DOHA: Qatar Tourism Authority’s (QTA) Eid Al Fitr Festival 2015 has begun with programmes related to arts, theatre, history, sports and family entertainment, enthralling a large number of visitors.
Events include family entertainment shows in shopping malls from 4pm to 10pm, including mime shows ‘Rene Magritte’ and ‘Babylon Joe’, a performance by Paper Magic Artist and other events inspired by Qatari heritage.
Exclusive shows include Peter Pan (City Centre Doha), Circus Canada (Al Khor Mall), Jungle Book (Lagoona Mall), Pinocchio (Hyatt Plaza), The Little Prince (Dar Al Salam Mall) and Meet the Nicktoons (Ezdan Mall).
Visitors and residents will be able to enjoy two theatrical performances, including the family-friendly musical ‘Elmo Makes Music’, from the Sesame Street show, at Qatar National Convention Centre until July 22 between 5pm and 8pm.
Tickets can be purchased at Virgin Megastores or through Q-tickets.com.
The play follows the story of Elmo and friends as they start a new band and discover musical instruments they never knew existed.
Also taking centre-stage is the locally produced dramatic comedy ‘Bishowish’ (Take it Easy), at Katara Cultural Village until July 27 with two showings at 7pm and 9pm.
The play, written by Teyseer Abdullah and directed by Saad Burshed, features 16 Qatari and Arab stars.
Celebrations include daily musical performances in Souq Waqif, in partnership with Sout Al Rayyan and live entertainment at Katara Cultural Village from 7.30pm, culminating in a firework spectacle.
Families can enjoy entertainment options at the Pearl-Qatar between 5pm and 8pm, Al Dosari Zoo and Game Reserve and Aqua Park between 6.30pm and 8.30pm.
Sheikh Faisal Museum also offer tours from 9am to 5pm and horse riding sessions for visitors in Al Samriya Equestrian Academy from 8am to 9am and 4pm to 5pm.
QTA, in collaboration with partners, is welcoming visitors arriving through Hamad International Airport (HIA).
QTA representatives are distributing festival brochures, including event timings and locations, in addition to Eid gifts, to promote the festival and share the Eid spirit.
Leaflets on Eid activities are also available at Abu Samra border crossing. Information desks have been set up at HIA and shopping malls to respond to visitors’ inquiries about festival activities. Up-to-date information can also be found on www.eidinqatar.qa.
The festival is one of the most important annual events, reinforcing Qatar’s position as a preferred family tourist destination in the GCC.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Interior is holding cultural programmes for Asian communities in Al Khor, West End Park Stadium in Doha, and Barwa Entertainment Complex in Al Khor.
A large number of families and workers from the Indian, Bangladeshi, Nepalese and Sri Lanka communities attended events, including performances by bands from Nepal and India.
The ministry is raising awareness about security and safety measures by showing videos on road safety.
Events as part of Eid Festival at Katara are also attracting huge crowds of expatriates and citizens. Shows are held in Arabic and English to ensure expatriates from different nationalities can enjoy them.
Salman Al Nuaimi, Chairman, Organising Committee, said Katara has done its best to meet visitors’ expectations and the shows aimed to highlight achievements of Islamic civilisation.
GCC nationals and their families also attended events, including fireworks. Gifts were distributed to children.
Umm Mohaned, a GCC National, said she came to know about Katara events through social networking sites.
Sunil from Indian said these events offered him opportunity to learn more about Muslim scientists and their contributions to human civilisation.
Katara is also organising a drama series for 10 days, from 7pm to 9pm and 9.30pm to 11pm while fireworks display starts at 10pm.
Exhibitions at Katara are open for eight days.
The Security Department and Passport Department at HIA celebrated Eid with employees of airline companies by distributing gifts to them and passengers.
The Peninsula
