On this day (Sept. 3) in 1971, Qatar gained its independence from Britain. It used to be celebrated as a national holiday, until the government decreed in 2007 that Dec. 18 would be marked annually instead.

The new National Day represents a more symbolic moment in history for Qatar – it is the day in 1878 that Sheikh Jassim Bin Mohammad Bin Thani succeeded his father as leader of the tribes of Qatar.

Though today is no longer an official holiday, well-wishes have been circulating Twitter nonetheless. Here’s some footage of the declaration.

Happy 42nd Independence Day, Qatar! Thoughts?

Credit: Photo by Sorin Furcoi