Cheering crowds, victory marches, jubilation pour out on Qatar streets

A festive atmosphere prevailed around the country after the Qatar national football team defeated the UAE on Tuesday to qualify for the Asian Cup final for the first time. Thousands of Qataris and expatriates took to the streets of Doha and other places -- as well to social media -- to celebrate the occasion.

A jubilant crowd at The Pearl-Qatar. PICTURE: Ram Chand

The victory was particularly special as the Qatari team -- Al Annabi -- emerged victorious despite hostile conditions in the UAE -- one of the four countries that imposed the unjust blockade on Qatar back in June 2017. Fans had gathered at places such as Souq Waqif and Katara -- the Cultural Village, among others, in large numbers to watch the semifinal live on giant screens.

Fans celebrating on the Corniche. PICTURE: AFP

At Souq Waqif, Qataris, alongside hundreds of fans from other countries -- including Egypt, France, Jordan and Algeria, watched the match intently. At first the crowd were nervously quiet but as Qatar's dominance became apparent, the fans become much noisier.

Fans celebrating on the Corniche. PICTURE: Reuters

Qataris danced through the half-time break with their team 2-0 in front, and in the second half cheered every block and tackle as "Al Annabi (the Maroons)" fought to hold on to their lead.

The final whistle saw the start of huge celebrations at the Souq, with more music and dance. "Congratulations! Congratulations! They deserve it," said one unnamed jubilant Qatari immediately after. "The Qatari people and the residents deserve it. "We've hit them with four goals."

Fans celebrate Qatar's victory at Katara. PICTURE: Jayaram

He added that the victory was for the country's leaders, including His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani.

Nearby, an excited Algerian, Karim, said Qatar should now beat Japan in Friday's final. "It's very fair, they gave a great performance, they deserve it." TV networks broadcast clippings of the celebrations from various parts of Doha, including Katara, Aspire Park and Souq Waqif.

A massive crowd had gathered at Souq Waqif to watch the match. PICTURE: Shaji Kayamkulam

Traffic along the Doha Corniche was jammed bumper-to-bumper with fans celebrating the victory, many honking horns or waving Qatari flags from car roofs.

A Qatari celebrating the victory said the result was much "sweeter" because of the opposition. People were keen to express their joy and pride in various ways, including waving the Qatari flag and chanting slogans of support, while others started to dance to the tune of national songs. 

There were also a plethora of congratulatory messages -- from ministers and other dignitaries to common citizens and residents -- on social media. Sports experts and analysts agreed that the Qatari team deserved to qualify for the final of the Asian Cup due to their impressive performance so far, especially in the semifinal, thanks to the strategy of Spanish coach Felix Sanchez and the fighting spirit of the Qatari heroes against the Emirati team.

(Source: Gulf Times)

Katara Beach to scrap entry fees; free for all from May 3

Katara Beach will do away with its entrance fee in effect from May 3.

A Katara official confirmed that Katara has scrapped entry fee to the beach. The beach will be open to all and people can bring their own beach chairs and canopy. The price of entry was QR100 for adults and QR50 for kids. From Thursday, May 3, it will be open to all for free.

However, those wishing to use the inflatable games will have to still purchase a day pass from the cashier at Gates 1 and 5. A QR50 day pass is needed for all those above 6 years old to use games. Children under 6 can use them free of cost.

File photo of the Katara Beach used for representation.

Katara Beach has a selection of watersports activities and children's play area where kids can participate in child-friendly water sports. The tickets for watersport rides are available till 30 minutes before sunset.

On weekdays the entry is from 9.30am to sunset and on weekend, last Entry to the beach is at 9.30pm, but swimming ends at sunset.

(Source: The Peninsula)

Traditional dhow exhibition in Qatar

The first traditional dhow exhibition started on November 15 and will be on till November 19 at Katara. We went to see the event yesterday and over 60 dhows, cultural bands, pearl diving competition, speakers and lecturers, museum displays and galleries from across the GCC had participated in the 5-day event.

