Apart from providing a wide range of entertainment options, the ‘Summer in Qatar (SiQ)’ programme which runs from June 4 to August 16 boosts local spending, an official of Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC) has said.
SiQ 2019, the biggest in the country so far, offers an array of promotions and huge discounts from retailers at various participating malls, hotels, and other business establishments.
Qatar Airways is also giving away 25% discount on flights to Doha until August 15, along with 25% discount on Al Maha Airport meet and assist / lounge services.
“We focus on a season as opposed to time-based festival. We actually removed the word festival because it is more of a season,” QNTC’s chief marketing officer Rashed al-Qurese said.


The Aladdin live show at Lagoona Mall was a big hit


Residents and visitors in large numbers witness the fireworks display at Katara - the Cultural Village during the Eid festivities


Giant mascots entertain young visitors at Al Khor Mall

He added that QNTC aims to provide entertainment options for all segments of society, giving residents a selection of activations and events, and also to increase local spending.
Katara Hospitality is also offering an exclusive 40% discount for the residents of Qatar, Oman and Kuwait; and 25% discount for other guests from its 12 hotels. 
Shoppers can get up to 70% discount across nine participating malls, and gives them a raffle coupon for every QR200 spent. 
This qualified them for the raffle draws, which will give away QR2mn worth of cash prizes and a MacLaren car as the grand prize
“We wrap this all with a lot of offers throughout summer,” al-Qurese said, adding that citizens of more than 80 countries can also enter Qatar visa-free.
An e-notification system has been introduced earlier by the Ministry of Interior, in cooperation with QNTC, giving people who want to visit Qatar this summer visa upon arrival free of charge. 
It is learnt that retailers across various locations in the country got a windfall from the recently-held Eid al-Fitr celebrations, which also form part of SiQ, in collaboration with over 30 partners from the public and private sectors.
QNTC also announced that Qatar Museums Culture Pass members can avail discounts on SiQ activities, retail, and access to cultural and community classes.
Special summer deals are also on offer at theme parks across Qatar such as Trimoo Parks, Kidzania, Virtuocity, Angry Birds World and Snow Dunes (opens mid-July) at Doha Festival City; KidzMondo Doha at Mall of Qatar, Megapolis and Minipolis at The Pearl-Qatar, Circusland at Landmark Mall, Go Fun and Power Loads at Gulf Mall, and Bounce at Tawar Mall.
Retailers and food stalls at SiQ’s centrepiece and family-favourite – the Summer Entertainment City at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre – also received a large number of customers during the Eid holidays. 

Summer in Qatar keeps momentum following Eid festivities 

SiQ activities were off to an exciting start, with residents enjoying Eid festivities at Souq Waqif, Souq Al Wakrah, and Katara – the Cultural Village. 
Crowds flocked to participating malls across Doha and in Al Khor to enjoy a wide range of entertainment activities. With high footfall at malls, 6,000 vouchers have been submitted for a chance to win the McLaren 570S or any of the cash prizes worth a total of QR2mn. 
According to QNTC, residents and visitors still have plenty of activities and entertainment events to look forward to throughout the summer season. 
Doha Comedy Night with Indian comedian Zakir Khan will tickle audiences’ bones on June 13, while football lovers can enjoy screenings of Copa America at DHFC starting June 14. 
Tickets are on sale for Hello Kitty and the Smurfs Live on Stage shows which children can enjoy in July, in addition to the Bollywood Music Festival, which takes place on June 21. 
Visitors and residents can also continue to benefit from enticing hospitality deals and retail offers until August 16.
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