Here is your guide to Eid al-Fitr festivities in Qatar

Qatar is all set to celebrate Eid al-Fitr 2022 from Monday, May 2. Gulf Times takes a look at what's in store for the public:

* Eid prayer: More than 500 mosques and prayer grounds have been prepared for the Eid al-Fitr prayer on May 2. The prayer will be held at 5.12am.

The Ministry of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs has published the list of mosques and prayer grounds, which can be found here

* Parks: The Ministry of Municipality, represented by the Public Parks Department, has announced the timings of parks during the Eid al-Fitr holiday.

The timings are as follows:

* Al Furjan (neighbourhood) parks for families, women and children – from 5am-1am.

* Al Khor Family Park – from 8am to midnight.

* Open public parks (without fences) – 24 hours under the supervision of security personnel.

The ministry has advised the public to follow a set of important instructions, which are:

* Do not disturb other park visitors and ensure their comfort.

* Ensure and safety and cleanliness of public facilities.

* Do not throw waste and dispose of it in designated bins.

* Co-operate with security personnel.

* Pay attention to children in play areas.

* Beaches: The Ministry of Municipality has readied beaches around the country for different segments of society for the Eid al-Fitr holiday. Some of these beaches are meant for families, some exclusively for women and one is for workers and bachelors. There are a number of public beaches as well. (Please see accompanying map to find and locate a suitable beach).

The ministry has stressed that it is strictly forbidden to enter or use the beaches meant for families by others.

The most important beaches are the following, as listed by the ministry:

Al Wakra Beach: Families

Al Farkiah Beach, Al Khor: Families

Sealine Beach: Families

Al Ghariya Beach: Families

Simaisma Beach: Women

Al Mamlaha Beach: Women

Al Kharij Beach: Bachelors and workers

The ministry has also issued a few general instructions for those using the beaches:

1. Avoid starting a bonfire directly on the sand.

2. Do not bury coal in the sand.

3. Maintain public hygiene.

4. Throw waste in designated bins.

5. Wear a life jacket when swimming.

* Eid Festival: Qatar Tourism is organising the Eid Festival on the Doha Corniche from May 3 to 5.

The festival will feature the region’s first-ever giant balloon parade, concerts, marching band, fireworks displays, carnival games, food stalls and more

The three-day event will run from 4pm to 11pm on each day.

The concerts will feature Mahmoud al-Turki on May 3, Nasser al-Kubeissi on May 4 and Sultan Khalifa on May 5.

The daily schedule of events is as follows:

* Crowd entrance and lineup from 3pm

* Giant balloon parade from 4.30pm to 5.30pm

* Concert from 7.30pm to 9pm

* Fireworks display at 9pm

* Games and activities/roaming performers from 5.30pm to 11pm

* Helium balloon showcase from 5.30pm to 11pm

The Doha Corniche will be pedestrianised over the course of the festival to allow residents and visitors to experience one of the capital city’s most-loved thoroughfares in a “new and exciting way”.

Accordingly, the Ministry of Interior has said Corniche Street will be closed from May 3 to 5 to hold the Eid events - from Ras Abu Aboud Intersection to Sheraton towards the north and from Sheraton to Port Intersection towards the south. Also closed will be all roads leading to the Corniche, except Ali Bin Omar Al Attia Street.

In order to facilitate the movement of individuals to the Corniche, alternative means of transportation will be available. There are 37 Metro stations in Qatar, including seven that directly lead to the Corniche, such as Al Bidda, Doha Corniche and West Bay, in addition to the B-Ring Road and C-Ring Road bus services on the Corniche. In addition, seven new 'Park and Ride' facilities are available near Metro stations such as Education City, Al Qassar and Al Wakra.

For more details, visit the social media pages of the Ministry of Interior, Qatar Tourism and Mowasalat (Karwa).

* Katara: Katara - the Cultural Village Foundation will hold a festive programme for Eid al-Fitr over four days. It will include a number of activities and attractions.

The events will be held from 4pm to 9pm. In a statement, Katara said it has been keen to provide diverse activities that appeal to all categories and ages of people, besides decorating the premises and streets of Katara to reflect the joy and happiness of the occasion.

Following is the schedule:

1. Fireworks - First day of Eid al-Fitr, 8pm, Katara seafront

2. Arabic folklore band - During Eid days, from 5-10pm, Katara Corniche

3. Eid gifts for children - During Eid days, 4pm, Main street of Katara (south) and Shakespeare Street

4. Planetarium shows - Second, third and fourth days of Eid, 5-7pm, Building 41

5. 'Halalhum Dalalhum' play - May 10-14, 7pm, Katara Drama Theatre