Summer heat no dampener to enjoying Doha activities

The summer heat failed to dampen Doha’s vibrant spirit as various events and activities for different age groups unfold at various locations.From summer camps to cultural celebrations, it is learnt that the city is offering residents and visitors opportunities to learn, explore, and be entertained.Launched on July 15 and running until August 15, an initiative titled "Skillfest” showcases the beauty and diversity of the arts, crafts, and culture scene in Qatar.Held at four key locations across Doha – Msheireb Galleria, Place Vendome, Mall of Qatar, and West Walk – this event offers visitors to opportunity to immerse themselves in local traditions and sustainable artistry inspired by Qatar’s marine environment.Visitors can enjoy Arabic calligraphy demonstrations, astronomy exhibitions, manuscripts and anecdotes, pavilions dedicated to marine creatures, and photography exhibitions by renowned Qatari artists like Azzam al-Mannai.Skillfest also features artisan markets, where 24 artists are showcasing their creations, and competitions with prizes for participants.The Aspire Zone Foundation (AZF) launched its Aspire Summer Camp 2024 on Sunday, for children aged 6-12.The camp offers a diverse range of activities, from sports and artistic endeavours to cultural experiences, allowing youngsters to develop new skills, discover their talents, and build friendships.Field trips to the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum and the Rail station offer valuable learning opportunities about Qatar’s history and public transportation systems.The camp includes interactive entertainment at the Target Shooting Range and educational activities like electronic games, drawing lessons, football, volleyball, basketball training, and swimming lessons.The Katara Summer Camp 2024, which also opened on Sunday and running until August 7, is another initiative aimed at providing children with a unique summer experience.Hosted by Katara – the Cultural Village, the camp offers a variety of educational, entertaining, and cultural activities, with participation from various entities across the country, including the Ministry of Interior, Al Jazeera Media Institute, and Qatar Red Crescent Society.This year’s edition builds upon the success of the previous year, featuring a four-day-a-week schedule packed with engaging programmes.The second edition of the Qatar Toy Festival, taking place at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre until August 14, is attracting visitors from across Qatar and the GCC.Organised by Visit Qatar, the festival offers a wide range of live shows, exclusive activations, and educational entertainment for children and adults.This year’s festival features an expanded footprint, with 10 themed zones including Anime, Movie Land, and Retail, alongside returning favourites like Preschool, Girls, Boys, Family, Stage, F&B, and Theming Area.