Qatar has become the top choice for citizens of GCC countries looking to spend their Eid holidays in a vibrant and eventful setting. The country has attracted thousands of tourists from neighboring states, drawn by its diverse range of activities and entertainment programs available throughout the nation.
During the annual Eid Al Fitr celebrations, families from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain have flocked to Doha, as evidenced by the large number of their vehicles spotted across the country. Popular attractions like Souq Waqif, Katara, and Lusail Boulevard have seen a surge in visitor numbers, with many tourists proudly wearing traditional attire that represents their nationalities.
Speaking to locals in Souq Waqif, a Saudi tourist expressed his delight at spending the Eid holidays in Qatar. He mentioned that he and his family had driven from Riyadh to join their relatives in Qatar, emphasizing the beauty and significant development the country has undergone since their last visit. The tourist expressed his hope for continued brotherhood and open doors between the nations.
Experts and industry observers predict a notable increase in hotel occupancy rates during the Eid Al-Fitr holiday, attributing this trend to several factors, including the launch of the new Hayya platform. According to Ahmed Hussein, a tourism specialist, the Hayya platform has contributed to the rise in visitor numbers, which are expected to reach 70 to 80 percent during the Eid holiday period.
The revamped Hayya platform now offers four visa types, including a tourist visa for individuals of any nationality, a GCC Resident visa applicable to all professions, a visa for escorts of GCC citizens, and the electronic Travel Authorization visa (eTA) without restrictions for visa holders and residents of countries such as the Americas, Canada, Schengen countries, Britain, New Zealand, and Australia.
Eid al-Fitr celebrations in Qatar have not only provided a significant boost to the local tourism industry but have also attracted more foreign visitors, particularly from neighboring GCC nations. According to Mosaad Moustafa Eleiwa, a local tourism expert, Qatar has witnessed increased bookings from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and other Gulf countries, as well as guests from Europe who consider Qatar a luxurious holiday destination.
Eleiwa further explains that many visitors from various GCC countries who came for the FIFA World Cup 2022 have utilized the Eid holidays as an opportunity to explore Qatar attractions. While football fans were focused on the tournament during their previous visit, the diverse events and activities available during the Eid holidays have enticed them to return and experience what Qatar has to offer.
Several venues across Qatar, including the Cultural Village Foundation Katara, Souq Waqif, Al Wakra Souq, and various malls, hosted entertaining programs and festivities during the Eid holidays. Fireworks, music bands, Eid competitions, shows by the Qatar Police Band, and other exciting programs marked the first day of Eid at different locations.
Tourists were also given discounted access to unlimited rides at the Lusail Winter Wonderland during April 21-28. Additionally, the Al Shaqab Eid Festival, taking place from April 21-25, featured traditional workshops, horse riding, archery, and Arabian horse parades.
In recent days, Qatar Tourism 'Qatar Live' events have featured concerts by renowned Arab singers such as Tamer Hosny, Marwan Khoury, Najwa Karam, Hams, and Balqees at the QNCC convention center in Doha, attracting large crowds.
Qatar aims to establish itself as a top global tourist destination and has set a goal of attracting 6 million visitors annually by 2030. Recent data from Qatar Tourism indicates a significant growth in visitor numbers, with a 347 percent increase during the first