DOHA: Some of the topmost attractions from around the world will be on offer during this year's Eid Al Adha Festival, Ibrahim Al Sayed, Board Member, Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA), promised residents of the country.
The QTA has teamed up with Qatar Media Services to bring to Doha these attractions. "This year for Eid Al Adha will provide a huge variety of significant experiences that will guarantee many happy moments. From comedy acts to educational opportunities, the Eid Al Adha Festival will prove to be an enriching time for the residents of Doha.
The festival will be a feast for all senses, offering a journey through the four seasons of the year with a series of ongoing activities that create an aura based on the four elements - water, fire, earth and air.
From astounding forts and citadels crafted into a complete Sand City, breathtaking water stunts and acrobatics by the legendary 'Stars of Florida' professionals, flame throwers and fire dancers encircled in enormous balls of luminescent light and fire, to dazzling snowboard and ski shows in a below-zero temperature Snow City, the celebrations will be a spectacular affair," he said. Some of various folkloric dances that will be performed during the Eid festival here.
Saad Al Mohannadi, CEO of Qatar Media Services, which has coordinated the program, agrees. "We have worked hard to ensure that this year's Eid Al Adha Festival will inspire as well as delight. Our aim has been to bring together a varied and interesting programme that will appeal across the board by being as informative as it is entertaining."
The centerpiece of this year's entertainments will be Space Voyager. Located next to the InterContinental Hotel in Doha, this discovery journey through space will allow visitors the opportunity to learn about and experience every aspect of our universe and space travel. With interactive displays and simulated space flights, sound and vision presentations, mazes and exhibitions, young and old alike, will emerge from the Space Dome and its satellite zones at Space Voyager having had a fun-packed and educational time.
To complement the dynamism of Qatar and assert the traditional and respected Qatari values that have been the foundation of the nation's success, once again QTA will be working with the National Council for Culture, Arts and Heritage (NCCAH) on the Qatari Heritage Village. The Heritage Village which is located on the Corniche will provide a trip back in time. Traditional architecture will house displays on Qatari arts and crafts and visitors will be able to experience the best of Qatari cuisine and hospitality.
Mohammed Issa Al Jaber, Manager Culture and Arts of NCCAH confirmed the importance of the Heritage Village. "As we move into our exciting future, it is important to remember our past," he said.
"At the Heritage Village people will be able to experience those traditions and values that have made Qatar the great nation it is today."
Throughout the city at various locations, hundreds of internationally acclaimed performers and artists will amaze and entertain. Folkloric displays, multimedia soundscape shows, interactive children's plays, creative workshops, comedy acts and street-performers have been brought to Qatar from around the world to entertain and astound.
In addition to the usual venues, and for the first time, Eid Al Adha Festivities will be taking place at locations in Al Khor and Al Wakrah this year.
© The Peninsula 2005
