Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) has lined up an “exciting” array of recreational activities for this year’s Eid Festival that is also designed to make the country a leading family holiday destination.
Eid Festival 2013, which features a range of activities and events to suit all ages, will be launched on the first day of Eid al-Fitr and run for 10 days in shopping centres, the Doha Exhibition Center, Souq Waqif, Katara Cultural Village, in addition to many other locations outside Doha.
Concurrent with the festival, QTA said it will resume its promotional campaign that had debuted last month, “which is targeting neighbouring countries”.
The campaign promotes Qatar as a “unique” tourist destination combining security, adherence to customs and traditions while offering extensive art and cultural facilities, hotels and restaurants, shopping centres and places of recreation and entertainment for families.
This year’s activities and events will include sports, culture and entertainment to suit all ages.
“The increased participation of institutions and private companies adds to the activities available for families to experience during the holiday period,” a QTA press release said yesterday. “All of these developments are sure to provide an atmosphere of joy and delight in Qatar during the holiday period for residents and tourists,” it added.
Commenting on the preparations, Qatar Tourism Authority chairman Issa Mohamed al-Mohannadi said: “We look forward with great excitement to welcoming citizens, residents and tourists to enjoy the Eid Festival programme prepared by Qatar Tourism Authority and regulated institutions and sponsors across the country.”
He thanked “all of the ministries and public and private institutions that will participate or provide support to the Eid festival, through sponsorship or organisation of events”.
According to him, the organisation of such events is part of QTA’s efforts to position Qatar as a leading tourism destination in line with world-class standards.
“Qatar will be the destination of choice for families during the festival. The programme of activities will last 10 days in shopping centres, and more than 35 days in the Doha Exhibition Center, including events, artistic performances and cultural and recreational activities,” he said.
The shows, organised by QTA in the malls for a period of 10 days, will be free of charge.
QTA will also host activities, games and entertainment at the Doha Exhibition Center beginning the first day of Eid and continuing until September 15. Visitors can win instant prizes and shop at a wide range of stores to buy gifts for their families as well as household items. Free gifts will also be offered. Entrance to the Doha Exhibition Center is free, with food, beverages and games available for purchase.
Qatar Tourism Authority will host shows in the following malls: City Center, Al Khor, Lagoona, Hyatt Plaza, Landmark and Villaggio for 10 days at various times from 1pm -10pm. Shows will feature international and traditional acts.
In addition to the events organised by Qatar Tourism Authority, the following institutions will offer activities and exhibitions during the holiday period: Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage, Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, Ministry of Environment, Souq Waqif, Katara Cultural Village, Museum of Islamic Art, The Pearl-Qatar, Qatar Shooting & Archery Association, Souq Al-Rayyan, Aqua Park Qatar, Qatar Air Sports Committee (paragliding, for the first time), Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum and Al Dosari Garden and Protectorate.
Reflecting the customs and traditions of the state, representatives of Qatar Tourism Authority will welcome guests arriving for a holiday vacation from neighbouring countries at the airport and the Abu Samra border crossing.
Representatives will also distribute maps and events programmes as well as brochures about various sites in the country.
The latest information on the holiday activities and events will be available throughout the month via QTA social media channels on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.