Wide range of activities and events to mark Eid celebrations

From malls and shopping centres to iconic museums, landmarks and destinations, including public beaches and parks in Qatar, various locations around Qatar are expected to receive a large number of holiday-goers from today on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr.Many residents find the Eid break a chance to bond and spend more time with their families and friends, either taking part in road trips or engaging their children in an array of fun-filled and interactive activities.Residents and citizens were also seen doing some last-minute shopping for Eid yesterday, with malls, hypermarkets, souqs, shops selling sweets and gifts, and tailoring shops, among others, wearing a busy look along with the areas around them.Msheireb Properties, in collaboration with government institutions concerned, recently announced that Msheireb Downtown Doha will be hosting what it described "as one of the biggest and most engaging Eid festivals for visitors of all ages”.Barahat Msheireb has been beautifully decorated to welcome visitors from today until April 28 starting at 5pm, aimed at creating "unforgettable memories in an immersive experience, featuring captivating musical performances and enchanting storytelling sessions”.Some of the activations include a 360-photobooth, food and beverages station, arts and crafts, Eid trivia and contest, live performances, magic shows, planting workshops (organised by the Ministry of Municipality), roaming shows, and interactive experiences and games, among others.Part of Katara – the Cultural Village’s Eid programme, set from 4pm to 10pm, includes a music troupe (police band) show at Al Hekma Hall; Eid gifts distribution at the Katara Corniche, 'The World 2030' play, dress competitions for boys and girls, Eid quiz, and a fireworks display on the first and second days of Eid at 8.15pm at Katara Beach.Indian expatriate Rushab told Gulf Times that he plans to do ‘event hopping’ with his friends this Eid al-Fitr, going from one venue to another to experience the different celebrations."I think this is going to be exciting because there are a lot of things to do this Eid, and I want to spend it with some of my friends and compatriots,” he said, adding that a road trip is also on their list."I’ve been here in Doha for more than a decade and up to now, I have not visited Al Zubarah, Ruwais, the Purple Island, and some of the beautiful beaches. I hope I can do that this Eid,” said Rushab, who was checking all the scheduled Eid events in Qatar and the places he mentioned on Google Maps.One can also celebrate Eid al-Fitr at Lusail Boulevard with parades, carnival, drones, fireworks and more. Taking place from 4pm to 1am on the second, third and fourth days of Eid, the celebrations will include parades, music and DJ performances (5pm to 1am), stage shows, fireworks and drone show (10pm), carnival games and cultural activations for all ages, face-painting and henna, etc.At 9pm throughout the weekend, the skies of Doha will light up with a dazzling fireworks show along the Doha Corniche.Malls and shopping centres are also set to host wholesome activities to mark Eid al-Fitr, engaging shoppers to roaming performances, henna painting, children’s show, circus, and arts and crafts.As part of Qatar Tourism’s ‘Feel Eid in Qatar’ campaign from April 21 to 23, music concerts, children’s show, live stage shows, and sports festival are scheduled to enthrall residents and visitors.Qatar Tourism announced that Lusail Winter Wonderland will reopen throughout the Eid holidays, allowing families to take part in the celebration.Festivities are lined up at The Pearl Island, Al Bidda Park (Mega Park Carnival), Souq Waqif and Al Wakrah Old Souq and Asian Town.Besides public beaches, public parks such as Katara South Hills, Museum of Islamic Art Park, Al Khor Park and Aspire Park, among others, are also expected to receive a large number of visitors this Eid holiday, especially in the afternoon.