Authorities in Qatar have set up a new heritage village to add to the attraction of the country's summer festivals.
The National Council for Culture, Arts and Heritage (NCCAH) and the Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) have transformed a part of Qatar City Centre, Qatar's biggest shopping mall, into a traditional village featuring ancient Qatari life, dances, music, handicrafts and traditional cuisine.
"Culture is an important part of our festival and we look forward to showcasing Qatari heritage with this magnificent village," Gary Mason, acting director-general of QTA said in a statement. Qatar will host a mega summer fiesta this year after QTA and Qatar Telecommunications (Qtel) decided to merge their own festivals into one big event.
The QTA festival will be inaugurated on Sunday with a parade of 480 performers from around the world.
The ongoing Qtel's Carnival will be joined on Sunday by the Qatar Summer Wonders, officials said at several press conferences held to promote the shows.
The celebrations will feature music and dance shows, plays, circus, fireworks, millionaire draws and many other surprises, organisers said.
"Both organisations strive for a common goal: to promote Qatar," said Walid Mohammad Al Sayed, executive director of Qtel. "This merger, we believe, will offer better value to the spectators and visitors. We expect thousands from the country and the region."
Ebrahim Al Sayed, board member of the Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA), said all attractions offered are internationally acclaimed shows, including the Circus of the World and the Illusion Show.
Shows will include the Baba Lange live show, Make Your Own Toys workshop, the Qtel Internet City and Qtel City drama. Pinocchio, Jungle Book, Ali Baba and Beauty and the Beast, the famous shows presented by Universal Studios, will be staged during the celebrations. Four weekly draws featuring a combined 2 million riyals in cash as prizes will be given away to shoppers.
The attractions this year will also be extended to the Northern City of Al Khor.
Main venues will be the International Exhibition Centre and the City Centre, Qatar's main shopping mall. Most of the attractions are for free, organisers said.
Qatar Tourism Authority has also lined up a series of events this year targeting children with special needs and charities, in a bid to entertain the less fortunate.
"Our aim is to provide an extra opportunity for underprivileged children," said Mason, addressing reporters.
He said organisers will offer extra assistance and additional free shows to these charities and their children.
Gulf News
