Doha - THE richness and diversity of Qatar's culture and traditions will be prime attractions during the country's 2005 Eid Al Fitr Festival, opening in the capital city Doha at the end of Ramadan.
The Qatar Cultural Village - specially erected for the festival - will operate for five days at a site in the suburb of Dafna, next to the Diplomatic Club, operating from 4pm to 11pm. An impressive traditional fort has been purpose-built for the occasion.
The complimentary Qatar Cultural Show will be presented four times daily at different shopping malls, as well as outdoor venues.
Both productions will highlight different aspects of Qatari culture, from architecture to cuisine, theatre to traditional games.
The Cultural Village will present a fascinating cross-section of national life, both past and present. A traditional wedding ceremony is re-enacted daily, and a Qatari family will host guests in a traditional home, preparing and serving national delicacies.
Dedicated areas focus on activities such as rababa and falcon training, henna design, and traditional boats, with camels and Arabian horses adding to the picturesque atmosphere.
A traditional coffee shop will dispense its wares free of charge, while the Liwan section will present traditional Qatari food.
A mobile version of the Qatar Cultural Village will present four daily shows of 30-45 minutes each, featuring the Qatar Cultural Arts Theatre, henna designs and traditional games.
Traditional activities such as yoghurt shaking, and hakawati round off an informative and educational insight into Qatari culture and historic lifestyle.
The Qatar Cultural Show will take place daily between 4pm and 11pm at Landmark Centre - ground floor (Food Court area); Hyatt Plaza - ground floor; City Centre - 1st Floor (in front of Carrefour); The Mall - ground floor; and on the Doha Corniche.
Further cultural highlights include a new show by famous Qatari actor/comedian Abdel-Aziz Jasem, and the children's play Suweira & Her Daughter.
Jasem's new show, called Hawamir al-Ashoum, will be presented from the first day of Eid at 5pm and 10pm at the National Theatre. His annual televised Ramadan productions have become a seasonal highlight for Gulf viewers, and every year his new Eid show is always eagerly awaited.
Audiences at the Doha Eid Festival will be the first to enjoy the 2005 production, guaranteed to be a side-splitting romp that will keep people laughing long after the two-hour show is over.
The children's play takes place daily during the Festival at 6pm at the Gulf Cinema. The show successfully combines Qatari and Arabic tradition, based on a riddle told by mothers and grandmothers as a bedtime story. As well as being enjoyable entertainment, children also learn about the importance of social bonding between Qatari and GCC societies.
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About Qatar and Qatar Tourism Authority
Qatar is situated in the "Heart of the Arabian Gulf" which not only describes its geographical location but also the importance given to the country's Arabian culture, heritage and warm hospitality. The holiday maker, business traveller and resident alike, enjoy Qatar's year round sunshine, diversity of activities, friendly people and relaxing atmosphere.
The 'Qatar experience' is a unique blend of adventure, leisure and Arabian tradition, from desert dune driving to exciting water sports, from fascinating museums to traditional markets. Qatar offers world-class hotels, restaurants and spa facilities and activities for all the family in a safe and secure environment.
Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) actively markets Qatar's tourism product regionally and internationally through an integrated programme of promotions and publicity activities. This includes exhibition participation, roadshows, familiarisation visits, collateral production and distribution, media relations and active industry support programmes.
QTA continues to attract investment, develop strategic tourism assets, and work with tourism businesses to see the industry mature while preserving Qatari culture and traditions.
For further information please contact:
Sulaiman Abou Zaki
Milestones Marketing Communications
Tel: 4374503
Dubai Mobile: 971 50 5656424
Doha mobile: 5642433
E-mail: sulaiman@milestonesmc.com
Website: www.qatartourism.gov.qa
Michelle Sabti
Manager Corporate Communications
Qatar Tourism Authority
Tel: 4411555
Mob: 5881629
E-mail: michelle@qatartourism.gov.qa
© Press Release 2005
