Qatar holds the national holiday every year on December 18 to mark the date of its unification in 1878.
This year it was a two-day holiday which included a huge airshow, military parade and colourful fireworks displays.
But it came at a time when the country is engaged in a fierce dispute with other countries in the region.
The tiny oil-rich Gulf state has been cut off by its powerful Arab neighbours for months over allegations of supporting terrorism.
Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain all severed relations with Qatar on June 5, a move branded an “imposed siege” by Qatar’s Foreign Minister.
They claimed the state has been backing Islamist militants, something Doha denies.
And the countries have demanded Qatar reduce ties with Iran, the Arab states’ arch-rival, and shut down Doha-based news channel Al Jazeera.
But the channel reported this week that the state was now more united than ever.
And Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said the holiday was a show of defiance to its critics.
He said: “This year’s celebration will be different than any other year as it comes under the imposed siege that took place months ago.
“The celebration holds new and deep messages to the siege countries about the strength of Qatar.”
One reveller, Mohamed Alsherawi, told Al Jazeera: “This year’s National Day is really special.
“Especially with the Gulf siege, we actually feel more proud to be part of this nation.
“We feel more proud of the unity between not only the nationals but even the expats.
“We are celebrating hand-to-hand, together and feeling really happy and proud to be here in Qatar.”
And British mum-of-two, Ellie Lloyd, said: Not only are we celebrating Qatar’s National Day but we are celebrating how this tiny country has managed to hold its head up high and present itself to the world with dignity and respect during the crisis.
“The Emir and his council have kept their integrity in the face of all this adversity.”