All photos by Reem Saad

People looking to do some more indoor shopping as Eid Al Fitr approaches may want to check out a new Ramadan Tourist Festival that opened in Qatar this week.

The festival, also known as Eidieh, is located at the Qatar National Convention Center (QNCC) near Education City.

It includes heritage halls with henna decorators, weavers and fishermen, fun/educational activities for children and cultural performances.

According to organizers, a bazaar that features 200 kiosks from 15 countries worldwide will open on Sunday, June 26. Religious sermons and shows will also be part of the festival.

Like the indoor Ramadan souq set up at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC) in West Bay, this market is open after ishaa prayers. It will sell jewelry, antiques, clothes, health and beauty products, video games, flowers and household items.

But the main focus of the bazaar will be exclusive products designed by locals, organizers said in a statement.

There’s also more of an educational focus for kids.

During a recent visit, children could be seen clapping and laughing along with their parents as clowns took to the stage and wooed the crowd with several tricks and dance moves.

There’s also face-painting corners, a bouncy castle, a photo booth, a 9-D cinema, a maze and other features.

More competition

Last year’s launch of the DECC has intensified competition in Qatar for large venue space.

Though DECC officials have previously said they aim to attract new business to Qatar, the more centrally located center has taken away some business from existing spaces.

For example, both the Qatar Motor Show and the Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition moved to the DECC from the QNCC this year.

This new Eidieh bazaar appears to be an attempt on the QNCC’s part to remind visitors about what it has to offer, according to Ismail Al Ansari, general manager of festival sponsor Media One.

Speaking to Doha News, he said:

“QNCC wanted to show that it’s ready and capable of holding fun and cultural events that many can attend, as opposed to just holding exhibitions and conferences. So they are sort of trying to break that barrier by welcoming more people.”

The Eidiah festival is open through July 30 from 9pm to 1am daily.

Thoughts?

More Ramadan coverage here:

https://dohanews.co/ramadan