Eid Festival kicks off in grand style

CATHERINE W GICHUKI Doha Qatar’s first-ever Eid Al Fitr Festival kicked off at Doha Corniche on Tuesday with a variety of entertainment activities. The fi...

CATHERINE W GICHUKIDoha Qatar’s first-ever Eid Al Fitr Festival kicked off at Doha Corniche on Tuesday with a variety of entertainment activities.The first day of the three-day festival, organised by Qatar Tourism, saw a massive crowd turning up at Doha Corniche to enjoy the Eid festivities.People from all walks of life, both young and old, were treated to a delightful carnival featuring stage performances, roaming artistes, fireworks and fun-filled activities. The festival also featured games, food trucks and kiosks which climaxed with a spectacular display of fireworks that lit up the Doha sky.All roads leading to Doha Corniche starting from the Metro stations were choc-a-bloc with people wanting to have a glimpse of the spectacular event.Renowned Iraqi artist Mahmoud Al Turki enthralled the audience during the live musical performance. Top Qatari artist Nasser Al Kubaisi together with Al Khor band will entertain the crowd on Wednesday (May 4). The last day of the festival (May 5) will see Sultan Khalifa ‘Hagrous’ from Saudi entertain the festival goers.However due to unfavourable weather conditions, the long-awaited giant balloon parade was cancelled.The event is estimated to attract between 10,000 and 15,000 visitors daily during the three days of the Eid Al Fitr festival.Yasmin, a festival goer, said the event was entertaining and it was great to witness the festival. “I am happy to spend Eid with my family here. We enjoyed watching the fireworks and the balloon parade. The event is a great get-away for Eid,” Yasmin told Qatar Tribune.Janet, another visitor said that this was her first year in Qatar and she was glad to watch the spectacular display of fireworks.In a statement, Qatar Tourism Head of Marketing and Planning department Hessa Al Thani said, “Qatar Tourism is pleased to bring back large-scale events that are open and accessible to everyone, especially on this joyous occasion of Eid. We’re particularly proud to bring to Qatar a new show not yet experienced in the region. Furthermore, we are pleased that this festival will support and benefit partners across the tourism and hospitality sector.” For his part, Qatar Tourism Acting Head of Events and Festivals Technical Support Section Hamad Al Khaja said, “We are delighted to celebrate Eid in Qatar with the residents and visitors of Qatar, having paused for some time owing to the pandemic. We are also continuing our tradition of hosting family-friendly events, bringing multiple activities that suit every age and that align with our culture and traditions. The Eid Al Fitr Festival will continue until May 5.It is worth noting that Doha Corniche has been pedestrianised to allow residents and visitors to experience one of the capital city’s most-loved thoroughfares in a new and exciting way. Qatar Tourism is working with its partners at the Ministry of Interior and Ashghal to deliver safe proceedings throughout the Eid Al-Fitr festivities taking place along a 1.4 km stretch of the Doha CornicheIn order to facilitate movement of individuals to Corniche, alternative means of transportation are available. There are 37 metro stations in Qatar, including 7 that directly lead to Corniche such as (Al-Bidda, Doha Corniche, and West Bay), in addition the second ring road and the third ring bus service on the Corniche. There will also be areas designated for pedestrians, and 7 new facilities for “Park and Ride” available near the metro stations such as the Education City, Al Qassar, and Al Wakra.