Doha, December 10 (QNA) - On the occasion of the State of Qatar's national day, which falls on Dec. 18, the activities of the Darb Al Saai 2023 launched Sunday evening.

Darb Al Saai's activities kicked off with the raising of the Qatari flag in the midst of a large crowd, the playing of the national anthem and camel and horse parades.

The Ministry of Culture was keen to ensure that Darb Al Saai includes activities that highlight the Qatari culture of both land and sea to the citizens and residents in a lively atmosphere that reflects the heritage life of Qatar.

One of the most prominent events in Darb Al Saai is the Al Maqtar and Al Izbah activities. Al Maqtar reflects the traditional tenets of Qatar, thus reflecting the life of the desert in previous times. It also includes activities that aim to enrich the audience with Qatar's traditions and acquire many skills and experiences such as tribal dialects and understanding of the physical lands and navigation.

Al Maqtar includes several tents focused on falconry and hunting, women's crafts such as Al Sadu, and dairy making.

In Al Izbah, children can learn to ride and engage with camels. Both Al Maqtar and Al Izbah aim to convey the ordeals of the past generations during travel, and the way they still held on to their religion, land, customs and traditions. It aims to provide an inspiring model for young people to preserve them as well.

Darb Al Saai will also include activities related to the sea and will reflect the Qatari sea heritage. It will have games as well as a museum related to this corner of the country's culture.

Many parties are participating in Darb Al Saai activities this year, including the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, which will showcase the wildlife side of Qatar. Its pavilion will include different types of plants, as well as some activities that aim to raise awareness.

As part of the Ministry of Social Development and Family's participation in the event, Qatari families will display various popular products and foods to the visitors.

Al Shaqab, a member of the Qatar Foundation, participates in equestrian-related activities with the aim of highlighting purebred Arabian horses and the importance of equestrianism in the State of Qatar.

Al Shaqab also aims to instill a love for horses, encourage children to ride them, and spread the heritage of horse riding, an integral part of the Qatari heritage.

Al Shaqab will additionally organize pony riding events, heritage shows, and marches presented by the riders of its academy.

The Ministry of Culture centers also offer various cultural and artistic activities in hopes of strengthening Qatari identity. The photography center will present a special exhibition showcasing the works of Qatari photographers, while the visual arts center will present three art exhibitions, in addition to a section for artistic workshops such as Arabic calligraphy, ceramic crafts, and more.

The center for theater will present a rich number of cultural activities, as well as work that reflects the history of Qatari theater extending for more than 50 years, and a puppet show that tells passed-on stories from Qatari culture.

The organizing committee of Darb Al Saai also made sure to include activities for children, of which some are outdoor such as driving small vehicles, football and more.

The Ministry of Culture has prepared a large number of cultural and heritage events. The main theater will see daily activities such as cultural seminars and poetry evenings.

Darb Al Saai opens its doors to the public from 3 pm to 11 pm. The event is held in its permanent location, in an area of 150 thousand square meters. It includes a high level of equipment, services and public facilities that provide comfort and safety for all visitors. Darb Al Saai's design highlights authentic Qatari architectural heritage with a modern touch. (QNA)