 

Venue: Katara Beach
Programme list

Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Exhibition Opening (Ministry of Culture) 4:00 pm
Traditional Gulf Bands and Music 4:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Children’s Workshop 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Dhow Historian Lecture/Discussion Session 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Lighting Show (Shown Hourly) 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Exhibition Closes 10:00 pm

Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Morning Schedule – Public and Schools
Exhibition Opening 9:00 am
Traditional Gulf Bands and Music 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Children’s Workshop 9:30 am - 10:30 am
Dhow Historian Lecture/Discussion Session 10:30 am - 11:30 am
Exhibition Closes 12:00 pm
Afternoon Schedule – Open to Public
Exhibition Opening 3:00 pm
Traditional Gulf Bands and Music 3:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Pearl Diving Competition Departure 4:00 pm
Dhow Historian Lecture/Discussion Session 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Lighting Show (Shown Hourly) 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Exhibition Closes 10:00 pm

Thursday, November 17, 2011
Morning Schedule – Public and Schools
Exhibition Opening 9:00 am
Traditional Gulf Bands and Music 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Children’s Workshop 9:30 am - 10:30 am
Dhow Historian Lecture/Discussion Session 10:30 am - 11:30 am
Exhibition Closes 12:00 pm
Afternoon Schedule – Open to Public
Exhibition Opening 3:00 pm
Traditional Gulf Bands and Music 3:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Dhow Historian Lecture/Discussion Session 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Damah Tournament 6:00pm - 8:00 pm
Lighting Show (Shown Hourly) 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Exhibition Closes 10:00 pm

Friday, November 18, 2011
Open to Public
Exhibition Opening 3:00 pm
Traditional Gulf Bands and Music 3:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Pearl Diving Arrival Ceremony 4:00 pm
Dhow Historian Lecture/Discussion Session 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Damah Tournament 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Lighting Show (Shown Hourly) 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Pearl Divers Awards Ceremony 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Exhibition Closes 10:00 pm

Saturday, November 19, 2011
Morning Schedule – Public and Schools
Exhibition Opening 9:00 am
Traditional Gulf Bands and Music 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Children’s Workshop 9:30 am - 10:30 am
Dhow Historian Lecture/Discussion Session 10:30 am - 11:30 am
Exhibition Closes 12:00 pm
Afternoon Schedule – Open to Public
Exhibition Opening 3:00 pm
Traditional Gulf Bands and Music 3:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Dhow Historian Lecture/Discussion Session 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Lighting Show (Shown Hourly) 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Exhibition Closes 10:00 pm

Fun at Doha Park

It was a place replete with fun, frolic and excitement at Doha Park, an entertainment facility, temporarily built near Doha Exhibition Center. We went twice to see the Park, once when it kicked off and now, yesterday, i.e., on November 11. Yesterday, Umer joined us and we had a great time together.

Entrance to the park

The event had participants from those countries, which have large local expatriate population, besides several other local artists. Teams from the GCC nations -- Egypt, Lebanon, Turkey, India and the Philippines -- are among the visiting participating contingents.

 When we went there for the first time, there were cultural shows of more than two nationalities at the entertainment pavilion.

Circus artists from Egypt, represented by Hellou team, hugely popular in the region, are also there to entertain the visitors.

 There are eateries operated by different nationalities and we had some snacks at Bombay Chowpatty.

 It was fun to see the rides and other entertainment avenues at the park.

Adding to the attraction, there are several stalls selling readymade clothes, household goods, perfumes, bags, furniture, pets and other essentials. During our first visit, Vij bought three lovely perfumes for himself and this time, I bought three perfumes for myself, while Vij bought another one for himself. Umer bought leather hand gloves from a Pakistan shop. 

Stall where we bought some nice perfumes...

As part of the festival literary, art and cultural competitions are also available for schoolchildren.

The entry to the park is free and the facilities are open every day at 3 pm and the gates will close at 12 midnight. During weekends, the park will be open till 2 am.

Cops with nice bikes...