Despite heavy rain and thunderstorms, Qatar marked National Day 2025 with large crowds at the military parade, while weather disruptions led to multiple event cancellations across the country.

Despite heavy rainfall and thunderstorms across the country, Qatar witnessed an outpouring of celebrations on the occasion of Qatar National Day 2025.

Many residents and citizens began the day in the early hours of Thursday, with hundreds gathering along the Corniche for the National Day military parade, which returned this year after a three-year hiatus.

The stands were filled by 09:00 as the parade began in the presence of Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani alongside senior state officials and dignitaries.

Proceedings opened with a Quran recitation, followed by a cannon salute as Amiri Air Force jets flew over Doha’s skyline.

Spectators watched military displays, marching formations and cultural performances, as well as appearances by military contingents from Jordan, Oman, the UK, Kazakhstan, Türkiye and the United States.

Following the parade, Sheikh Tamim greeted crowds as he walked along the Corniche.

However, persistent heavy rain throughout the day led to the cancellation of several National Day and FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 events due to safety concerns.

Affected locations included Msheireb Downtown Doha, Lusail Boulevard, Darb Al Saai and The Pearl.

This year’s National Day coincided with the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 final and third-place play-off.

Morocco and Jordan faced off at Lusail Stadium in the final match to decide the Arab Cup champions, with Morocco emerging victorious.

The third-place match between the UAE and Saudi Arabia was initially suspended because of the weather and later cancelled entirely.