Sealine Beach has been a favourite holiday destination in Qatar for years, and this Eid al-Fitr was no exception.

Welcoming both domestic and international tourists, the popular beach and its surrounding areas recorded a huge turnout of visitors this Eid holiday.

Visitors of different ages flocked to the beach to swim, play some football or other games, or simply relax with family and friends, while some took to the sand dunes for a desert safari or camel ride. All this was accompanied by some good food, whether brought from home, cooked (barbeque) on the spot or purchased from the many eateries located in the area.

The activities in the Sealine area, according to a report by local Arabic daily Arrayah, went on until dawn during the holiday period.

The public was reminded of the need to maintain hygiene and keep and beach and surrounding areas clean. Cleaning personnel deployed by the Ministry of Municipality were also available to keep the place tidy.

Many tourism agencies took advantage of the occasion by launching special Sealine packages that started from QR170 per person. Such packages included a camel ride, desert safari and meals. The resorts and tents also announced packages starting from QR700, according to the daily.

The tour operators told Arrayah that some 70% of the visitors who availed of the packages were Qatar residents belonging to various nationalities, while the remaining 30% were citizens and residents of other GCC and foreign countries.

Mohamed Hassan, representing a tourism company, said the turnout this year went up by 100% due to the pleasant weather in the area. He added that the offers and social media campaigns also drew many to the area where hundreds enjoyed the camel ride and safari during the vacation.

Abdullah Ghuloom, another tour operator, said tourism companies made great efforts to provide enjoyable services to tourists and residents during the holiday period.

“The four-wheel-drive vehicles that are equipped with all safety means find many takers at Sealine,” he said, adding that the drive through the sand dunes from Sealine to Khor Al Udaid is enjoyed by most of the visitors, who enjoy the terrain while taking a break from the busy city life.

“The feedback from visitors is positive as they enjoy watching the sand dunes, and the adventure of riding on them,” he noted.