Qatar is celebrating its National Day today, marking the succession of Sheikh Jassim Bin Mohammed Bin Thani on December 18, 1878, who laid the foundation of the modern state.

The Sheikh, who ruled Qatar till 1913, was credited with unifying the state, build ports and manufacturing infrastructure and expand foreign trade. He also urbanised and modernizes the state, creating economic growth and prosperity.

Qatar National is marked with a two-day public holiday, where schools and offices are closed. The celebrations include military parade and fireworks.

On the occasion of Qatar National Day, the Amiri Diwan announced that Wednesday 18/12/2019 and Thursday 19/12/2019 will be an official holiday, and that employees will rejoin their work on Sunday 22/12/2019. #QNA pic.twitter.com/RERAkWG1Jd

— Qatar News Agency (@QNAEnglish) December 17, 2019

“The celebration of this year’s National Day comes against the backdrop of major achievements of the state, which has been achieved by a development renaissance in various fields at home and a distinguished and prestigious position abroad,” sad the Gulf nation’s Ministry of Justice.

The main venue of the event will be Darb Al Saai in Doha, which will host a variety of activities, musical events and exhibitions. The celebrations will go on till Friday.

The festivities include an operetta — This is Qatar — at the Cultural Village in Katara, featureing artistes from various countries.

The Qatar National Day coincides with FIFA Club World Cup 2019 where top clubs from across the world are competing for the championship title. The event is a prelude to the main world cup, scheduled in the country in 2022.

To make it easy for holiday revelers to commute, Doha Metro timings have been extended by some hours till December 21.