The first day of Eid Al Adha (the festival of the sacrifice) falls on August 11 this year.

Eid Al Adha also called “The Feast of Sacrifice” or “The Greater Eid”, is Islam’s holiest festival. During Eid Al Adha, it is customary for Muslims to sacrifice an animal, which is usually a goat or a sheep. Families and friends visit each other and exchange food or gifts.

Eid Al Adha is also a significant time for charity. To those who can afford it, it is recommended to make an effort to help those who are less fortunate. 

Eid Holidays

As Eid Al Adha draws closer, the Amiri Diwan has announced the holidays for this festive season.

According to the announcement, the Eid Al Adha holidays for ministries, other government entities, authorities, and public institutions will commence on Sunday, August 11 and end on Thursday, August 15. Employees will resume work on Sunday, August 18.

For those who are traveling over the Eid holidays, Hamad International Airport has advised to checking-in online to avoid the long queues at the airport. Travelers during this busy period are also advised to arrive at the airport at least three hours ahead of departure.

Eid Prayer

Eid prayers will be held in several mosques and Eidgahs (open prayer spaces) around Qatar. Ministry of Awqaf has advised worshippers to arrive early for prayer to avoid rushing and causing traffic congestion in the final minutes before the prayer begins.

Eid prayer will be held 15 minutes following sunrise. The exact prayer timing - 5:20 am.

For the ease of QLers wishing to join this special prayer, we have put together a list of some of the most famous mosques where ‘Eid prayer’ takes place.

1. Imam Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab Mosque – The State Mosque

The mosque is located in Al Mohandiseen Street, Doha, South of Corniche, and nearby Qatar Sports Club. The mosque can accommodate around 30,000 people.

2. Education City Mosque

It’s located in the Minaretein building, which rests on five large columns representing the five pillars of Islam, with each featuring a verse drawn from the Holy Qur’an.

3. Barwa City Grand Mosque

This mosque is located inside Barwa City.

4. Masjid Hamza Bin Abdul Mutalib

This mosque is located in Al-Wakrah opposite Al Wakrah Souq.

Eid Al Adha events across the country:

1. Katara Cultural Village

Dates: Day 1 – Day 4 of Eid

Time: 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm

Entry: Entry is free for all

Katara Cultural Village is hosting an array of activities during Eid from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm, including a 3D shows: Dawn of the Space Age and Astronaut, and spectacular fireworks.

Visitors at Katara can enjoy the fireworks display from 10:00 pm during all the four days of Eid Al Adha.

2. Mall of Qatar

Date: August 11 – August 17

Entry: Entry is free for all

Mall of Qatar is hosting a plethora of activities from August 11 to August 17 at 2:00 pm, 5:00 pm, and 8:00 pm.

Join Nickelodeon’s PAW Patrol’s Chase & Marshall, Shimmer & Shine, Dora the Explorer and SpongeBob in the best dance party ever. There will also be a meet & greet session where the fans can take pictures with the characters.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to sing along with Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants at 12:00 pm, 3:30 pm, and 6:30 pm and PAW Patrol’s Chase & Marshall at 12:4 pm, 4:15 pm, and 7.15pm.

In addition, there will also be fun-filled games and experiences in the activation area located in East Gate 1.

3. Mirqab Mall

The Carnival

Date: August 11 – August 14

Starting from the first day until the fourth day of Eid, the carnival will feature a variety of carnival-themed stage shows with authentic carnival performers, including Coco the Clown show and a fire show.

The festivities will also include a live broadcasted children’s game show on Qatar TV, “Studio Al Murih” which will also be available to the youngest of visitors from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm until August 16. Children will be able to participate in other activities, including puzzles and classic twists on games, with the chance to win grand prizes.

Daily special meet and greet sessions will be hosted at 4:30 pm and will feature popular characters such as The Avengers at the Qatar Summer Festival booth near the iconic fountain.

4. Lagoona Mall

The Little Mermaid

Date: August 11 – August 15

Time: 3:30 pm, 6:30 pm, 9:30 pm

Entry: Entry is free for all

Lagoona Mall is all set to provide families and friends with the best atmosphere while bringing the community together to celebrate the holidays with amazing shows and festivities.

The magical underwater world of ‘The Little Mermaid’ will be live on stage at Lagoona Mall.

5. Doha Festival City

The Lego Festival

Date: July 30 – September 17

Time: 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm

Entry: Entry is free for all

Doha Festival City is hosting the first-of-its-kind LEGO Festival, featuring six LEGO activities in 4 different zones spread across the mall, and allows the visitors a variety of engaging experiences from creative brick building to instructed challenges and physical activations.

6. Summer Entertainment City

Date: August 9 – August 23

Time: Saturday to Wednesday: 1:30 pm to 11 pm, Thursday- Friday: 1:00 pm to 11:00 pm

Location: Doha Exhibition & Convention Center (DECC)

Summer Entertainment City is back for the second time this year to make this Eid a memorable one.

7. The Blue Man Group

Date: August 14 – August 17

Location: Qatar National Convention Center (QNCC)

If you like your concerts a little more eccentric, and off the wall, then look no further than the global phenomenon known as the Blue Man Group! As part of their latest world tour, the Blue Man Group brings its unique musical and visually spectacular show to Qatar for the first time. This is an experience of a lifetime you won’t want to miss!

To book your seat click here.

8. South Indian International Movie Awards (SIIMA)

Date: August 15 – August 16

Location: Lusail Sports Arena

The eighth South Indian International Movie Awards (SIIMA) are all set to take the stage.

The prestigious awards show will be taking place on August 15-16 at Lusail Indoor Arena and will witness a galaxy of South Indian stars light up Doha’s firmament for the two consecutive days.

This glamourous event is managed by ONE FM 89.6.

SIIMA is the most popular award show in the industry, with awards across four languages: Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam. 

Tickets range in price from QAR 50 to QAR 3,000 and are available at aynatickets.com.

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