Eid al-Adha fun meets fitness

As Eid al-Adha festivities sweep through Qatar, residents and visitors seek refuge from the summer heat and embrace the vibrant energy of Doha’s diverse indoor sports and recreational venues, it is learnt.

From the bustling heart of Education City to the traditional lanes of the Qatar Bowling Centre, a spirit of active leisure pervaded the holiday, offering a refreshing alternative to the usual outdoor celebrations.

The Qatar Foundation's Student Centre transformed into a vibrant hub of activity during the Eid holiday. With its sprawling spaces, it became a melting pot of cultures and a haven for families seeking a blend of fun and fitness.

The centre's unique design, drawing inspiration from the traditional souks of Arab towns, provided a welcoming and inviting atmosphere. Its interconnecting alleys and plazas fostered a sense of community, encouraging interactions and fostering a relaxed and convivial ambiance.

The Multaqa offered a wide array of indoor activities, catering to all ages and skill levels. Table tennis, billiards, bowling, foosball, and arcade games drew enthusiastic crowds, providing a platform for friendly competition and laughter.

“I think it's not only during the National Sport Day that we should be exercising or spending time to play, but also during these periods,” said Alejandro M, a Filipino expatriate.

“Qatar has a lot of facilities for sports and various recreational centres, which is a great advantage for families like ours,” he added.

For Alejandro, bowling stood out as a particularly inclusive sport:. “It's something everyone can enjoy, even young children and those who don't have any skills.”

This sentiment resonated with many families, who saw bowling as a perfect way to spend quality time together, fostering shared memories and bonding over healthy competition.

Alejandro also highlighted the importance of encouraging children to engage in physical activities, steering them away from the allure of online games. “I try to take my children to indoor activities rather than letting them play online games at home. It's crucial for them to disconnect from mobile devices and experience the joy of real-life interactions,” he said.

This view also echoed by countless families who saw indoor recreational centres as a valuable tool in promoting healthy habits and fostering social connections. The vibrant energy of these venues offered a much-needed digital detox, allowing children and adults to rediscover the simple pleasures of active play and face-to-face interaction.

The Qatar Bowling Centre, a longstanding favourite among Doha residents, continued to draw crowds throughout the Eid festivities. Its well-maintained lanes and competitive atmosphere attracted seasoned bowlers and casual enthusiasts.

The centre's regular bowling tournaments further ignited the competitive spirit, offering a platform for skilled players to showcase their talent and vie for coveted prizes. The tournaments fostered a sense of community, bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds under a shared passion for the sport.

Beyond the traditional favourites of bowling, table tennis, and billiards, Doha's indoor recreational scene offered a diverse array of activities catering to a variety of interests. Badminton, a sport that requires agility and quick reflexes, gained popularity among fitness enthusiasts. Chess, a game of strategy and intellectual prowess, drew its own dedicated following.

Indoor basketball and volleyball courts became lively hubs for expatriates from various nationalities, forging bonds through shared passion for these dynamic team sports. The camaraderie and friendly competition fostered a sense of community, creating a vibrant tapestry of cultural exchange.