Visitors enjoy the fireworks at Katara as part of Eid Al Fitr celebrations. Pic: Baher Amin / The Peninsula
DOHA: Eid Al Fitr, that marked the culmination of the holy month of Ramadan, was celebrated with full fervor in Qatar. Malls, parks, beaches and other public places were filled with people who were dressed in the best clothes to match their festive mood.
Visitors during the Eidiyet event at Katara. Pic: Baher Amin / The Peninsula
The festivities were doubled as Eid has coincided with FIFA World Cup this year, giving soccer lovers opportunity to enjoy matches in specially created Fan Zones across Doha.
The first day of Eid started with Eid prayers performed in early morning at the different Eid gahs and mosques across the country where people were present in a large number. The homes were decorated to welcome their guests who came for exchange greetings. Children made the most of Eid by collecting gifts from elders and going out for different entertainment programme.
Eid prayers organised at Abu Bakr Siddiq Independent School in Doha, yesterday. Pic: Salim Matramkot / The Peninsula
Many fun-filled activities were planned in advance by the authorities to make this Eid a memorable experience.
Qatar Tourism Authority’s fifth edition of Qatar Summer Festival (QSF) has kicked off from Thursday. From the first to the fifth day of Eid Al Fitr, the participating malls in the festival have planned special free entertainment shows for shoppers and families looking for some indoor fun.
Dora’s Friendship Fiesta Show at Mall of Qatar. Pic: Abdul Basit / The Peninsula
The shows are being performed three times a day on rotation at all participating malls. The participating malls include Al Khor Mall, Al Mirqab Mall, B Square Mall, Doha Festival City, Gulf Mall, Hyatt Plaza, Landmark Mall and Mall of Qatar. Lagoona Mall is also participating with special World Cup activities, allowing shoppers to watch the tournaments matches live. Many families headed to the Entertainment City set up at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre.
Spread out over the expansive ground floor of the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre, the City’s key features include the worlds largest bouncy castle, an 18-hole mini-golf course, an ice skating rink, exciting rides, skill games, video games, as well as live entertainment shows.
For many soccer lovers, this Eid is different from previous years. The football world cup has coincided with Eid and authorities have set up Fan Zones Entry where entry is free and they are hosting entertainment and fun activities for the whole family.
Fans enjoyed live matches yesterday at Qatar Fan Zone at Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena in Al Sadd and Aspire Fan Zone FIFA 2018 Russia World Cup at Khalifa International Stadium. Many families preferred to celebrate Eid night at beaches and parks away from the glitz of malls.
Five major beaches in Qatar have been renovated with shades, cafeterias, washrooms and green areas to welcome visitors during this Eid holidays. Corniche of Al Wakrah City, Al Shamal Corniche, Corniche of Al Khor City, Semaisima Beach and Doha Corniche have been equipped with new facilities.
Abdullah Al Mamoon, Member of Srabon Orchestra, enthrals audience at the Eid celebrations organised by the Ministry of Interior at the Labour City near Asian Town in Industrial Area, on the first day of Eid. Pic: Salim Matramkot / The Peninsula
Authorities have also planned entertainment programme for labours. The Ministry of Interior yesterday organised Eid celebrations at Labour City near Asian Town at Industrial Area and Barwa Community at Al Khor. The programme included many entertainment activities along with shorts educational talks on the rights labours. To make the event more engaging, question-answer sessions were also held where winner were given gifts.
