Expat families throng Qatar’s finest venues to have happy time together

Middle East News

Expat families throng Qatar’s finest venues to have happy time together

Many expatriates in Qatar are making the most out of the Eid Al-Fitr holidays by exploring the country, including its beach resorts, public parks, hotels and dining spots.

While some flew out of the country for a much-needed break from work, a number of residents have chosen to bond with their families and friends locally.

Among the favourite local getaways of expats are beach resorts including Sealine Beach in Mesaieed and Al Ghariya Beach in the north of Doha.

“Eid holidays are an opportunity for me and my friends to explore the lovely beaches in Qatar. We expected crowds there, but we actually didn’t mind because it was part of the thrill of spending the holidays locally. On the first day of Eid, we headed first to Sealine Beach but it was too crowded and even finding a proper parking was difficult. So, we decided to proceed to Al Ghariya instead. It was not a bad idea as we also enjoyed camping there,” said Filipino expat Erica.

Apart from the beaches, some expats are spending the holidays through the so-called ‘staycation’ with booking rooms in hotels for an overnight stay.

“We opted for a staycation this Eid holidays because it was safer for the babies in our family and we found it more relaxing. We thought the summer weather in Doha now would not be suitable for a beach outing, so we chose to have fun indoor and enjoy the amenities of the hotel where we booked,” said expat Joan Dagsan.

Another resident who is spending the Eid holidays with her friends in a hotel said, “You don’t really have to leave the country to enjoy and relax during the holidays.

Qatar offers many amenities for relaxation and family bonding, including staying in local hotels. It is an accessible and comfortable getaway for many, and my family has been doing it every year.”

Some of the popular destinations in the city, such as the Souq Waqif, are packed with people enjoying a wide variety of food in a traditional setting. Malls are also doing brisk business as people throng them both to dine and shop, while public places like the sprawling Al Bidda Park are receiving people in large numbers to enjoy leisure walk.