Doha - A severe shortage of leisure and entertainment facilities in the city seems to have prompted more nationals and expatriates to try out spots outside Doha during the Eid holidays.
The streets of Doha witnessed an unusually dull traffic since the holidays started as most of the schools and offices remained closed. It was a pleasant surprise for commuters to see near-empty roads, after the heavy traffic witnessed throughout Ramadan, especially on the last day, on the eve of Eid Al Fitr.
While the city remained calm, the beaches and parks in Wakra, Mesaieed, Al Khor and Al Shamal were bustling with visitors since the beginning of the holidays. The Doha Zoo, however, retained its charm by drawing huge crowds on all days, including families and single expatriates.
The Al Ghariya Resorts near Al Shamal was one of the new "discoveries" of several expatriate families during the Eid holidays.
A series of cultural shows were lined up by expatriate groups for the Eid holidays, but most of them flopped thanks to the poor turnout coupled with the poor quality of the programmes. Even a celebrated Bollywood star like Sonu Nigam failed to make an impression on the Doha audience.
"Most artists and event organizers have nothing new to offer, except repetitions of the frequently-aired TV shows. Instead of spending huge amounts for such shows, many expatriate families now opt to go on a picnic to some attractive spots outside the city. They provide them a real opportunity for leisure and outing, without costing heavily on their pockets," said an Indian community activist, who is also an event organiser.
Several expatriate forums contributed to this trend by organising picnics outside the city for their members and families. The public transport being offered by Mowasalat became a boon for a number of single expatriates to visit places outside Doha at nominal charges, leading to a record turn out for the Karwa buses, especially in long routes.
On the other hand, restaurants and groceries in Doha were hit, as holiday-makers largely avoided the city.
"During Ramadan we lost a major part of our business as people flocked in large numbers at the free Iftar parties held in mosques across the city. We were expecting to revive the business after Eid but it has not happened yet. Still there are few people in the city," lamented the manager of a leading Indian restaurant located in the Najma area.
The vacation scenario, however, is poised to change as more people return to work next Sunday after the week-long holidays.
© The Peninsula 2007
