The Eid al-Fitr festival that marks the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan begins today in Qatar.

“The Crescent Moon Sighting Committee of the Ministry of Awqaf (Endowments) and Islamic Affairs announced that Monday, July 28, will be the first day of  the blessed Eid al-Fitr in Qatar,”  the official Qatar News Agency (QNA) said yesterday.

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Yemen,  Lebanon, Jordan and Syria also said the Eid festival would begin in their countries today.

HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani yesterday exchanged cables of Eid greetings with  the leaders of Arab and Islamic countries. “HH the Emir also received cables of congratulations on the occasion  from  a number of leaders of friendly countries,” QNA said.

HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani exchanged cables of greetings with prime ministers of  the Arab and Islamic countries on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr.

Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) launches its 2014 Eid activities today.

The activities will run for seven days, from the first day of Eid to August 3.

The programme of activities, organised in co-operation with various partners, has been finalised, QTA said in a statement yesterday. All shopping centres in Doha will be ready to welcome visitors to shows and performances throughout the Eid holidays.

QTA representatives will be available at Hamad International Airport and the Abu Samra border crossing to welcome guests arriving in Qatar to spend the Eid holidays.