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Various parts of Doha and its adjoining areas witnessed severe traffic congestion as people visited malls, markets and other commercial centres in large numbers to make last-minute purchases on the eve of Eid al-Fitr yesterday. |
Personnel from the Traffic Department, Lekhwiya and Al Fazaa were deployed in various key locations to manage the flow of traffic.
Traffic was particularly heavy on roads leading to and around Landmark as well as on Al Waab Street, which was used by a large number of people to reach Villaggio and Hyatt Plaza. The car parking areas of the malls were full and many were forced to park their vehicles at a distance and walk .
A similar situation was seen in areas surrounding City Center Doha with traffic congestion affecting all neighbouring localities and streets in Al Dafna. Heavy traffic was also witnessed around major market areas, such as central Doha, D-Ring Road near The Mall and LuLu Hypermarket, Salwa Road intersection with C-Ring Road and the area around Midmac roundabout.
Markets and malls saw hectic activity and large crowds as people sought to make the most of special offers.
The shops are offering various types of goods, including food materials, sweets, clothes and shoes, at competitive prices in order to attract customers.
Business activities have been picking up during the last few days of Ramadan. Shops had stocked up on large quantities of foodstuff, meat, chicken, fish, rice, fruits and vegetables, among other items, to meet the huge demand for such goods during Eid.
Some citizens said the prices of these products were reasonable due to the special offers and discounts given by the malls and markets.
Souq Waqif witnessed heavy crowds as people gathered to buy sweets, cakes and coffee, among other products.
Other markets and commercial centres saw brisk business in toys, juices, rugs, carpets, furniture and even air tickets as a large number of people would be travelling abroad on vacation in the coming days.
