MoI officials announcing ‘Eid al-Adha Fest 2014 for Communities’ yesterday.
By Joey Aguilar/Staff Reporter
Cultural performances and shows will be the highlight of the “Eid al-Adha Fest 2014 for Communities” on October 4 being organised by the Ministry of Interior (MoI) for various expatriate communities in the country.
MoI’s Community Policing Department expects some 8,000 spectators for its entertainment show at the Al Khor Sports Club and 16,000 at the West End Park amphitheatre.
At a press conference at the Office of Civil Defence headquarters yesterday, MoI officials announced they are organising both events to provide a “mega entertainment programme” that caters to thousands of families and bachelors in Qatar.
Indian, Nepalese, Sri Lankan, Pakistani, Bangladeshi and Indonesian communities will present numerous traditional dances and songs for the festivity backed by the “Singing Birds Orchestra” and the Sariga Orchestra Troupe.”
“Expatriate community members are our partners in nation building process and this programme has been organised as an appreciation for their support,” said Lt. Col. Ahmed Zayed al-Muhannadi, director of Community Policing Department at MoI. He was joined by Community Policing officer Lt. Col. Ghanim Saad al-Khayarin, Lt. Shaheen Rashid al-Atheeq from the Public Relations department and Community Reach Out Office coordinator Faisal al-Hudawi.
Some of the performances will include traditional, folk and modern songs and dances, as well as drumming sessions and costume shows, from the six expatriate communities.
A football match and a tug of war competition will take place at the Al Khor stadium from 3pm while the main performances will be held at the sports club.
Spectators will have the chance to win prizes at the two venues (100 at West End Park and 50 at Al Khor Sports Club) from a raffle draw sponsored by Malabar Gold. Besides the special gifts for children, MoI will also give another set of prizes.
Al-Muhannadi said the celebration is a unique opportunity to watch cultural performances and shows of different nationalities in one place.
“The MoI has been reaching out to the expatriate communities members throughout the year from a long time and there are constant communication and programs between the Ministry and the community members,” he added.
The entertainment programmes will showcase the cultural diversity of each country through the live performances on stage, according to expatriate community leaders who attended the press conference yesterday.
Some of the communities have invited artistes from their homeland to perform at the festivity while others have tapped their local talents in Qatar.
Al-Muhannadi has urged expatriates to attend and fully support the initiative catered mainly for them.
