Huge crowd at Lusail Boulevard to attend the Hello Asia event. (Courtesy: Lusail Festivals)
Doha, Qatar: Lusail Boulevard has come alive with the vibrant colours, sounds, and flavours of Asia as “Hello Asia” takes centre stage, offering visitors an immersive experience into the rich cultural tapestry of the 24 nations participating in the AFC Asian Cup.
From daily parades of nations to captivating performances of folkloric dance and music, the event showcases the best of each country, ranging from cuisine and instruments to iconic places. “Hello Asia” has become a gateway for attendees to learn more about the diverse cultures and traditions of Asia.
One standout pavilion is Thailand’s, where visitors can delve into Thai architecture, traditional instruments, and the iconic Tuk Tuk or samlor—a motorised rickshaw with three wheels.
Ambassador of Thailand to Qatar, H E Sira Swangsilpa, extended a warm invitation to all: “We would like to invite everyone to visit Thailand Pavilion, which is showcasing traditional Thai instruments, so visitors can get a glimpse of the Thai rhythm and sound. We also have video presentations of the fascinating places in Thailand and what tourists can expect when they travel to Thailand. Moreover, visitors can enjoy taking photos in our pavilion which is decorated with intricate Thai patterns,” he told The Peninsula.
Ambassador of Thailand to Qatar, H E Sira Swangsilpa (centre) along with other officials at the Thailand pavilion at 'Hello Asia'.
The pavilion serves as a testament to Thailand’s unique architecture, featuring captivating displays of traditional musical instruments and enticing promotional tourism videos. The initiative aligns with the Royal Thai Government’s commitment to promoting Thai culture, contributing to Thailand’s economic and tourism development.
Indonesia’s pavilion is also not to be missed, serving as a hub for Garuda fans with captivating parades, vibrant markets, ethnic cuisines, and colourful folklore performances. Head of the Socio-Culture Division at the Embassy of Indonesia in Qatar, Ali Murtado, stressed their commitment to presenting cultural performances across Qatar, showcasing Indonesia’s tourism, culture, and creative economy.
The 1.3 km stretch of Country Zone at Lusail Boulevard features a diverse array of nations, including Japan, Vietnam, Korea, India, China, Palestine, Qatar, UAE, Syria, and more. The boulevard offers a variety of family-friendly activities, including a dart zone, daily roaming shows, parades, dance and musical performances, stage acts, magic tricks, stilt walkers, face painting, and a virtual reality arcade.
The “Hello Asia” celebration will run until February 10, excluding match days at Lusail Stadium. It runs from 4pm until 11pm.
