Khalid Tawalbeh
Doha
The Souq Waqif heritage market is witnessing an unusual attendance of locals, residents, and tourists with the approach of Eid Al-Fitr. Since the sun was not seen yesterday, everyone began to flock to it.
Eng. Hamad Al Enezi asserts that the souq administration has always celebrated Eid and brought happiness to everyone during these joyous days. Souq Waqif is one of the most liked tourist locations for families in Qatar and visitors who want to celebrate Eid in Doha, according to him.
According to Al-Enezi, Eid Al-Fitr celebrations include games, shows, and other activities for kids in order to make them happy and fulfil their desire for entertainment during Eid days. These events are held in all market squares.
Restaurants selling popular Arabic and international cuisine line both sides of the market’s main road. Along with Qatari folk cuisine, there are Lebanese, Moroccan, Syrian, Indian, Iranian, Chinese, Iraqi, Yemeni, and other cuisines, he said. "The lanes have businesses showcasing traditional heritage and handicrafts, including antiques, fabrics, cloaks, swords, coffee buckets, and others”, he added.
"Balloon and liquorice vendors are busy displaying their ware, adding to the joyful holiday atmosphere. The pets and birds market where different varieties of cats, rabbits, and fish, as well as birds like sparrows, babblers, and parrots are sold, is a must see for visitors,” he continued.
"Since the market developed more than a decade ago, adopting heritage and modern elements, it has become an important stop for the people of Qatar on Eid as well as other occasions,” Mohammed Al Marri said.
He emphasised how a large number of entertainment and singing events are organised by the tourism and market management authorities, helping lift the spirits of people of all ages.
"Advance Eid celebration events sponsored by cultural institutions and business complexes have already started with the announcement of the approach of Eid. Katara Cultural Village was ablaze with lights and Eid greetings”.
"Katara Beach offers sea lovers a variety of water games to enjoy – swimming in clear water and playing with golden sand – in addition to a festive programme that is offered every day on the waterfront opposite the open-air theatre”, he said.
Lawyer Tahani Al-Fuqaha said: "Katara Cultural Village receives a large number of people from different age groups and nationalities during these nights.
"We always follow with joy all the firework shows that decorate the sky of Katara and the Corniche with dazzling shapes and colours, adding to the splendour and beauty of the cultural quarter”.
"The culture and heritage authorities have developed a calendar of events and festive programmes that will continue over the three days of Eid to attract a large audience of citizens and residents.”
According to Dr Salma bin Ershid, Qatar as a whole, has been dressed in a cheerful Eid suit as it were, to welcome its visitors with its diverse facilities and events. It has been keen to create the appropriate atmosphere with excellent service and exhilarating entertainment programmes to make the experience memorable.
She highlighted the diversity of activities and events, as exhibitions continue to open their doors to visitors to offer a variety of artistic experiences. She also mentioned cafes and restaurants that offer a variety of international cuisine and desserts. "Large parking lots, clear signposts and well managed traffic are all part of a well thought out plan for enhanced visitor experience, as Qatar has extended the Haya card to attract Arab and international visitors who want enjoy diverse activities and have a fun time,” she concluded.
In conjunction with Qatar Airways, Qatar Tourism had unveiled a schedule of fun activities and tempting deals that it will provide as part of its "Eid in Qatar” promotion from April 21 to April 23 as part of its Eid Al Fitr celebrations. Over the course of the three days, Qatar will experience a joyful festive atmosphere and wonderful entertainment performances catering to the aspirations and interests of all tourists. These include concerts and music by the well-known singers and artists in the Arab world and energetic children’s performances.
The world-class collection of luxurious hotels owned by Qatar offers a wide range of lodging alternatives for travellers who want to spend their Eid vacations in Qatar. Qatar Tourism website (visitqatar.com/Eid) has all the details about Eid deals. The most well-liked entertainment locations in Qatar are also celebrating Eid, like Lucille Winter Wonderland, which reopens to families for a fun time during the Eid season.
Additionally, special "Eid” gift packages will be given to the first groups of guests entering Qatar through the Abu Samra land port. I includes a map for visitors to quickly identify all tourist attractions in Qatar, a kids’ activity and info kit, and information on what they can do or see during their stay in Qatar, a free SIM card from Ooredoo to keep them connected in Qatar, and a guide including coupons for special and exclusive promotions offered by popular brands and tourist attractions in Qatar.
Theme parks like "Baladna Park,” "KidzMondo,” "Rush Action Park,” megapolis, the WoW theme park, and Lucille Wonderland from Aura Group are among the special offerings included in the Holiday Gift Guide. Families can benefit from additional promotions provided by Gulf Adventures, Doha Game City, Doha Oasis, desert Falls Adventure Park, and Water Games, as well as night camping offerings.
A number of specials continue to be offered by hotels like Katara Hills, Missan Doha, Al Rayyan Hotel, and Chidi Katara Hotel & Resort, including packages for lodging, health clubs, and dining. The "Eid” gift guide also includes shopping deals from the Blue Salon, Al Salam Stores, Al Shaab group, and other retailers to help you wrap up the holiday in the best way possible with discounts for shopping and enjoying delectable food in Qatar.