Qatar is celebrating its 47th year of Independence on Tuesday amid an ongoing blockade by neighbouring countries, which appears to have created a sense of unity among nationals and residents in the peninsula, Trend reports referring to Aljazeera.
The December 18 holiday marks the date in 1878 on which Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani succeeded his father as the emir and led the country towards unity.
"As long as it was proven by our deeds, Qatar will remain free," is this year's National Day slogan, combining a verse from Qatar's national anthem and a verse from the founder Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Al Thani.
The celebrations take place in different cities and towns across Qatar, namely Doha, Al Wakra and Al Shamal. A one-day holiday was announced to celebrate the occasion.
The main event is the Corniche Parade in Doha, with the presence of Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and a number of high ranking individuals from government bodies and foreign mission representatives.
This year's military parade will be three times larger than last year, Major-General Salem Al Ahbabi said, adding the event will feature land and naval forces, in addition to an air show by the country's air force.