National Day

December 18 is a BIG holiday here in Qatar -- National Day!!

Simon with Qatar flag and Arab dress

In 1878 Qatar became a unified state under the leadership of Sheik Jasim bin Muhammad Al Thani.  The Al Thani's are still the ruling family of Qatar.  Today Qataris celebrate the vision of Sheik Jasim and he is remembered as a "pious, brave, self-sacrificing and wise leader".  Sheik Jasim led his country through a war with the Ottoman Empire and was victorious.  He brought the fighting tribes together in peace by caring for the needy, feeding the hungry, and freeing the slaves.  He painted a future picture of Qatar as a knowledgeable, successful, and honest country.  Since 2007 the people of Qatar have celebrated the dream that has become a reality.

Following its formation as a country in 1878, Qatar became a British Protectorate.  Qatar was a small nation that feared war from its neighbours.  The British offered protection until 1971 when Qatar became independent of Britain.