Qatar celebrated its National Day on the 3rd of September until 2007
We have only another 5 days to go for the National Day and here’s another fact about Qatar!
Some of us, especially the newbies to Qatar wouldn’t know that Qatar had in fact celebrated its national day not in December, but in September until 2007.
September 3rd had been the National Day of Qatar. However, on the 21st of June 2007, the crown prince of that time and the Heir Apparent Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, announced December 18th as the National Day (Founder’s Day) under the Emiri Decree.
This change of dates has led to one misunderstanding among the residents, especially the expat population.
Remember, both the dates are important to Qatar and both the dates mark some prominent historical incident.
After the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, Qatar became a state controlled by the British. However, on the 3rd of September, Qatar officially gained its independence from the British and became a free sovereign state.
Now, December 18th is equally important. For, it was on this day that Sheikh Jassem bin Mohammed bin Thani succeeded his father as the ruler of Qatar and since then, the country became a unified nation and one with a vision.
Any thoughts? Comment below!
will 17th Dec. 2015 will be a national holiday this year?
Hi,
if this is the story, then Qatar is celebrating Royal day, and not National day.
A national day in this case, should be 3rd of September being the day they got their freedom to control their stuffs by themselve.
Cheers..