Short answer: Qatar National Day is celebrated every year on 18 December. For family gatherings and the majlis, the easy favourites are dates with saffron Arabic coffee, luqaimat drizzled with honey, a white saffron pudding, and a small gift box in maroon and white – the colours of the Qatari flag. Most of these take less than an hour to prepare.
Food and gifts on National Day
National Day is a day for family. Relatives gather, friends visit each other's majlis and many people dress in maroon and white. Hosting is part of the celebration: guests expect Arabic coffee, dates and something sweet, and many families send small gifts to relatives, neighbours and colleagues.
1. Dates and saffron Arabic coffee
Start with the classic welcome. Brew Arabic coffee with cardamom and add a few saffron threads in the last minutes for a golden colour. Serve soft dates on a white plate with a maroon napkin. Not sure which dates to pick? Read Medjool vs Sukkari dates.
2. Luqaimat with honey
Luqaimat – small, crispy golden dumplings – appear at almost every Qatari celebration. Many families pour date syrup over them; honey is a lovely alternative. A rich honey such as Sidr gives a deep, caramel-like finish. Drizzle it just before serving so the luqaimat stay crisp. More ideas in Qatari sweets with honey and saffron.
3. A maroon and white dessert
Make a simple white milk pudding (muhallabia) with milk, sugar and rice flour or cornflour. Once it sets, top each cup with a few deep red saffron threads soaked in warm milk and a thin line of honey. White pudding and red-gold threads – the national colours on one spoon.
4. Stuffed dates
Open soft dates, remove the stone and fill each one with an almond or half a walnut. Arrange them in rows on a tray next to a small Qatari flag. They take ten minutes and disappear fast.
5. A maroon and white gift box
For relatives and colleagues, a small gift box says a lot: a jar of honey, a little saffron and a few dates in a white box with a maroon ribbon. Add a handwritten card with a National Day greeting. For more combinations, see honey, saffron and dates gift ideas.
National Day planner
| Idea | You need | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Saffron Arabic coffee and dates | Arabic coffee, cardamom, saffron, dates | 15 min |
| Luqaimat with honey | Flour, yeast, oil, honey | 45 min |
| Saffron muhallabia | Milk, sugar, rice flour, saffron, honey | 20 min + chilling |
| Stuffed dates | Dates, almonds or walnuts | 10 min |
| Gift box | Honey, saffron, dates, ribbon | 10 min |
Three tips for a stress-free day
- Order early. December is a busy month for gifts, so place your order a few days before 18 December.
- Keep the menu short. Three things done well are better than ten rushed ones.
- Prepare the night before. Muhallabia, stuffed dates and gift boxes can all be ready a day ahead.
Honey is not suitable for infants under 12 months.
Everything for your National Day table
Shop Sidr honey → · Saffron → · Dates → · Cash on delivery · Delivery across Qatar · 7-day money-back · WhatsApp +974 7772 5027
Frequently asked questions
When is Qatar National Day?
Every year on 18 December. It marks the day in 1878 when Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani became ruler of Qatar.
Why maroon and white?
They are the colours of the Qatari flag, so homes, majlis tables and gift boxes are often decorated in maroon and white for the day.
Do you deliver honey, saffron and dates before National Day?
Yes. We deliver across Qatar with cash on delivery. Order online or on WhatsApp a few days early in December.
Safi Brothers Trading is a Qatar company (CR No. 203876) from a family that has been in the honey business since 1985. Our honey comes from Kashmir, Pakistan. Shop online or visit us at Ezdan Oasis, Al Wukair.
