Several entertainment shows, fireworks, and cultural performances will mark the start of ‘Summer in Qatar (SiQ)’ programme in various locations throughout the Eid al-Fitr, Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC) has announced.
“We want to focus on providing entertainment options for all segments of society which is evident from our selection of activations and events (in this edition of SiQ),” QNTC’s chief marketing officer Rashed al-Qurese said on the sidelines of a media roundtable.
He cited the support of more than 30 partners in the public and private sectors who are set to provide a wide range of offerings especially in urban and family entertainment.
Such efforts, al-Qurese noted, continue to help create year-round tourism programme and promote Qatar as a preferred destination for families domestically and internationally.
SiQ kicks off with the opening of its centrepiece and family-favourite, ‘The Entertainment City’ at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre, which is expected to attract many festival and holiday-goers.
The 29,000sqm facility returns this year with amusement rides, skill and video games, live entertainment shows for all ages, food, and pop-up shops from the first day of Eid until July 13.
Participating malls have prepared special entertainment shows and roaming activities for free to welcome an influx of visitors during the holidays.
Movie-goers will have the opportunity to ‘Meet & Greet’ with characters from movies premiering this summer: Toy Story 4, Spider Man – Far From Home and Angry Birds 2, as well as Captain Marvel, Hulk, Tom & Jerry, Titan the Robot, Ant Man, Black Panther, and Ugly Dolls.
Jeem TV & Baraem TV will also be doing live shows from various malls.
In addition, many of the partner malls will be offering unique entertainment and edutainment programmes for different age groups: Aladdin show on Eid al-Fitr &The Little Mermaid on Eid al-Adha at Lagoona Mall; Family Fun Circus on Eid al-Fitr and different edutainment activities throughout summer, including Fitness Fridays classes at Mirqab Mall; Toon weekend in June, Sports Mania from June to July and Heritage week in July at Tawar Mall; and Dora and Ice Age sing along events, superheroes costume competitions, and meet and greet with Justice League at Mall of Qatar.
Al Khor Mall will feature children’s activities, along with cultural performances of Arda, Arabic Dabke and Tannoura dance while Hyatt Plaza will host folklore shows (Palestinian and Jordanian) and ‘A Cinderella Story’ stage show on August 11 to 15.
Doha Festival City will host the ‘Original Monopoly Human Sized Game’ during Eid al-Fitr and special activations through summer at Trimoo Parks. There will also be activities at Angry Birds World, eSports competitions at Virtuocity, and the opening of its new snow themed park Snow Dunes in July.
Eid (Fitr and Adha) celebrations will also witness cultural performances, family shows, musical acts, and fireworks at Katara – the Cultural Village, Souq Waqif, and Souq Al Wakrah.
Special shows for kids will be staged at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC): ‘Smurfs’ from July 18 to 20, ‘Hello Kitty’ from July 25 to 27, and Blue Man from August 14 to 17.
SiQ will also witness performances by Bollywood celebrities at the Bollywood Music Festival from June 21 to 22 at the Lusail Indoor Arena; EDM artist and DJ-producer Marshmello on July 25 at QNCC (first time in Qatar) and Arabic music sensation Kadim al Sahir from August 16 to 17 at QNCC.
World renowned comedians are also set to perform again this year at the Doha Comedy Festival on July 12 at QNCC.
In partnership with Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Culture and Sports, Qatar Foundation, Qatar Museums, Aspire Zone Foundation, and Katara, among others, SiQ also includes season-long summer camps, classes and fun activities for different age groups aimed at keeping children and youths active through sports, art and science classes.
