(MENAFN- The Peninsula) joelyn baluyut |
The Peninsula
In a bid to promote Qatari culture during Eid Al Fitr, the Old Doha port has been organising a mix of entertainment and cultural activities for everyone to enjoy which will conclude today, April 25.
Old Doha Port Executive Director, Engr Mohammed Abdulla Al Mulla told The Peninsula that the port is keen to spread awareness of the Qatari sea-related culture especially the marine heritage through the performing arts.
He said that during their five-day Eid celebration, singers performed songs about pearl diving and fishing that were once practiced in the olden days as these were two of Qatar's primary sources of income in the country's pre-oil era.
Al Mulla emphasised that preserving this kind of custom is essential for them, particularly in the digital era, so that people may reflect on, value, and uphold the culture.
Meanwhile, marine art sessions are also taking place in the area wherein figurative arts such as paintings, drawings and sculpture-making are being held.
The Old Doha Port, which houses the Mina District, Grand Cruise Terminal, and Box Park, has seen a huge influx of visitors since the start of its Eid festivities, which will end today, from 4pm to 10pm.
Along with the performing arts, there will also be entertainment events including marching bands, roaming performances, costumed street performers, face painting, and bubble shows.
Moreover, Old Doha Port has heavily invested in showcasing sea-related activities such as paddle boarding, water skiing, and kayaking which are among the marine activities that take place all day long and will be available throughout the year.
Nilo, from the Philippines, who visited the Old Doha Port for two consecutive days said that attending the Eid festivities in the area helped to learn more about the marine life of Qatar.“The activities were carefully created because on one side you can watch people singing and dancing to Qatari folk music, on the other, you have the modern entertainments which are roaming streetwalkers and activities for the kids.”
“We have been to the Mina District several times, even during Ramadan, and the Eid activities they have lined up are absolutely amazing. It gets crowded at night when you can mingle with other people because this is what festivals do right – they bring people together. What's even more interesting is if you go to the area near the Cruise Terminal or even the Mina Beach, the views of the Corniche, West Bay and The Pearl are stunning, so more than the activities, we are also here for relaxation,” said Sandy from Nepal who's visiting the area with her family yesterday.