The region’s first-ever giant balloon parade will be held from 4.30pm to 5.30pm during the Eid Festival taking place at the Doha Corniche from May 3 to 5.
Besides the giant balloon parade, the festival organised by Qatar Tourism (QT) will feature daily concerts, marching band, fireworks displays, carnival games and food stalls.
In an infographic, Qatar Tourism said it is expecting between 10,000 and 15,000 visitors daily during the three-day event, which will run from 4pm to 11pm on each day.
Elaborating on the giant balloon parade, the Visit Qatar website of Qatar Tourism says: "A high-energy entertainment featuring giant balloon parades and live entertainment for everyone in the family (from enthused children to nostalgic adults). The parade will be populated by giant classic cartoon character balloons alongside symbols of Qatar’s ecology and cultural diversity (think bulging whale sharks and beautiful traditional dhow boats). There will be plenty more surprises in store, and everyone’s assured of an unimpeded view."
Meanwhile, top artistes from the Arab world will perform in Qatar during the festival. "Experience spectacular musical nights, hear your favourite songs, and let the artistes light up the festivities of Eid," the website says.
The concerts will feature Mahmoud al-Turki on May 3, Nasser al-Kubeissi on May 4 and Sultan Khalifa on May 5.
As for other attractions, Qatar Tourism says: "Enjoy daily fireworks displays, carnival games and food stalls with your friends and family during the festivities of Eid. Sample some of the world’s most delicious dishes with a varied range of vendors simply by sauntering down the Corniche."
Qatar Tourism has shared the daily schedule of events, which is as follows:
* Crowd entrance and lineup from 3pm
* Giant balloon parade from 4.30pm to 5.30pm
* Concert from 7.30pm to 9pm
* Fireworks display at 9pm
* Games and activities/roaming performers from 5.30pm to 11pm
* Helium balloon showcase from 5.30pm to 11pm
According to a recent announcement by Qatar Tourism, the Doha Corniche will be pedestrianised over the course of the festival, to allow residents and visitors to experience one of the capital city’s most-loved thoroughfares in a “new and exciting way”.
QT is working with its partners at the Ministry of Interior and Public Works Authority (Ashghal) to deliver safe proceedings throughout the Eid al-Fitr festivities taking place along a 1.4km stretch of the Doha Corniche.
In order to facilitate the movement of individuals to the Corniche, alternative means of transportation will be available. There are 37 Metro stations in Qatar, including seven that directly lead to the Corniche, such as Al Bidda, Doha Corniche and West Bay, in addition to the B-Ring Road and C-Ring Road bus services on the Corniche.
 
 
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