Crowd witnessing street performers during Souq Waqif Eid Festival yesterday. PIC: Abdul Basit
As Qatar continues to offer a variety of spectacular Eid events in and around the country, a large number of visitors are flocking to the venues in Doha, Lusail City, and Katara.
However, the most-visited place, the Doha Corniche remains a jam-packed hub for expats, citizens, and tourists even during the Eid holidays.
The lengthy waterfront promenade witnessed several people, including families paving their way to the bustling site as the third day of Eid Al Fitr celebrations took place yesterday in the country.
Venturing into the breezy walkway of Doha Corniche, The Peninsula spoke to several people about their thoughts of visiting the epicenter of Qatar.
“It is a pleasant feeling unlike any other place to have a brisk walk and do my regular stretches,” said Kezia Angeline, a yoga instructor, who has been in Qatar since 2014 exercising “without a break”.
The 4.3 miles-long footpath enables her to match the skill set required to vitalise and passionately encourage her students to do the same as she says “I’ve been coming here daily in the mornings and evenings to do my sessions and I count it very fortunate because we have every facility here to make us fit for the day.”
With the ongoing Eid celebrations in Qatar, the mega park carnival continues to captivate children and families across the country as the event is held at Al Bidda Park, which is located adjacent to the Doha Corniche.
Street performers in action on the second day of Souq Waqif Eid Festival yesterday. Pic: Abdul Basit
Numerous families were also seen walking down the road after the carnival to enjoy the airy Corniche Street that offers an excellent view of the West Bay towers and to watch the fireworks.
Nihal, an entrepreneur visiting the arena said that “We came here for the carnival and thought to stop by at the Corniche because kids were excited for both the carnival and the fireworks and they can’t wait for it to begin.”
The expat, a 16-year resident of Doha added that “A get-together like this with family comes occasionally so have to make the most of it and the first place that comes to our mind is the Corniche. I have seen it evolve over the past decade – it is incredible.”
The view of skyscrapers and the waterfront at the Corniche has been an emphatic experience for the community over the years with several activities unfolding including Qatar National Day and National Sport Day in the country.
Apart from families, migrant workers and laborers expressed their views jubilantly. “There are so many reasons why I still come to the Corniche for the last 2 years since I first came for work,” said Ali Mustafa, an expatriate from Bangladesh who works in the construction industry. “For me, it is quite convenient to visit here by metro whenever I have an off day with my coworkers. We get to play football, cricket, and other sports at Al Bidda Park and later have a long talk and long walk in Corniche,” said Mustapha.
“Nothing is more refreshing than the environment you get here,” he added. Encircling Doha’s charming Bay, Corniche Street is one of the most commonly recommended tourist places by leisure sector experts. The Promenade walkway is a frequent choice for walkers, runners, skaters, joggers, and other social activities. Eid celebrations at Al Bidda Park have made a resounding impact on the Corniche area, with the majority of people visiting after the mega park carnival event, which starts from 10am up to 2am until April 30.
Celebrations are witnessed in several other localities as well including Lusail Boulevard, The Pearl Qatar, Industrial Area, Souq Waqif, Katara, and Al Wakrah.
