Doha, December 10 (QNA) - General Manager of the Cultural Village Foundation (Katara) Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti emphasized that the National Day embodies the highest meanings of pride and loyalty to the homeland and highlights the values upon which the State of Qatar was founded since its establishment, such as the values of sincere loyalty to the wise leadership and dedication to the nation’s progress and prosperity.

General Manager of Katara said in statements to Qatar News Agency (QNA) on this occasion that the National Day is an occasion on which we renew our pledge of loyalty to the leader of the nation HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, and recall the great efforts made by the founding fathers in building this nation. This occasion is also an opportunity to instill national values in the rising generations and deepen their connection to the history and authentic cultural identity of their country, he added.

He explained that this year's National Day slogan, 'With You It Rises, From You It Awaits," expresses in depth the essence of these values, as it reflects the close relationship between the leadership and the people, and emphasize that Qatar’s renaissance and advancement are achieved through the dedication and efforts of its sons and daughters, whose contributions elevates the nation which looks to them for hardwork and sacrifice. He added that this slogan inspires all of them in Katara and in the various state institutions to move forward in a spirit of cooperation and responsibility to build a prosperous nation worthy of its deep-rooted history and solid identity.

Regarding the contribution of the Cultural Village Foundation (Katara) to reinforcing national identity and consolidating National Day values in society, Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti noted that since its establishment, Katara has been a leading cultural beacon and a national landmark that effectively contributes to strengthening Qatari identity and enhancing values of belonging and loyalty to the homeland and leadership.

He said they believe that culture is the foundation upon which identity is built, and the most profound means of embedding it in the conscience of society. Therefore, at Katara, they make sure that all their programs and initiatives are an authentic reflection of the components of the Qatari personality, such as its cultural heritage, value-based traditions, and creative aspirations.

Through literary, artistic, and heritage events, as well as major festivals organized by Katara throughout the year, they work to enhance the spirit of citizenship, connect the younger generations with their cultural roots, and introduce them to the honorable civilizational achievements of their state.

He pointed out that Katara pays special attention to children and youth, considering them the pillars of the future and carriers of national values, adding that the Cultural Village provide the youth with an environment that stimulates creativity and spaces to express their love for their country through art, literature, and theater, contributing to building a generation that is aware of its identity and loyal to its homeland.

While speaking about the most prominent artistic events, initiatives, or exhibitions organized by Katara to accompany this year’s National Day celebrations, the General Manager stressed that the Cultural Village is keen every year to present a comprehensive celebratory program that reflects the spirit of the National Day and translates its lofty meanings into artistic and cultural experiences that delight the public and enrich national sentiment.

General Manager of the Cultural Village Foundation (Katara) Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti explained that Katara has prepared this year a wide range of events, including national military, heritage, and artistic performances, in addition to activities for children and families that allow them to share in the joy of the national celebrations.

Al Sulaiti added that this year’s cultural program features distinguished activities, most notably the Qatari fine arts exhibition, which showcases contemporary works reflecting Qatari identity and local creativity, as well as “Al-Ardah Al-Qatariyah,” one of the most significant traditional performance expressing joy and celebration of national heritage.

He pointed out that Katara is witnessing extensive cooperation with several cultural entities and centers to highlight authentic Qatari heritage, such as the  Qatari Society of Al Gannas and the Al-Galayel Championship, which promotes traditional falconry practices. This comes in addition to events accompanying the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025, including specialized exhibitions such as the “Hindam” exhibition of traditional Qatari attire, the “Dallah” exhibition as a symbol of hospitality, the “A Scene from Qatar” exhibition, the Museum of Traditional Wooden Dhows, and the Katara Traditional Dhow Festival, among others.

Al Sulaiti also highlighted the key aspects of the cultural development the country is witnessing, affirming that Katara continues to progress year after year thanks to the wise leadership’s support for culture and creativity. In 2025, Katara maintained its pioneering role in enriching the cultural landscape by organizing intellectual conferences, art exhibitions, and literary forums that attracted prominent intellectuals and artists from inside and outside Qatar.

He emphasized that the Foundation has strengthened its international presence through new cultural partnerships with global institutions, making Katara a vital bridge for civilizational communication and a platform for constructive dialogue between cultures, which reinforced Katara’s status as a cultural icon in Qatar and the region, reflecting its ambitious vision and purposeful mission.

Regarding Katara’s most notable achievements in its development journey, Al Sulaiti stressed that these accomplishments reflect the true embodiment of Qatar National Vision 2030, which places culture at the heart of sustainable development, pointing out Katara has become a global center that nurtures creativity and a destination for intellectuals and artists from around the world.

He noted that among the most significant achievements of recent years is the development of major cultural projects, such as the “Katara Prize for Arabic Novel,” in addition to establishing festivals and permanent exhibitions that document Qatari heritage. Katara has received several prestigious recognitions, including its designation as the “City of the Arabic Novel” by the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO) in recognition of its prominent role in supporting Arabic literature, as well as the title Cultural Heritage City of Arabian Horses in acknowledgment of its efforts to showcase the heritage associated with purebred horses.

Katara also won the Babylon International Award in Baghdad, in recognition of its creative and cultural leadership at the regional level, he said, adding that December will witness the launch of the Katara Arab Opera Festival, during which ALECSO announced the official recognition of Katara as the “City of Arab Opera,” a new milestone that cements its status as a center of cultural and artistic radiance both regionally and internationally.

Al Sulaiti concluded by noting that these continuous achievements reflect the steady path Katara is taking toward achieving its strategic vision of becoming a global platform for human creativity, a source of pride for every Qatari, and a key pillar in realizing the cultural and intellectual development goals of Qatar National Vision 2030. (QNA)