Souq Waqif is one of the oldest and most attractive places in Qatar, with an elite crowd of art, history and lifestyle lovers always thronging its cobbled streets.

Every year, they hold one or more festivals and they are generally well-attended events. The April Festival, which is currently underway at Souq Waqif, has also proved to be a venue for the country to take a stand.

The Souq Waqif management has decided to scrap all live performances from the April Festival in a show of solidarity with the people of Syria, and particularly with the victims of the Khan Sheikhun massacre.

At least 70 people, including several children, were killed in Khan Sheikhun after deadly chemical nerve gas Sarin was released following an airstrike. At least 100 people were also injured in the attack.

This is not the first time Qatar is showing its solidarity with the Syrian people. Last year, HH The Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani had cancelled the Qatar National Day parade at the Doha Corniche and subsequent celebrations in solidarity with the Syrian people.

Our thoughts and prayers are with all the affected people in Syria. Let’s pray for the country and hope for a speedy end to conflicts there.