Pic: Salim Matramkot / The Peninsula
Doha: One of the much-awaited events in the tourism calendar of the country, Balloon Festival is scheduled to begin this weekend. And to ensure easier access to the Old Doha Port, the venue for the festival, the Ministry of Transport has begun the public transportation arrangement.
With over 50 hot air balloons from around the world expected to make an appearance, the festival will begin at 4pm tomorrow, Thursday, January 19, 2023. Visitors will be able to enjoy tethered balloon fights, food trucks, live music and vibrant nightglow showcase until 10pm.
To reach the festival that runs till January 28, 2023, Karwa Bus 831 is made available using which passengers can get down at Opera Bus stop, a few-minute walk from the festival venue.
In case if Doha Metro is the preferred mode of transportation, then Souq Waqif Metro Station on Gold Line is at about 30-minute walk from the port. Alternatively one could also use the Karwa Taxi or the other ride-sharing services to get off directly at the Old Doha Port.
Meanwhile at the festival, the public can avail a hot air balloon flight for a reduced price of QR499, which can be purchased via the festival’s website, qatarballoonfestival.com or at the festival’s exclusive partner asfary.com. The 30 to 45-minute flight is available during morning, from this month until March.
Around 4,000 to 5,000 people are expected to attend daily during the course of the 10-day festival.
