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Doha, Qatar: For the third consecutive year, Education City Stadium will serve as the venue for the Eid Al Fitr prayer, welcoming thousands of worshippers to the iconic sporting arena.
The stadium has become a regular site for Eid prayers due to its proven ability to safely accommodate large crowds, as demonstrated during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
Wasif Ali Khan, Business Transformation Project Manager at Minaretein of Qatar Foundation, told The Peninsula that the Education City Stadium’s ability to safely host a large number of worshippers has seen it become a setting for Eid prayers in recent years, following its role as one of the venues for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
“Transforming a stadium into a prayer venue is a meaningful shift, repurposing a space typically associated with sports into one of spiritual reflection and communal worship. This change highlights the venue’s versatility and symbolizes unity by bringing together thousands of diverse individuals to mark the start of Eid Al Fitr,” he added.
“It elevates the stadium’s purpose beyond athletics, establishing it as a cultural and spiritual landmark,” Khan said, describing it as a “beacon of unity.” Eid Al Fitr prayers were held at the iconic Education City Stadium in April 2023. Since then, more than 35,000 people have participated in each Eid prayer and the vibrant Eid festival that follows at the stadium.
“The public response has been overwhelmingly positive, with large attendance reflecting the event’s role in strengthening community bonds and unity,” said Khan.
The prayers are hosted by the Education City Mosque, known as Minaretein Center, in partnership with the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs (Awqaf), which appoints an imam to lead the worshippers at Education City Stadium.
“The Minaretein Center oversees the transformation of the stadium into a spiritual space, coordinating crowd management, safety measures, and prayer arrangements to accommodate tens of thousands of worshippers. In collaboration with the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, the Center arranges prayer mats across the pitch to ensure a serene experience,” said Khan.
“Preparations for the subsequent Eid Festival include organizing activities, decorations, and gifts for children, creating a vibrant, family-friendly celebration.” he added. Hosting Eid prayers at Education City Stadium reflects QF’s commitment to nurturing a thriving community grounded in Islamic values, education, and unity.
“Organised by QF’s Minaretein Center, the event strengthens shared heritage, fosters mutual understanding, and cultivates a sense of belonging. By blending faith, community engagement, and celebration, it embodies QF’s mission to uplift and connect the community,” Khan said.
