During Ramadan 2026, enthusiasts in Qatar continued their tradition of pre-iftar classic car convoys along Lusail Boulevard and Katara, though with reduced attendance due to recent Iranian missile strikes. Drivers and spectators gathered to celebrate automotive heritage before sunset, blending nostalgia with community spirit. The event highlights a longstanding custom that connects generations despite external pressures.
The pre-iftar classic car convoy, a cherished Ramadan ritual in Qatar, unfolded on March 7, 2026, as the sun approached the horizon. Starting around 3:30 p.m., drivers assembled at points in Lusail and the Cultural Village Foundation area in Katara, polishing vehicles like American sedans, European coupes, and Japanese models. Engines idled until the procession moved forward just before the Maghrib call to prayer, with chrome details gleaming in the fading light.
This tradition, practiced for decades, originally centered on Doha Corniche but has shifted to wider, scenic routes like Lusail Boulevard and Katara. Organizers noted thousands of cars in the first days of Ramadan, dropping to several hundred recently. Participants attributed the quieter atmosphere to regional tensions from Iranian missile strikes on distant Qatar locations earlier in the month, which prompted some to stay home.
Qatari driver Mohammed Al Mohannadi, in his restored 1974 Chevrolet Caprice, shared childhood memories of watching convoys with his father. "Every Ramadan when I was young, my father would drive us to the Corniche to watch the classic cars," he told Qatar Tribune. He described the drive as evoking family trips and anticipation for iftar, acknowledging lower turnout this week.
At Katara, Abdullah Al Marri arrived in a 1969 Cadillac DeVille, emphasizing the patience required for restoration. "Classic cars demand patience," he said. "You cannot rush the restoration process." He viewed the convoy as a peaceful gathering for sharing knowledge, noting smaller crowds post-missile incident but strong community ties.
Expatriates also joined, including Jordanian Ahmad Haddad with his 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300E, who praised the universal appeal of cars for fostering interactions. Tunisian resident Karim Ben Youssef, driving a 1972 BMW 2002, highlighted the organic, coordinated nature of the events through online groups. Both observed calmer streets but affirmed the tradition's resilience.
Families lined the routes, children posed for photos, and spectators watched from benches, underscoring the convoy's role as a social bridge across generations and nationalities in Qatar's multicultural setting.
