Patriotic national songs marked the ceremony where everyone rejoiced in celebration. Traditional Qatari cuisines were served, and all those in attendance were given souvenir gifts with the Qatar emblem. The ceremony concluded with cutting a cake with national colors.
Every year 18th December is commemorated in Qatar for unification of the country in 1878.
18 December is a national holiday and most of the public are given the day off. Prior to the Emiri decree in June 2007, Qatar National Day was annually celebrated on 3 September, the day of Qatar's independence.
The holiday has been instrumental in developing a sense of national identity among locals and expats. It has also helped improve knowledge and appreciation of Qatar's heritage.
