DOHA, Qatar

Qatar celebrated its National Day on Saturday with a series of activities across the country.

Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad and former ruler Hamad bin Khalifa attended a parade in the capital Doha to celebrate the day.

Qatar’s National Day is celebrated annually on December 18. It marks the unification of Qatar in 1878 under the leadership of the country's founding father, Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani.

Also in attendance were Qatari ministers and officials, in addition to foreign guests, including FIFA president Gianni Infantino, Interpol Secretary-General Jurgen Stock, and Turkey's Ambassador to Qatar, Mustafa Goksu among others.

The parade started with a display of a group of modern naval vessels, including transport and logistical support ships, speedboats, ships and combat boats equipped with the latest defensive and offensive systems.

Air shows of F-15 fighter jets, Ababil, Rafale, Mirage-Sniper, Typhoon, and Apache attack helicopters were also among activities to mark the National Day.

*Writing by Ibrahim Mukhtar