Qatar Gears Up For Eid Al Fitr With Joy And Devotion

Doha: As the holy month of Ramadan draws to a close, the residents and citizens of Qatar are immersed in preparations for Eid Al Fitr, the joyous festival marking the end of a month of fasting, reflection, and spiritual renewal.

With about two days remaining until the crescent moon is sighted, signaling the start of the celebrations, the nation is buzzing with activity, blending time-honoured traditions with modern flair.

Eid Al Fitr, one of the most significant holidays in the Islamic calendar, is a time of unity, gratitude, and festivity. In Qatar, a country known for its rich cultural heritage and rapid modernization, the preparations reflect a harmonious blend of the old and the new. From bustling souqs to gleaming shopping malls, from family homes to community centers, the spirit of Eid is palpable across the nation.

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In the days leading up to Eid, supermarkets and malls have transformed into vibrant hubs of activity, with almost all of them offering several promotions to add to the splendor of the joyous festivities.

Souq Waqif, Doha's iconic traditional market, is also not left behind as it is teeming with shoppers seeking spices, sweets, and intricate garments of all colours and sizes. Vendors proudly display trays of baklava, maamoul, and other Eid delicacies, their aromas wafting through the narrow lanes.

“This is the busiest time of the year for us,” Abdullah Al Kubaisi, a spice merchant who has run his stall for over two decades, told The Peninsula.“Families come to buy the best ingredients for their Eid feasts. It's a tradition that never fades.”

Meanwhile, at high-end malls like Villaggio and Doha Festival City, Qatar's younger generation flocks to purchase new outfits-a customary practice for Eid.

Designer abayas, thobes, and children's clothing in bright colours dominate the displays.“I've been saving up to buy my kids new clothes,” shares Fatima Al Mansoori, a mother of three, as she browses a boutique.“Seeing them dressed up and happy on Eid morning is one of my favorite moments.”

Beyond clothing and food, homes are being adorned with decorations. Fairy lights, crescent moon motifs, and lanterns are popular choices, illuminating Qatar's neighbourhoods with a festive glow.

Many families are also preparing gift baskets filled with dates, chocolates, and small tokens to exchange with loved ones, a gesture symbolising generosity and goodwill as Eid Al Fitr is not only a time for celebration but also an opportunity to give back.

While preparations are in full swing, charity remains a cornerstone of the season.

Qatar's residents are actively participating in Zakat Al Fitr, a mandatory charitable donation given before the Eid prayers. Many organisations have launched campaigns to distribute food baskets, clothing, and financial aid to underprivileged families.“Ramadan teaches us compassion, and Eid is a chance to extend that kindness,” says Hakeem Olaiya, a volunteer distributing aid in Al Rayyan.“We want everyone to feel the joy of the holiday.”

Mosques across the country are also preparing for the Eid prayers, expected to draw thousands to open-air congregation sites like the Education City Stadium and Al Wakra Sports Club. Imams have been reminding worshippers to complete their charitable obligations and to approach Eid with a spirit of forgiveness and unity.

Food plays a central role in Qatar's Eid celebrations, with kitchens abuzz as families prepare elaborate feasts. Traditional dishes like harees (a slow-cooked meat and wheat porridge), thareed (bread soaked in a rich stew), and balaleet (sweet vermicelli with saffron and cardamom) are staples on every table.“My grandmother taught me how to make balaleet, and now I'm teaching my daughters,” says Noora Al Thani, a homemaker in Doha.“It's a way to keep our heritage alive.”

Sweets are equally essential, with children eagerly awaiting trays of luqaimat (crispy dumplings drizzled with date syrup) and kunafa (a cheesy pastry soaked in sugar syrup). Bakeries report a surge in orders, with some families commissioning custom Eid cakes adorned with festive designs.

After the communal prayers, families will gather to share meals, exchange greetings of“Eid Mubarak,” and visit relatives-a practice known as silaturrahim.

The Qatari government has announced a week-long public holiday for Eid starting from March 30, 2025, to Monday, April 7, 2025, for ministries, government agencies, and public institutions, allowing residents ample time to celebrate. Major events at several spots across the country, including fireworks at Katara Cultural Village and performances at the Corniche, have been planned to entertain families.

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