Top 10 Things to Do this Eid in Qatar, Enjoy Your Holidays

Top 10 Things to Do this Eid in Qatar, Enjoy Your Holidays

It’s official. Eid Al-Adha holidays in Qatar are sneaking up on us. But, the question is: Where and how to celebrate?

But, before checking our top picks for this year, get to know some of these quick facts about the festivity:

As Qatar starts its Phase 3 of gradual lifting of coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions from July 28, 2020, social gatherings, for both public and private, will be limited to 10 people indoors and 30 people outdoors.

Eid holidays will be observed in the country with strict adherence to precautionary measures, including safe distancing, and wearing of masks.

What is Eid Al-Adha?

Eid Al-Adha, also known as the 'Feast of Sacrifice,' is one of the most important feasts of the Muslim calendar. Muslim families gather to commemorate the willingness of Ibrahim (also known as Abraham) to follow God's command to sacrifice his son.

How is it observed by Muslims? 

This is a very special occasion for devotees of Islam that involves sacrificing an animal, giving to charity, and visiting family and friends.

When will it be celebrated this year in Qatar?

Eid Al Adha holidays in Qatar will start from July 30 until August 6, 2020 for the government sector. Employees are required to resume work on August 9.

For those working in the private sector, Eid holidays depend on their respective company policy. 

The Ministry of Public Health issued a reminder to all the people in Qatar for their safety during the Eid holidays.

1. Beach Frolicking at Al Wakra Beach

The Al Wakra Beach is one of the most sought-after holiday destinations in Qatar. Did you know about the Main Beach, Family Beach and Al Wakra Souq Beach? 

The Ultimate Freggle, also known as Reinier, is an expatriate from Holland and has been living in Qatar for 10 years. In this video, he will tell you literally everything you need to know about all three beaches in Al Wakra, Qatar. Here he explains how to get there, when is the best time to go, and the details of all the beaches in the place. The driving routes are also in this video to guide you in finding these beaches in al Wakra.

As Qatar opens its public beaches, The Ultimate Freggle, will also help you to choose which beach to go to during Eid holidays.

The beaches in Qatar are now open again for the public! Qatar opened the beach on the 1st of July 2020 as phase 2 of COVID-19 restrictions lifting started. In this video he tells you about some of the best beaches in the country, plus some handy tips and information.

2. Chasing the Sunrise in Inland Sea

Have you been to the Inland Sea in Qatar? If not, chances are, you’re missing the good times.

Enjoy a relaxing day out in the singing sand dunes with an exhilarating desert safari experience.

There are desert adventure tours with a professional team of desert drivers like the 365 Adventures. They will give you an inclusive pick up and drop off from anywhere within The 6- hour getaway takes you all the way to the breath-taking inland sea beach as known as Khor Al Adaid. Discover this UNESCO recognized natural reserve with its own ecosystem; this is one of the few places in the world where the sea encroaches deep into the heart of the desert. Enjoy this unique adventure with a swim in the open ocean while you snack on traditional Qatari food.

And don’t forget to chase the sunrise with a breathtaking timelapse video at the Inland Sea like this: 

3. Kitesurfing at Fuwairit Lagoon

Have you tried kitesurfing in Qatar? If you plan on doing it someday, then look no further than trying it at the Fuwairit Lagoon.

It has fun open sea conditions on the east side, and a flat water lagoon on the other side, that is usable with high tide only.

The spot offers amazing conditions for a big part of the year, especially in October until June! Outside of that time it is too hot and less windy. Here is how The Ultimate Freggle describes the experience:

4. Sunset Surfing at Zeekreet

The secret of Zekreet is revealed in the splendor of this village with a long-stretch of beach, situated in north-western Qatar, near Dukhan, and about 80 km north-west west of Doha.

Originally a sparsely populated area, Zekreet was built up in the 1940s after oil operations commenced in Qatar. 

There are a number of visitor attractions and old ruins at the site. But, did you know that you can also go swimming and surfing here? The perfect time to do it is during the sunset for an Instagram-worthy photo!

5. Al Safliya Island Escapade

If you’re looking for another Instagram-worthy spot to strike a pose on your Eid vacation, Al Safliya Island is the place to be.

One of the best spots to view Doha's skyline, this piece of paradise in Qatar, has been a go-to weekend destination for citizens and residents alike. 

The manta-ray-shaped-island is nestled in the south of The Pearl Qatar. 

Things to do:

- Go sailing on a small boat
- Swim to the shore
- Enjoy water sports like: riding on a jet ski, kayaking, goin on a stand-up paddle board, banana boat ride, and more

Take unlimited photos at the "tail" of the island, where you can find its sandbar overlooking the West Bay, Corniche, and the picture-perfect Doha skyline (best time to strike a photo is during sunset).

What to prepare:

- Bring your own things and food or your tour operator will provide them for you.
- Remember: There are no facilities on this island except for pergolas and wooden umbrellas to offer shade under the sun
- How to get there:

Contact one of the local boat or tour operators in Qatar, which offer a dhow boat or speedboat package for Al Safliya.
Alternatively, hire a dhow boat along the Corniche near the Pearl fountain.
Travel time: Approximately 30 to 40 minutes from Corniche to Al Safliya.

Tour operators: 

- 365 Adventures
- National Cruise
Ronautica Middle East - Contact: +974 4409 5279/ 6674 1577, Website: www.ronauticame.com, Facebook: @ronauticamiddleeast

Sealine Yacht - Contact +974 3336 6820, Facebook: @Sealine-yachts-qatar

Venice Yacht - Contact: +974 6666 0536 / 7777 0537, Website: www.vyachts.qa

Note: Ensure proper disposal of your trash or take it back with you.

