A headline in the local newspaper reads ‘Demand high for swords ahead of National Day’… not to smite the western infidels but for the traditional Al Arada sword dance. It will be National Day in Qatar on the 18 December… that means a day-off from work.

Around the city preparations are underway for the event. Close to our apartment, flags are being hung from buildings…

… and pictures of the Emir Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and his son the Heir Apparent Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani.

There will a parade along the Corniche. I am told that traffic will be gridlocked as people head to the Corniche. We will try and get there as early as possible to get a good view. I will report back.