Families and single workers gather at the Mesaieed beach on the third day of Eid yesterday. Abdul Basit
DOHA: A large number of single labourers and families, mostly from south Asian countries, had a day out at the Sealine beach in Mesaieed, one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in Qatar these Eid holidays.
Braving the hot weather, hundreds of families and single workers thronged the beach yesterday afternoon.
Its imposing dunes and the idyllic beaches are major attractions for holidayers on every festive occasion.
Sealine is the favourite spot of Qatari and expat youth interested in desert safari and daredevilry on the dunes.
A number of families also visit the area to enjoy the dunes and beaches.
Camping, swimming and barbeque are other forms of entertainment drawing huge crowds to the beach.
During a visit to the beach yesterday afternoon, The Peninsula noticed a large number of labourers who came in their company buses.
Very few from this segment of the population had access to this area due to its distance from Doha and lack of transport facilities.
Taxis or private vehicles are the only mode of transportation to the beach, about 15km from Mesaieed.
Thanks to free transportation provided by their companies, many labourers now have the opportunity to explore the area and have a feel of Eid festivities there.
Sealine is attracting more visitors with completion of the two-lane road to the beach.
The Traffic Department has deployed additional patrols across the highway to ensure smooth vehicular movement and prevent accidents.
The Doha Corniche is also attracting a large number of single workers this time because authorities have not imposed any restrictions on their entry to the area. The hot weather and availability of more entertainment facilities inside shopping malls and official festival venues have driven many families away from open places.
Many crowded roads and streets in Doha city were near vacant since the beginning of the holidays, with the rush now felt around festival venues and beaches and parks outside the city.
However, the holidays were not without accidents, with 76 road mishaps reported on Friday and as many yesterday, according to Al Sharq. But most were minor accidents, although eight victims were rushed to the emergency department of Hamad Medical Corporation.
The hot and humid weather experienced over the past two days is expected to continue today, with temperature reaching 40 degrees Celsius in peak hours of the day in Doha and some other areas.
The Peninsula
