DOHA: Qatar celebrates Eid Al Fitr today but the rising temperature would keep the festivities mostly confined indoors and prompt people to avoid popular attractions such as beaches and parks.
The Public Parks Department at the Ministry of Municipality and Urban Planning has decided to avoid hosting entertainment events at parks as maximum temperature is expected to hit 46 degrees Celsius today.
However, parks will be open during the holidays, except for Al Bida Park in Doha and Green Carpet Garden in Al Rayyan.
“Some parks have been decorated, all basic facilities are available for visitors, but we are not organising any events because of the heat,” a local Arabic daily quoted Mohamed Al Khori, Director of the department, as saying.
However, citizens and residents have options to spend the holidays, with events lined up not only for families but also for single workers at various venues.
Malls, museums and leisure and tourist destinations will host activities for people of all ages, starting today.
Entry to most events is free.
Major events are organised by Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) at malls and Katara Cultural Village, and the Ministry of Interior is holding events, especially for single workers, at Asian Town and Barwa workers recreation complex in Al Khor. Celebrations begin with the early morning Eid prayers at mosques and prayer grounds.
Today and tomorrow the Ministry of Interior will host ‘Eid Al Fitr Celebrations 2015’ for single workers, other expatriates and their families at Barwa Workers Recreation Complex in Al Khor and a six-nation cricket tournament at cricket stadium in Asian Town (Former West End Park near Grand Mall) from 3pm to 9pm.
Cultural performances by Indian and Nepalese communities will be held in Al Khor.
QTA has lined up family entertainment shows at malls in the evening, including mime shows, ‘Rene Magritte’ show, ‘Babylon Joe’ show, a performance by Paper Magic Artist and other events inspired by Qatari heritage.
Visitors and residents will be able to enjoy two theatrical performances, including the family-friendly musical “Elmo Makes Music,” from Sesame Street show at Qatar National Convention Centre from tomorrow until July 25.
The locally produced dramatic comedy entitled ‘Bishowish’ (Take it Easy) will be presented at Katara Cultural Village from tomorrow until July 27.
Celebrations include daily musical performances in Souq Waqif, in partnership with Sout Al Rayyan and live entertainment at Katara Cultural Village starting at 7.30pm and culminating in a firework spectacle.
Entertainment events are on offer, especially for families at the Pearl-Qatar, Al Dosari Park in Shahaniya and Aqua Park.
The Sheikh Faisal Museum will receive visitors during the holidays and horse-riding sessions will be available to visitors at Al Samriya Equestrian Academy.
QTA and partners will welcome visitors arriving in Qatar through Hamad International Airport with Eid gifts and festival brochures, including event timings and locations. They will also be available at Abu Samra border crossing.
The Peninsula
