Updated with activity timings and details released by QTA.
Evening water shows on the Corniche, an “Entertainment City” at the Doha Exhibition Center and Disney on Ice performances are a few of the features that will be part of what Qatar is calling its first summer festival this year.
The activities are set to begin immediately after the completion of the seven-day Eid Festival, and will run from Monday, Aug. 4 to Sunday, Sept. 27. Both the Eid and summer events are being organized by the Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA).
The new seven-week celebration is part of the QTA’s long-term strategy to expand the country’s tourism offerings and attract more visitors. This would generate revenue and reduce the nation’s reliance on hydrocarbon resources.
In a statement, Rashed Al Qurese, QTA’s director of marketing and promotions, said:
“Qatar Summer Festival 2014 is part of QTA’s efforts to make Qatar the best tourist destination for families in the region. Through the summer festival, we will offer quality performances to present Qatar’s various entertainment options and warm hospitality.”
At this time of year, the majority of people leave Qatar for vacation and escape to cooler climates. Many residents return when schools resume in September. Through the hosting of festivities, QTA hopes to make up for the drop in numbers this month by encouraging those living in GCC countries to vacate to Qatar.
So far, the following festivities have been confirmed by QTA (more information about these events can be found online here):
Water fountain shows
There will be a number of seven- to 10-minute shows taking place on the Corniche (opposite Al Murjan Restaurant) every evening.
Weekday shows will be held at 30-minute intervals from 6pm to 11pm. Weekend shows will be held every 45 minutes, from 7pm to midnight.
Entertainment City
Children’s activities, including games and rides, will be hosted at the Doha Exhibition Center from 3pm to 11pm on weekdays and 2pm to midnight on weekends.
Offerings include slide skiing, rock climbing and eating options, all with a family focus. A free shuttle service will be provided from the Q-Post office to the DEC from 3pm to 10pm on weekdays and from 2pm to 11pm on weekends.
Inflatable aqua park
Watersport fun is scheduled to take place at Al Wakrah beach from 3pm to 8pm every day.
Disney On Ice
Following the success of Disney On Ice’s debut last year, Qatar National Conventional Center will be holding another ice skating and acrobatic spectacle from Sept. 24 to 27.
Tickets will cost the same as they did for last year’s show, starting from QR175, QR275, and QR475. VIP tickets are QR1,000/person and Rinkside Royal seats cost QR2,000 each.
There is no discounted price for children, but kids under two years old who sit on parents’ laps are not required to have a ticket.
The tickets can be bought at Virgin Megastore outlets or online here.
More information on September’s Disney On Ice: Rockin’ Forever After can be found here.
Outdoor activities
Bike riding, kayaking and other sporting events will take place in Al Khor from 1pm to 6pm every day. Tickets can be purchased from a tent outside Al Khor Mall.
Mall activities
Promotions, raffle draws and giveaways will be hosted across malls from Aug. 17 to Sept. 13. According to QTA, there will be some QR2.5 million worth of giveaways, including expensive automobiles. Participating malls are: Hyatt Plaza, City Center, The Mall and Al Khor Mall. The Pearl-Qatar will also be having shopping discounts and freebies.
Do you plan to partake in the summer festival? Thoughts?
