Meriem Guettat
The sky above Qatar will be filled with color over the next twelve days as the country hosts its first-ever hot air balloon festival. At sunset on Saturday the 7th of December, Aspire Park was filled with over 30 large balloons of different shapes, colour, and design. For the launch the baskets were tethered but the atmosphere was one of excitement, as you could hear the burners roar as they fired their liquid propane. Thirteen different countries are represented, including the United Kingdom, Qatar, Italy, France, Spain, Belgium, Lithuania, Croatia, and the United States. The balloons took to the air at 6 am Doha time on Sunday morning from Aspire Park. Their journey took them over the spectacular Qatar landscape at an approximate altitude of 2,000 feet, with each flight lasting an hour. Citizens of Doha can look forward to seeing the giant colourful balloons adorning Qatar’s skies over the coming days.
Many people who gathered at the park to get a glimpse of the balloons were disappointed to find out they couldn’t take rides, but were told by organisers that due to the newness of the event it was not yet open to the public, but that they would look into the possibility of public flights for the next festival. The event will end on the 18th of December, Qatar's National Day, which also coincides with one of the FIFA Club World Cup semi-final matches. Next year, the organisers aim to expand the festival by increasing the number of participating hot air balloons to around 60.