This year’s National Day parade appeared to go smoothly, with near-flawless execution from the military and civil service sectors, and an engaging performance from cultural groups.
Once again, the highlight for the large crowds seemed to be when Qatar’s Emir and his father walked down the Corniche, greeting parade-goers.
The Father Emir allowed residents to drape him with scarves, and some women even kissed his cheeks. Sheikh Tamim greeted several children with smiles and cheers could be heard as the pair made their way down the waterfront.
Much of the parade was tweeted by media outlets and residents who were at the parade and tuning in on TV:
@Hassan_alsai pic.twitter.com/gd0xc1Dd8D
— محمد اليافعي (@mfa883) December 18, 2014
But first, some pictures from the #QND2014 parade this morning… pic.twitter.com/mYGmvaMwIR
— The Daily Q (@yourtdq) December 18, 2014
#وعاملت_انا_بالصدق_والنصح_والنقا
مشاركة ابطال الخدمة الوطنية في الميسر العسكري بمناسبة اليوم الوطني .. pic.twitter.com/AM5kNxaUDu
— Khalid Ahmed (@macqatar) December 18, 2014
Did you watch the parade? Thoughts?
For those wondering how to spend their day and the rest of the weekend, here’s a list of things going on around town over the next few days, and a guide to National Day in Qatar.