By Joey Aguilar/Staff Reporter
A senior official of Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) has expressed confidence that the live ticketed concerts led by renowned artistes and performers in the region will enthral spectators on August 27 and 28.
“Saad Lamjarred is a superstar,” QTA festivals and events director Mashal Shahbik told Gulf Times. “His video which he uploaded on Youtube in May got 90mn hits and that is only nearly three months ago.”
The live ticketed concerts which will be staged at the Hamad al-Attiyah Arena are part of the Qatar Summer Festival (QSF) 2015 organised by QTA.
Shahbik said they want to do “a good mix” of the event, describing the four artistes (Lamjarred, Asala Nasri, Balqees Fathi, and Rabeh Saqer) as “the best among the rest.” She also announced that the tickets will go on sale starting this Sunday.
“We didn’t go blind. We wanted something that would fit our strategy: fun and yet it is still conservative,” she pointed out. “And we wanted Arabic singers from the GCC to perform here.”
Citing positive feedbacks from residents and groups, Shahbik said they have been receiving many calls, SMS and e-mails from people who want to buy tickets and watch the concerts.
The QTA senior official also said that the 7,000-capacity arena they have chosen is “an ideal and amazing” venue for the concerts.
About the ‘Comedy Show,’ renowned comedians in the region are also expected to wow and entertain the crowd at the event taking place at the Qatar National Convention Centre on August 29 at 8pm. Tickets are already on sale.
“We usually focus on children’s activities and shows so these concerts are for the adult category,” Shahbik said.
For the QSF shopping promotions, QTA will hold its first weekly raffle draw today at Ezdan Mall between 7.30pm and 8.30pm. Prizes at stake include one BMW 7 Series, one Mini Cooper, a QR50,000 cheque, and a QR10,000 cheque.
Shoppers who spend QR200 at any store in participating malls will be eligible to enter a raffle draw.
About the response of visitors at the Entertainment City (Doha Exhibition Centre), Shahbik said the number has been increasing from day one to four.
“We are asking people and they say they are enjoying the activities and attractions. You would notice the parking lot at DEC is always full,” she noted.
Rides, live stage performances, skill and carnival games, and attractions continue to attract visitors particularly those from Saudi Arabia and other GCC countries.
The Entertainment City is open from Saturday to Wednesday (1pm to 11pm) and from Thursday to Friday (1pm to 12midnight) until August 31.
About extending the hotel promotions until the Eid al-Adha celebrations, Shahbik said members of the hospitality industry usually develop some special packages during these events.
QTA also partnered with Al Rayyan TV for the “Sabah Rabah” social media competition which engages viewers to answer questions about touristic hot spots and topics in Qatar. Daily prizes are at stake for giving the correct answers.
Fun rides at the Entertainment City attract young visitors. PICTURES: Shaji Kayamkulam
