Siege fails to put a damper on Eid events

Citizens, residents and visitors from around the world continue to enjoy Eid al-Fitr in Qatar despite the siege imposed by some neighbouring countries.
“The State of Qatar remains a preferred destination for many people from the GCC and around the world despite the siege. This is mainly due to the good hospitality of the Qatari society and their welcoming manner. It is also due to the strong efforts made by State institutions and private ones to ensure that Eid remains a special occasion,” the official Qatar News Agency (QNA) said yesterday.
A wide variety of events are being held “with the goal of maintaining a joyful atmosphere during these blessed days”.
Many streets, parks, and malls have been specially decorated in the spirit of Eid. At Souq Waqif, for instance, one can find different festivals and events taking place – ranging from art-related ones to different forms of entertainment. “There is a family tent filled with games for children of all ages, receiving visitors on all Eid days throughout the day. There are also special plays performed for children,” the report notes.
Souq Al Wakrah has a large tent enough to fit 700 people. The tent hosts a musical titled ‘Sea Mermaid’, which adopts many of the latest sound and lighting techniques and is dedicated to children and family members. The show is an hour long, performed twice a day on all Eid days. There are a wide variety of games available for children as well.
At Katara-the Cultural Village, the Eid al-Fitr festival continues with a focus on celebrating Arab heritage, while Aspire Zone is holding a sports festival with a wide variety of events. Qatar Tourism Authority has teamed up with various partners to hold the summer festival, giving residents as well as visitors a lot to choose from this Eid.
Other institutions, sports clubs and youth centres of the Ministry of Culture and Sports are also hosting wide-ranging events to celebrate Eid.
At Qatar Sports Club, the 30th Eid festival is taking place in co-operation with Qatar Voluntary Centre. This year’s event is being held under the theme of ‘Tamim Al Majd’ (Tamim is Glory.) The festival organisers are holding a number of games and will hand out trophies and gifts to the winners.
Science activities organised by Qatar Science Club have started at Mall of Qatar and include a full programme of science shows, the 3D dome, a learning station, 3D printing and robot making. The activities will continue throughout the Eid holidays.
Al Kaaban Youth Centre has held a two-day Eid al-Fitr festival, including entertainment activities, children’s games and gift distribution among families and visitors of the Al Kaaban area. In addition, Al Jumayliyah Youth Centre has held a children’s festival with a diverse programme and gifts for winners and visitors.
Different malls around Doha, such as Mall of Qatar, Hyatt Plaza, City Centre Doha, Ezdan Mall, Lagoona Mall and Dar Al Salam Mall, are organising various attractive entertainment shows for children and families. Each shopping centre offers a variety of entertainment and educational activities, while The Pearl-Qatar too has come up with fun-filled activities.
Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre is hosting the Entertainment City, which comprises events, live shows, games and other attractions.
Aqua Park is also celebrating Eid with fun and entertaining activities for those interested in water games. Eid activities continue with parasailing tours from Sealine to Mesaieed, museum tours and other activities offered to all families in Qatar and abroad, QNA adds.