An illuminated fountain at Katara yesterday. Pictures by Shaival Dalal
BY RAYNALD C RIVERA
DOHA: Qatar welcomed Eid Al Fitr yesterday in joyous atmosphere as major locations in Doha were abuzz with visitors who witnessed and took part in various Eid events organised mainly by Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA).
The Doha Exhibition Centre (DEC) wore a festive look as thousands of visitors flocked to the Wanasa Entertainment City, a major feature of this year’s Eid celebrations.
“We expect 10,000 visitors daily during the 40-day run of Wanasa Entertainment City,” Eng Mohammad K Al Mahini, Exhibitions General Coordinator, Seqlia, told The Peninsula.
This is the third time Seqlia is co-organising the event with the QTA, but Al Mahini said this year the entertainment city has seen significant development with new features and attractions.
Spread over 15,000sqm space at the DEC, the entertainment centre boasts of a one-stop shop for entertainment and shopping. “Qataris love shopping and entertainment as well as shows with cultural flavour that’s why we combined all these elements under one roof through the Wanasa Entertainment City,” said Al Mahini.
Wanasa features 25 rides divided into three categories namely children’s rides, family rides and adult rides priced QR5, QR10 and QR15 a ride. Two new thrill rides are set to excite the daring called Booster and Disco. These rides which were set up by the DEC parking space are worth the QR20 price per ride.
“We also have video games, redemption games and skills games as well as inflatable games and soft play,” he added.
An important highlight of Wanasa is 150 shops from 30 countries offering products for the entire family, from toys and gifts to food and clothing to accessories and furniture.
“Compared to the ones in malls, products sold here are cheaper because they are tax free and people prefer to buy here because the products were uniquely made in the country of origin,” he said.
Other features of Wanasa are a section for Qatari heritage and architecture and a theatre where shows are regularly staged throughout the day, including Angry Birds show, Popeye Play, Snow White play, Steve the Magician, Zuma-zuma from Kenya and Japanese Drummers, among others.
A food court with over a dozen stands offering a variety of Asian, Arabic and international cuisine is also available for visitors to sample their choice of food at reasonable prices.
Wanasa Entertainment City is open until September 15 from 10am till midnight. Entry is free to the public.
At night a spectacular fireworks display illuminated the skies over Katara captivating thousands who visited the cultural hub to witness the rare pyrotechnics show capping yesterday’s festivities.
All decked up for the Eid festival; malls including Al Khor Mall, Lagoona, City Center, Hyatt Plaza, Landmark and Villaggio were also filled with festive ambience as performers from various countries including magicians, musicians, acrobats, jugglers and cartoon characters entertained people who came in droves.
The famous Furjan Show also kicked off at the Qatar National Theatre while a music festival featuring renowned Arab artistes starts tonight at Souq Waqif which will also host magic, animal, comedy and acrobatic shows on two stages specially built to provide a fun spectacle to its visitors during the first week of the festivities.
QTA has further expanded this year’s Eid festival to include free museum, mosque and zoo tours. Field training by the Qatar Shooting and Archery Association, aerial tours by Qatar Air Sports Committee and a children’s festival at the Aqua Park are some of the other new features of this year’s Eid celebration providing residents and tourists more choices.
These are being organised in cooperation with some Ministries and public and private entities. The Peninsula
