, its final day. Therefore, expect some amazing boats on the waterfront. 

There will also be a fireworks display from 7:30 PM and, if the schedule from last year is followed, a special aviation show. 

Pearl and Gewan Island: Music and light installations

While this part of town isn’t the most popular destination on Qatar National Day, there will still be plenty of activities there. The Pearl’s official website announced QND festivities on the 18th, in the midst of Arab Cup celebrations. 

Visitors can explore the new air-conditioned Crystal Walk on Gewan Island as festive lights and music fill the crowds.

Old Doha Port: Live performances

Like always, the Old Doha Port waterfront will be in a celebratory spirit on the Qatar National Day. While the exact activities are to be published, Old Doha Port officially announced that there will be an organized program for 2025. 

If last year’s schedule is followed, celebrations will start at 4 PM. Visitors will be able to enjoy live performances, a small market with traditional crafts, different art installations, and pottery lessons. And, if you’re a fan of art, you can enjoy the Path to Creativity exhibition, held in this area from December 17 to December 19.

Msheireb Downtown: Interactive installations

As per the latest information on the Msheireb’s official website, this part of the city will be in a festive mood as well. You can expect various performances and interactive installations throughout the area.

The fun starts at 4 PM, and the official festivities end at 10 PM. So, you can watch the spectacles on the Corniche in the morning and walk to Msheireb Downtown to feel out the QND vibes in this neighborhood in the afternoon. 

Aspire Zone: Firework display and an LED flag

While Aspire Zone is the most popular destination on Qatar National Sports Day, there will be some action happening there on the eve of the QND. 

Aside from the celebratory spirit, visitors will be able to enjoy a firework display from The Torch Doha in the evening of the 17th of December, as well as a Qatari flag on the hotel’s exterior made up of over 2,500 LED lights. 

Lusail City: Shows along the Boulevard

Lusail Boulevard will light up on December 18th as well. Once the Arab Cup celebrations come to a close, the city won’t rest but will continue with festivities throughout the QND. 

As the Lusail website states, residents will be able to enjoy a range of activities and shows for the whole family, celebrating unity, pride, solidarity, and loyalty.  

Umm Salal Mohammed: Darb Al Saai Festival

This Qatar town is well-known for its Darb Al Saai Festival, which will be happening during the Qatar National Day as well. This Qatar area is perfect for those looking for longer festivities, as the event starts on the 10th of December. 

Cultural exhibition, live music and dance shows, a market with authentic cuisine and handmade local products, and a special closing ceremony are just a few of the things you can expect if you visit Umm Salal Mohammed during this time. The festival will be open between 3 PM and 11 PM.

Qatar National Library: Exhibits and workshops

To bring the community together and honor Qatar’s values, Qatar National Library is organizing various activities throughout the whole month of December. Festivities begin with the Dakka Festival on December 6th. Other events include a heritage seminar, the Our Heritage, Our Pride festival, and a special course on Qatar’s and the Gulf’s history through archival documents. 

All of the events are perfect to visit with the whole family. Your kids won’t be bored as a beloved library mascot, Ramli, will keep them entertained, and they can even participate in some interactive performances such as the Cultural Mosaic series. Adults will enjoy a hands-on workshop on Qatari identity through art and a seminar called Architectural Vision Through Innovative Qatari Eyes, presented by the architect Fatma Ibrahim Al Sahlawi.

Disclaimer: The information from this article was taken from the official neighborhood and town websites, which are subject to change. Before joining celebrations, check the latest timings on official websites and social media profiles.