DOHA, 28 January 2003, 28 January 2003 —The Corniche was bathed in a myriad of colored illumination as I was going around the city. Like the Corniche, many streets and shopping malls wore a festive look with multihued lights, festoons and other attractive forms of decor. All these were part of the spectacular Ayyam Wa Layali Winter Carnival that opened at the Corniche Plaza over the weekend. Qataris, residents and visitors attired in their best were there in large numbers.
Adding to an elaborate program of cultural events put up by artists from Qatar and more than two dozen other countries that heralded the country’s first ever winter festival on Thursday evening were a 38-member German team of hot air balloon riders and a multimedia show that kept several thousand spectators spellbound.
Germans and Qataris riding their hot air balloons were crisscrossing in the air as artists were showcasing the traditional and modern facets of Qatar on a massive stage erected in the water, off the plaza. The two-hour opening show, which also included cultural programs from other countries, involved laser animated beams, synchronized music fountains, pyrotechnics, special effects and live performances, put together by Qatar Vision and directed by Sherif Hashisho. The program mainly showcased Qatar’s traditional life and folklore as well as its modern face.
Balloon riders waved from above greeting the people participating in the opening of the carnival. Germany’s Frieballon team leader and ballooning veteran Alfred Mathes said his team included 14 pilots and a qualified meteorologist. "The evening turned out to be the best as the wind conditions suited the balloon rides," he said.
Then there was a series of laser images projected on the three giant water screens. Musically synchronized fireworks were simultaneously set off from three different points — the main stage, a barge and the Palm Tree Island. This gave it a three-dimensional effect. The focus shifted to a massive Carnival Land, where activities kicked-off on Friday.
The Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) organizes the 23-day carnival that ends on Feb. 14. It is being held on three main themes — fun in the air, fun on the sea and fun on the land. The QTA has also added another dimension to the carnival — fun in the cyberspace for those visiting the carnival website. Hot air balloon rides are a big attraction, which is being offered for the first time in the country.
In all 14 balloons, weighing between 300-900 kg in flight with passengers flew in the mornings before the official opening of the festival, from Zubara to Al-Shahanya and back, a distance of about 120 km as the crow flies. Those keen on taking off in this lighter-than-air craft and getting an aerial view of the city and other parts of the country during the 23-day carnival started queuing up for tickets at Carnival Land.
In fact, the hot air balloon trips consist of two types — one is a free trip tour and the other from Al-Shahanya to Zubara and vice versa depending on wind condition. "We’ve with us in the team two weather experts and we’ll be obliged to follow their professional recommendations," he said.
"Qatar being a small country, extreme care has to be taken so that we don’t fly over prohibited areas," Mathes said, adding that his team was trained and equipped to meet any eventuality. "If the winds are favorable, our task will be easier. We’ve an impeccable safety and security record. Each balloon also carries emergency equipment. Fortunately, we’ve not faced any previous problems operating hot air balloon trips, yet we’re always prepared for any mishaps. We also advice individuals on board to remain calm and listen to the captain on board the hot air balloon for their safety," Mathes said.
According to him, Qatar is the first Gulf country that most members of his team are visiting. "Some of the members of the team that is based in Harxheim, near Frankfurt, have traveled extensively and performed in over 60 countries. Our members are used to flying at heights over 5,000 ft," he said.
Festival coordinator Ali Al-Mannai said the German team had excellent credentials and was known for their daredevil feats. "It’s a rare opportunity for the people in Qatar to watch and experience ballooning, which is much more than a sport," he added.
A portion of the Corniche has been converted into an outdoor dining area with several small and large restaurants offering a variety of cuisine, setting up stalls in the area. A large number of shops and dealerships participating in the carnival are offering huge discounts on their products. They also offer shoppers an opportunity to win a prepaid charge card worth 50,000 Qatar riyals daily. Such shoppers are issued raffle coupons for every 100 Qatar riyals spent by them at any of the participating outlets.
The Doha Song Festival and the 3rd Doha Motor Show this year are also part of the winter carnival. Some hotels in the country have also announced special room rates. A telematch type sport, entitled "Bus Stop Qatar" is also being held during the event at a tent erected at the venue.
