Qatar residents and visitors will have the chance to savour the winter weather this weekend on the Doha Corniche with an array of family-friendly entertainment activities, culinary treats, and fireworks display, organised by Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA).
In a statement, QTA said these outdoor festivities from January 12 to 14 are part of its month-long Shop Qatar festival aimed at supporting local community initiatives and businesses.
The area surrounding Qatar’s iconic ‘Orry the Oryx’ mascot will feature a number of booths and activities presented by Qatari entrepreneurs and organisations.
Members of the Bedaya Centre will sell locally-made delicacies while 10 food trucks and stalls will serve local cuisines and snacks from 4.30 -10.30pm.
Organisers have also set up several seating areas for visitors who will be spending their weekend with families, friends or colleagues.
“The first edition of Shop Qatar showcases the best of what the country has to offer in terms of retail and entertainment,” QTA’s public relations and communication director Saif al-Kuwari told a press briefing yesterday.
“In all of our plans, we ensure tourism events are rooted in Qatari heritage, and we also strive to support community initiatives by offering them a popular platform through QTA festivals to reach a broader audience,” stressed al-Kuwari, as he urged residents and visitors to take advantage of the unique family offerings for three days.
The festivities on the Doha Corniche will also feature music parades, stilt walkers, illusionist shows, Ardha dance and other entertainers performing throughout the day, according to al-Kuwari.
He said four daily screenings of episodes of Siraf, set up by Qatar Foundation, will provide “edutainment” to a large number of children who will be coming to watch the film, in addition to the mobile library at the venue.
Shop Qatar, dubbed as ‘A Brand New Tradition’, started on January 7 and will run until February 7 to offer shoppers discounts on popular brands, access to local designer products through an array of pop-up shops, and raffle draws with cash prizes worth QR4mn.
The festival also features a rich schedule of entertainment that caters to a variety of ages and interests. Arab singing sensations Majid al-Muhandis and Hussain al-Jassmi will perform on January 20 and 27 while the final weekend promises to thrill audiences with the Broadway musical CATS as well as the first ever winter edition of Doha Comedy Festival.
