Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) has announced the complete events schedule for the Eid al-Adha festival, which will kick off on the first day of Eid on October15 and continue for 12 days.
Over this period, Doha will host one of the largest cultural, artistic and entertainment programmes in the Gulf region.
QTA has completed all preparations for the launch of the festival, which will give citizens, residents and visitors from the region an opportunity to enjoy unique shows and activities with their families.
“We are extremely pleased to launch the Eid al-Adha festival this year following the excellent response to the Eid al-Fitr festival. The festival fulfils one aspect of QTA’s mission — to promote Qatar as a tourism destination for families,” QTA Marketing and Promotions director Rashed al-Qurese said.
On the festival venues and timings, al-Qurese said: “We have finalised the schedule of events and made every effort to provide convenient activities that will appeal to all interests. We hope that everyone enjoys the entertaining shows we have lined up for the Eid al-Adha festival. We wish everyone a blessed Eid al-Adha and invite everyone to enjoy the festivities.”
Shopping centres participating in the festival include the City Center, Hyatt Plaza, Lagoona, Landmark, Villaggio, Al Khor Mall and The Gate Mall.
The Gate Mall is participating in the Eid festival for the first time.
A number of shows and performances will be held for the first time in Qatar, and includes the Smurfs, Made in the Ice Age as well as the children’s favourite Ben 10 among others.
The Museum of Islamic Art, Souq Waqif and Katara Cultural Village are also participating in the festival.
While Katara will host the fireworks shows for the first three days of Eid, Souq Waqif will play host to a variety of exciting shows and events.
Other notable events to be held are the Live Bubble show and Water Screen Projections at the Pearl Qatar.
QTA has also welcomed partners hosting various activities, exhibitions and concerts. The partners are the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage; Qatar Shooting and Archery Association; Sawt Al-Rayan; Aqua Park Qatar; Qatar Air Sports Committee; Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim al-Thani Museum and Al Dosari Zoo and the Game Reserve.
During the Eid period, visitors arriving at the Doha International Airport and Abu Samra border crossing will receive the programme details for the festival, and other promotional material regarding various tourist attractions and entertainment programmes in the country.
The Eid festival is an initiative of QTA to elevate Qatar as a family tourism destination in the region.
Over the second quarter of 2013, QTA has experienced increased tourism across all categories. GCC visitors increased 17% over the same period in 2012, and international arrivals increased to 6.6%.
The increase is attributed to a wide variety of unique activities on offer in Qatar, including family activities.
QTA has a key role to play in co-ordinating the development of a sustainable tourism sector in Qatar and growing tourism’s contribution to a diversified national economy.
http://www.gulf-times.com/qatar/178/details/368209/qta-lines-up-exciting-mix-of-events-for-eid-celebration
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