Child star actor Hala Turk with actors Nasser Mohammad and Najwa al-Kubeisi at a rehearsal for the Arabic play The Wrestler.
By Joey Aguilar
Staff Reporter
Cultural and family entertainment shows for all ages will take centre stage at various malls and other venues across Qatar to celebrate Eid al-Adha starting on Thursday.
Organised by Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) and its public and private sector partners, this year’s festival themed “Capture the Joy” is expected to attract a large number of visitors locally and from neighbouring GCC countries such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
One of the highlights of the five-day celebration is the “Frozen Sing-along” which will feature Elsa and Ana who will engage spectators to sing the film’s popular songs with them.
“QTA’s annual Eid festival helps boost inbound tourism by targeting and attracting visitors from around the GCC looking for a get-away in a destination with shared culture and heritage full of family-friendly entertainment options,” said QTA festival and events director Mashal Shahbik.
In line with this year’s theme, QTA has also launched two social media competitions with the hashtags #ForYourEyesOnly and #EmoJoy where participants try to guess images related to the joy of Eid as well as sharing their own joyous moments for a chance to win prizes.
QTA brings back its exclusive family shows at malls which include Play ‘Doh set at Hyatt Plaza and Aladdin at City Center Doha. Bob the Builder will be staged at Dar Al Salam Mall while the famous Dora the Explorer will perform at Ezdan Mall to entertain families, particularly children.
At Lagoona Mall, visitors will have the chance to see Cinderella live on stage while those in Al Khor Mall can watch the Kid’s Circus show.
Participating malls will host roaming shows between 4pm and 10pm. These will include the Al Ardah traditional dance; Arabs Got Talent finalist show; Snoopy; Mr. Dropsy and The Bellboy; and Jig & Saw, along with face paintings, Balloonatics and a circus parade, among others.
QTA has also sponsored a theatrical performance titled The Wrestler, an Arabic play featuring child star actor Hala Turk and actors Nasser Mohammad and Najwa al-Kubeisi.
The show will be staged at the Qatar National Theatre from 6pm to 8pm and tickets cost QR50, QR100, QR 200, QR 300, and up to QR500.
QTA’s partners such as Souq Waqif will host a variety of cultural and entertainment shows. Organised by Sout Al Rayyan, in partnership with the Private Engineering Office, the daily musical performances will be staged at the Al Ahmed Square to welcome and entertain visitors.
Katara – the Cultural Village will feature live entertainment shows from 6.30pm and a spectacular fireworks display at 9.30pm.
Various sports events and adventures await people and families who want to spend the Eid holidays in an active mood.
At Aspire Zone, visitors can do cycling, horse riding, and boat-paddling and those who want to try clay target shooting may visit the Lusail Shooting Club from 4pm to 8pm.
The Pearl-Qatar, United Development Company’s flagship project, also prepared a number of entertainment shows for families this Eid for three nights such as bubble show, face painting, balloon twisting, ‘Paint Me’ art workshop, cupcake decoration for children, wall drawing and arts and crafts workshop, and a theatre show. Parents can also join some of the related recreational activities.
At Sealine beach, visitors can go for the aerial paragliding tours between 3pm and 8pm organised by Qatar Air Sports Committee.
Al Dosari Zoo and Game Reserve will host exciting activities and shows from the second day of Eid while the Sheikh Faisal Museum is offering tours from 9am to 5pm.
As part of its ‘Kulinarya Qatar programme and to celebrate Eid, the Philippine embassy in Doha will hold the first-ever ‘Filipino Community Family Day’ from September 23 to 26 at Intercontinental Hotel Doha – The City between 9am and 11pm.
Aimed at promoting Filipino food and culture, the event will feature Filipino restaurants in Doha and products on sale, daily cultural shows, children activities and games, ice cream eating contest and other exciting contests, according to an embassy circular.
At Hamad International Airport (HIA), QTA representatives will distribute gifts and brochures to welcome visitors aimed at sharing the Eid spirit and promoting the annual festival.
Visitors arriving at HIA will also see celebration of World Tourism Day, which coincides with the last day of Eid al-Adha.
