Qatar Airways recreated a traditional fereej and hosted a Garangao for its employees and their families, to showcase the company’s pride in Qatar and to to experience and celebrate Qatari culture and customs, including time-honoured festivities, food, and children’s activities.

The Qatari neighbourhood, or ‘fereej’ featured a number of traditional houses and tents with endless surprises inside, providing an authentic experience for guests. In line with the Garangao tradition, children were encouraged to knock on each door in the neighbourhood, and were greeted with delicious treats, exciting stories, and educational facts about the residences.

Additionally, the celebration hosted a storyteller to regale guests with Qatari folk tales, and traditional games were played to teach children about the country’s culture in years gone by Qatar Airways Senior Vice President Human Resources, Ms. Nabeela Fakhri, said: “Qatar has a rich culture and so many beautiful traditions that we are proud to bring alive for our more than 40,000 employees.

Garangao is a tradition that goes back centuries, and is something that many of us have fond childhood memories of. Recreating the experience for our staff and their families many of whom are celebrating Ramadan and Garangao for the first time enables us to ensure that the cultural nuances that make Qatar such a beautiful place remain relevant and celebrated for generations to come.

During the Garangao celebration, traditional food and beverages were served to Qatar Airways staff immersing all guests into the uniqueness of Qatari heritage.

Garangao is unique to the Gulf region, and is celebrated every year on the 14th day of Ramadan after sunset prayer. The name comes from the Gulf word, ‘Gara’ which describes the sound of things knocking together – such as the sound of children knocking on doors, or the nuts and sweets they gather in the material bag they carry around their neck. Children dress in traditional clothing, and sing Garangao songs as they visit their neighbourhood homes.

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