Qatar's traditional Ramadan car parade switched locations this week from the seaside corniche to Shakespeare Street by the Katara Cultural Village.
The daily event taking place shortly before iftar throughout Ramadan has become an annual tradition allowing Qataris to show off their pimped-out rides. Participating vehicles range from the flashy and colorful to the uber-expensive.
Local social media celebrities initiated the location change, citing enhanced policing and fines as the reason for the decision.
“I sent a Snapchat out to all my followers, asking them to meet at Katara instead. At the Corniche, there is too much police. They fine if you don’t wear seat belts, if you stop for someone to take pictures, and other things. Some people here don’t have licenses and they’re scared of the police, so Katara is a better option,” said Mohammed Al Dosari of the " Dr. Hamood Show," Qatar's first web series.
With his wide social media following on both Snapchat and Instagram, Dosari was easily able to help sway public opinion, telling Doha News that the event needed to be held in a "safer place." His call to action wasn't ignored and hundred of cars have continued to participate in the parade at the new venue.
Although a parade of fancy cars may seem to be more or less uncontroversial, the parade has actually received a great deal of criticism from Qatari leaders and members of society. Mainly, critics see the event as a waste of time and others criticize the participation of underage drivers that reportedly drive in the parade.
More people are likely to complain as the change of venue has caused additional traffic and blocked entry to the Katara Cultural Village's main access road.
For his part, Dosari insists its just a fun way to pass the time before breaking the fast.
"People are hungry and need a distraction. That’s all it is," he told Doha News.
Watch the video filmed last year at the parade below.