The role of festivals in reshaping our culture in Qatar

Spring season is an exciting time of the year for the community in Qatar. Qatar Tourism Authority transforms the country into a family friendly hub for cultural events and festivities.

This year, I was lucky to be able to go to different sites — from the Mall of Qatar to the Magical Festival in Katara Cultural Village.

I love how men, women, families and friends are getting out of their air conditioned Majlesses and houses into the public sphere. The way they interact with festivities is simply amazing.

We are witnessing an important cultural shift where people are leaving their private sphere more than ever before.

I went to the Hussain Al Jassmi concert at QNCC on January 27. That was the biggest event I’ve ever attended and it blew my mind on so many levels. Hussain Al Jassmi’s voice is arguably one of the most distinguished in the Gulf and not just the UAE.

I appreciated how his fan base extends to a level beyond our region; I saw people who did not even speak Arabic at the event.

As soon as he started singing, I kept looking around making observations on how men and women would participate and engage with the legendary artist and it was shocking in a good way.

The family section was set on fire. Teenagers were screaming as hard as anyone can, collectively making requests. A more mature group of local men and women were sitting next to each other chanting his music, smiling and giggling at the wild youngsters because they are asking for things and declaring their demands for the artist as if it was the only chance for them to ever speak.

I do not intend to oversell the event but I really became happy to see people singing together, screaming song titles to be performed together. You rarely get to witness such a transformation. The event had a huge impact that left me thinking about our society.

I'd like to extend my appreciation to QTA and everyone who ran this beautiful festive show in Qatar.