Exploring local destinations in Eid holidays

The Eid al-Fitr holidays provide an opportunity for residents and visitors to explore Qatar’s ‘hidden gems’: from its iconic museums, cultural village and art galleries to the sand dunes, rock formations, beaches and archaeological sites.

“Today (April 19), we were able to visit these spots: Zekreet rock formations, Zekreet beach, Zekreet valley, Dukhan Town Centre, Zubara Fort, and Shadow at the Sea of The Day, before going to Ruwais Port, and the Old Ruwais Police Station, which is now a coffee shop (Arsan Café),” Filipino expatriate John Bonalos told Gulf Times.

He said he finds the Zekreet beach child-friendly due to its shallow waters, suggesting the best time to come is sunset.

According to Bonalos, he often passed by Zekreet when participating in ultra-run events and cycling rides but it was his first time to visit the ‘Eye in the Rock’ formation and mushroom hill.

He said “it is worth the visit” especially for first-timers like his companions, who were mostly her wife’s colleagues, and one who grew up in Qatar but has yet to see the area.

Bonalos added that they wanted to see the Film City – a main tourist attraction that also hosts what is called a ‘Mystery Village’ – but was closed during their visit. Al Khor and Al Thakira were also on their list but time and some conditions did not permit them.

He pointed out that Arsan Café, located a few metres from the beach, is a favourite destination because of its scenery, offering a unique attraction for many visitors. It is listed as a heritage site under Qatar Museums, and located 110kms from Msheireb Downtown Doha.

“When it’s low tide, you will see an attraction – the fish trap. The Old Ruins at Ruwais (Al Mafjar beach) is also worth the visit but we weren’t able to go there,” Bonalos said. “Regarding Zubara Fort, it has become more presentable now, and there’s a new building there by Qatar Museums.”

Arsan was opened in 2019 and its name was inspired by horses, meaning “a bridle, which is a strap or rope that riders use to guide and control the horse” according to its owner, Shaikha Alsada.

It is learnt that many residents who prefer to stay in Qatar throughout the Eid al-Fitr holidays have similar plans of going to these local destinations, in addition to popular sites in Doha such as Katara – the Cultural Village, National Museum of Qatar, The Pearl Qatar, Museum of Islamic Art, Souq Waqif, and Msheireb Downtown Doha, as well as a number of public parks.

Indian expatriate Sachin M said he will be taking his family to various family-friendly events and attractions across Doha this Eid al-Fitr, including roaming and entertainment shows at malls and shopping centres.

“Children love these activities so we have to take them there first, but I also want them to see nature such as the beaches, the rock formation in Zekreet, and the famous East-West/West-East installation by renowned American artist Richard Serra. There are a lot of places in Qatar to visit and this Eid holiday is the right time,” he said, adding they also plan for s staycation at a hotel in Doha for the remaining three days of the break.