6. Fun-filled Activities Anywhere in Qatar

There’s more to Qatar than shopping, dining, and recreation. 

The country’s beaches and sand dunes offer just exactly what you need to enjoy your Eid holidays. Activities you can do here are (but not limited to) falcon training, flying fish watchihng during sunset, baby turtles hatching, dune driving, beach power kiting, land sailing, powerboat wakeboarding, dune gymnastics, surfing, kitesurfing, dune slide, duffel dune camping, dune racing, and Paragliding.

Get up close and personal with the world of fauna. See for yourself a camel, sea snake, baby whale shark, Dr. Fish, sea urchin, eagle, desert skink, ostrich, flamingo, hedgehogs, and more species in Qatar.

After an unforgettable staycation at the Inland Sea, another best place to visit is the Cinema City in Ras Brouq. Here’s what a decade-staying-expat in Qatar has to say about these treasure troves in Qatar:

7. Shopping and Dining at Souqs in Qatar

If heading to the beach or going on an adventure trip outdoors is not your cup of tea, then an exciting shopping and/or dining experience at the most sought after Souqs in Qatar is just right for you. Here is a list of these local markets for you to choose from:

- Al Faleh Souq - Here you can shop for items as cheap as 10 QAR. Timings: Saturday to Friday: 9 am - 12 pm; 4 pm - 10 pm
Location: Opposite the Fanar Qatar Islamic Cultural Centre, across from Souq Waqif, Al Ahmed Street

- Gold Souq - One of the largest clusters of gold jewellery shops in Qatar. Timings: Saturday to Thursday; 9 am - 1 pm; 4 pm - 10 pm, Friday: 4 pm - 10 pm

Location: Between Al Nakheel Hotel and Souq Waqif, Al Ahmed Street; Contact: +974 4437 0258 / 6699 0661

- Souq Al Jabor - Where you can buy clothing for the whole family, footwear, luggage, gift items, luggage, CDs, costume jewellery, tiaras and perfumes, and more. Timings: Saturday to Thursday: 8 am - 12:30 pm; 4:30 pm - 10:30 pm, Location: Opposite the Fanar Qatar Islamic Cultural Centre, across from Souq Waqif, Al Ahmed Street; Contact: +974 4441 2963 / 3070 4232

- Souq Haraj - Shop for furniture, household appliances, mattresses, curtains, carpets, air conditioners, fans, home decor and more. Timings: Tuesday to Sunday: 8:30 am - 10 pm; Monday: 8:30 am - 10:30 pm; Location: Junction of Al Najma and Al Mansour, Al Najma, Contact: +974 5550 6949

- Souq Waqif - One of the most iconic landmarks in Qatar, here you can buy anything from the bazaars and find restaurants, cafes, food carts, offering all kinds of local and international food. It is open on Saturdays to Thursdays: 7:30 am -12:30 pm and 3:30 pm -10 pm, Friday: 12:30 pm - 10 pm. Location: Off the Corniche, adjacent to Grand Hamad Street and Ali Bin Abdulla Street, Al Souq Street; Contact: 5551 9254

Thursday and Friday Souq - Find abayas of all shapes, sizes and prices, fabrics, furniture including the famous Qatari 'majlis, and more. Location: Opposite the Old Wholesale Market, Ain Khaled, Contact: +974 4450 0131

8. A Visit to Qatar Museums

Qatar Museums (QM) has announced the reopening of its institutions with new exhibitions in August 2 at the:

- Museum of Islamic Art or MIA (A Falcons Eye: Tribute to Sheikh Saoud Al-Thani)
- National Museum of Qatar or NMoQ 
- Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art (Yto Barrada: My Very Educated Mother Just Served Us Nougat, Huguette Caland: Faces and Places and Lived Forward: Art and Culture in Doha from 1960 to 2020)

What to expect?

- Artworks and artefacts that span centuries and the world
- Reopening of museum libraries
- Reopening of all of QM's parks and playgrounds

Note: Following the guidelines set by the Ministry of Public Health, 

- A limited number of visitors and staff will be allowed inside each museum.
- Visitors will be required to reserve tickets in advance on the Qatar Museums website.
- Upon arrival at the museum, ticket holders must present a "green" health status on the Ehteraz virus-tracing app. 
- Each person will also be checked for a normal temperature reading at the entrance.

9. Eid Al Adha Celebrations at Katara

In line with the protective measures taken by the state of Qatar, Katara will present a variety of events: Eidyet Katar, virtual fireworks, and other surprises such as:

- Drive-through gifts distribution around Katara Cultural Village, from 5pm to 9pm daily during Eid days
- Special mural launching as a tribute to medical frontliners. This 30x5 metre artwork is created by 12 artists. It is located in the main entrance of Katara from the south side.
- Fireworks show to be shared online.
- Best costume competition for children. To join, send a picture or a video and win exciting prizes.
- To keep updated on the Eid holiday activities in Katara, click here.

Schedule:

Friday, 31 July 2020  Monday, 03 August 2020
05:00 PM - 09:00 PM

10. Grocery Shopping at Supermarkets and Hypermarkets

- Al Meera - Save from discounted products until August 5 or until supplies last. Get bonus points if you buy selected items under the Meera Rewards program.
- Lulu - Avail of markdown prices in many products until August 2.
- Safari Hypermarket - Don't miss the big discounts in food and non-fod products for the Eid celebration. Join the online Mehandi contest and bring home Safari Gift vouchers.