Fireworks, comedy acts and cultural performances are some of many attractions planned for the Eid Al Fitr holiday in Qatar this year.
Eid is expected to begin next week around July 6, and the celebrations will last five days, the Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) has announced.
The events will fall under the theme “Capture Joy.”
Three weeks later on Aug. 1, QTA will launch its annual month-long summer festival.
During this time of the year, thousands of residents leave Qatar to enjoy cooler climates and return in September before schools resume.
But QTA is hoping its entertainment offerings will help attract people in the region to the country during this relatively quiet time.
In a statement, Rashed Al Qurese, director of marketing and promotions, said:
“We have a festive season ahead of us, with two key events that fall under Qatar’s strategy to grow and diversify its tourism offerings in partnership with the private sector, especially during off-peak periods.
These festivals target domestic tourists and visitors from around the GCC with a range of entertainment activities for families in a festive, safe environment that reflects their culture and heritage.”
So far, here’s what’s been confirmed by the QTA for Eid and the Summer Festival.
Eid Al Fitr
Malls
Performances and activities will take place at Hyatt Plaza, City Center, Landmark, Ezdan, Dar Al Salam, Lagoona and Al Khor malls for five days, starting with the first day of Eid.
Many of them will be geared toward children, with performances from Alice in Wonderland, Sleeping Beauty, Little Mermaid, Iftah Ya Simsim and Dora The Explorer. Other acts will include traditional dances such as arda and dabkah, magic shows, parades and more.
All shows will run from 5pm to 10pm.
Qatar National Theater and Al Rayyan Theater
Adult and children’s plays will be held throughout Eid at both the Qatar National Theatre and the Al Rayyan Theatre in Souq Waqif.
“Tar Al Wazir,” an Arabic comedy about social issues in Qatar and the Gulf, will run from 6:30pm to 9:30pm at the Qatar National Theatre, with ticket prices ranging from QR50 to QR500.
And children’s play “The Hunter and the Pirates” will run daily from 4:30pm to 6:30pm at the Al Rayyan Theatre. Ticket prices range between QR30 to QR300.
Katara Cultural Village
A wide variety of cultural offerings and live entertainment are set to take place at Katara daily, starting at 6:30pm.
Each night will culminate in a firework show at 9:30pm.
Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani Museum
Displaying ancient artifacts of Islamic art, Qatar heritage, vehicles, coins and currency, this museum will offer free tours to visitors from the first day of Eid onwards.
Opening hours are from 8:30am to 6pm, and the museum is located in Al Rayyan.
Al Samariyah Equestrian Center
According to QTA, this equestrian center will offer visitors free riding sessions throughout Eid.
Located near the museum of Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani, the center is open Monday through Friday, from 6:30am to 7:30pm.
A number of other Eid festivities will be held at Qatar’s main tourist hubs, including the Pearl, Aspire Zone, Aqua Park, Al Dosari Zoo and Game Reserve. The Qatar Air Sports Committee will also offer aerial paragliding tours at Sealine.
However, timings and other details for those have yet to be confirmed.
Summer festival
On Aug. 1, the month-long Qatar Summer Festival (QSF), will kick off for the third time, featuring similar festivities from previous years.
That includes an Entertainment City at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC), concerts, comedy shows and sports events, all featuring celebrities from GCC countries.
Special hotel rates, shopping promotions and weekly raffles with prizes worth up to QR2 million will also be part of the “Color Your Summer” package.
According to QTA, collaborations with hotels have doubled in number since last year’s festival, now extending to more than 50 venues across the country.
These hotels will offer visitors special packages, including a “pay for two nights and stay for three” in hotels and a “pay for five nights and stay for six” at hotel apartments.
Free breakfast, late check-outs, and complimentary meals for children who dine with their parents, as well as free transportation from Hamad International Airport (HIA), will also be offered by some hotels.
Stay tuned for our Eid guide this weekend. Thoughts?
