With the year 2014 just half a day away, Qatar Central Bank has declared Jan. 1 a banking holiday, meaning all banks and exchanges will be closed tomorrow.
Qatar itself isn’t going big on New Year’s Eve celebrations, and there are no fireworks or public events planned to ring in the date. But if you haven’t already firmed up your New Year’s Eve plans, there are still a few choices on ways to spend it in Qatar, including:
Hotel & restaurant parties
A popular route taken by many residents in Doha is heading to a five-star hotel, taking in the buffet and live entertainment. Admission to these events are pricey, but there are plenty of venues to choose from. The website JustHere has a good round-up that you can find here.
Aspire fun run
The Aspire Zone is holding a New Year’s Eve Run Around today. The 5km fun run starts at 6:30pm tonight and is open to anyone over the age of 12 (and spectators of all ages). Those who finish the race will get a gift, and prizes will go to the fastest runners. Tickets must be purchased for QR30/person for the event – register here.
Sealine entertainment
Sealine Beach Resort is hosting a Bollywood Masquerade New Year’s Eve 2014 that is open to people of all ages. The event runs from 8pm to 2am, and tickets cost QR100, QR150 (until the 31st) and QR250 (at the door). More details here.
Arab Idol Stars
The winners of Arab Idol from season two will ring in the New Year at La Cigale’s Al Wajba Ballroom. Mohammed Assaf and Farah Youssef will perform tonight, with doors opening at 10pm. The show is almost sold out, but there are still a few tickets left in the QR600 price range. They can be bought through Virgin Megastores here.
Dubai’s record-breaking fireworks
Qatar may not be hosting any firework shows for New Year’s, but Dubai in the neighboring UAE is attempting to set the Guinness World Record for largest fireworks display tonight. The show will feature more than 400,000 fireworks that are slated to illuminate iconic landmarks from 400 locations. IMG Artists, which is collaborating with the government on the show, will live-stream it here, starting at 11pm Doha time.
UPDATE: You should also be able to watch the show on television, as Dubai One is broadcasting it.
How are you planning to spend the final hours of 2013? Thoughts?
