Further cementing its longstanding bond with the United States Embassy in Qatar, Ali Bin Ali (ABA) Holding once again came forward to sponsor the annual U.S. Independence Day celebration hosted by the U.S. mission in Doha. Making the partnership even more special, Ali Bin Ali Beverages (Pepsi) this year supported the event with its products.

Nearly 1000 people from various walks of life attended the annual U.S. Independence Day celebration on May 18, 2023, at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC). Apart from senior members of Ali Bin Ali Holding Management team, the guests included leaders representing the Qatari government, business and civil society sectors, as well as diplomatic missions in Doha.

As a prelude to the main event, Timmy T. Davis, Ambassador of the United States of America to the State of Qatar, hosted a special meet-and-greet session for the sponsors to appreciate their support in bringing the event together. Representing Ali Bin Ali Holding, Group Chief Financial Officer Mr. Iftekhar Ahmad and Chief Operating Officer – ICT Mr. Mohamad A. Ebrik were present at the event.

Ambassador Davis thanked Ali Bin Ali Holding for continuing to support the annual celebration, which this year has grown in size and style, with the generosity of sponsors.

The 2023 U.S. Independence Day celebration was a first of its kind. The theme of the event was the city of New Orleans which also happens to be Ambassador Davis’s hometown. The idea was to let the guests experience the city’s vibrant live-music scene and spicy, singular cuisine reflecting its history as a melting pot of French, African and American cultures.

The US embassy in Qatar transformed the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC) into the vibrant streets of New Orleans, Louisiana and Pepsi vending machines were placed strategically throughout the venue space to make it an organic part of the street set-up.  Ambassador Davis sang and danced at the event, joining a number of performers on a huge parade float that entertained the crowd.

For Qatar’s first Mardi Gras, three musicians performed American music throughout the night – the Doha-based “AFCENT Band” of the US Air Force Central Command, and two bands visiting from the US: New Orleans go-go funk and brass band “Brass-A-Holics”, and Minneapolis, Minnesota bluegrass act “Barbaro”.

ABA Holding, one of the market leaders in distributing American products in Qatar, has always made it a priority to support the U.S. Embassy in its endeavors. The 2023 U.S. National Day celebration was the perfect occasion to celebrate this partnership, which has only strengthened over the years.