Musical celebrations for Qatar National Day at Expo 2020 Dubai

Popular singers and a well-known choir join in to mark country’s unification

Mansoor Al Muhannadi sings as part of a musical performance for Qatar Day at Jubilee Park, Expo 2020 Dubai. All photos: Chris Whiteoak / The National

People parade for Qatar Day at Expo 2020 Dubai

A traditional parade for Qatar Day

The Siwar Choir stage a musical performance for Qatar Day at Expo 2020 Dubai

People take part in a parade for Qatar Day at Expo 2020 Dubai

Musicians take part in a Qatar Day performance at Jubilee Park, Expo 2020 Dubai

Fahad Al Kubaisi sings during Qatar Day at Jubilee Park, Expo 2020 Dubai

A singer from the Siwar Choir performs at Qatar Day in Jubilee Park, Expo 2020 Dubai

A musical performance for Qatar Day at Jubilee Park, Expo 2020 Dubai

Young people perform during Qatar Day at Expo 2020 Dubai

Dignitaries, including Sultan bin Rashid Al Khater, undersecretary at Qatar's Ministry of Commerce and Industry, at the Qatar pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai

Dignitaries, including Sultan bin Rashid Al Khater, undersecretary at Qatar's Ministry of Commerce and Industry, at the Qatar pavilion in Expo 2020 Dubai

Children perform during Qatar Day at Expo 2020 Dubai

Sultan bin Rashid Al Khater, the undersecretary at Qatar's Ministry of Commerce and Industry, speaks at Expo 2020 Dubai

Qatar Day at Expo 2020 Dubai

Traditional performances showcased Qatar’s musical heritage for the country’s National Day at Expo 2020 Dubai on Sunday.

The Jubilee Stage at Expo was the setting for lively performances by Qatari singers and choral groups.

The songs rejoiced in and celebrated the country’s unification on December 18, also known as Founder’s Day.

Fahed Al Kubaisi, an established singer with several albums, Mansoor Al Muhanadi and the Siwar youth choir were among the headline acts on Sunday.

The choir is a popular cultural initiative that aims to revive the Arabic music heritage, coach children in the Arab world’s singing traditions and nurture talent at a young age.

Sultan Al Khater, the undersecretary of Qatar’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry, said taking part in the Expo was in keeping with his country’s goals for the future.

It “reflects our deep belief in innovation’s vital role in building a better future for all of humanity,” he said.

“Through our participation, we look forward to transferring our experiences in many essential fields, such as energy, environment, education, culture and others.”

Najeeb Al Ali, executive director of Expo 2020 Dubai, said Qatar’s participation was “a clear expression of the nation’s ambitions, and a gateway to a deep-rooted culture that takes pride in its past and looks to the future with hope”.

He said visitors to Qatar’s pavilion would learn about its preparations for the FIFA World Cup next year and the country’s hosting of the International Horticultural Expo 2023, which would expand co-operation with international partners.

A flag ceremony early on Sunday at the Expo’s Al Wasl Plaza also marked the country’s unification in 1878.

The UAE’s leaders sent messages of congratulation to Qatar and buildings across Abu Dhabi lit up in the colours of the Qatari flag to observe the special day on Saturday.