A performance during the Ice Ballet Show and (right) an artist displays her expertise with hula hoops at Souq Waqif yesterday. Shaival Dalal
BY RAYNALD C RIVERA
DOHA: Souq Waqif, one of the country’s popular tourist destinations, is providing additional treat to thousands of visitors with the opening of the six-day Souq Waqif Eid Al Fitr Festival yesterday.
The festival, in partnership with Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels, has created a circus-like atmosphere complementing the traditional ambience of the souq with a rich line-up of acts by performers from Russia, Ukraine and other eastern European countries.
“Compared with past Eid festivals hosted by Souq Waqif, there are some new acts this time such as the Ballet on Ice,” said an organiser.
Ballet on Ice constitutes the first part of the programme. It is followed by a variety act, including a comedy show; string walker; juggler; animal show featuring dogs, cats, parrots and monkeys; bubble show and magic show.
Two shows are being held daily — from 5.30pm to 7.45m and 8.30pm to 10.30pm in a tent in Ahmad area.
Adjacent to the venue is an area where bouncy castles and water sports costing QR15 are available for children.
Acrobats execute aerial somersaults and intricate techniques in breathtaking performances in teeter board and on Russian bar in another act opposite Ahmad area.
It is being held daily from 6.30pm to 6.50pm and 8.30pm to 8.50pm.
“The recent Spring Festival was bigger than this, but the different acts and activities make this festival special,” said the organiser.
Regular tickets for the shows cost QR25, while VIP tickets cost QR50 and QR100.
At Al Rayyan Theatre, a music festival is being held from 9pm to 10pm.
Hosted by Souq Waqif, Sawt Al Rayan and Qatar Tourism Authority, the music festival features live concerts by renowned Arab artists.
With the festival, the souq expects to attract more people this time to the hundreds of stalls selling food, clothing, gold and souvenir items and more customers to the six boutique hotels.
The Peninsula
