Qatar Events - What's On When?
January/February
Commercial Bank Qatar Masters 2016 – Golf
Qatar International Equestrian Festival
One of the most awaited days in the Equestrian calendar – the Qatar International Equestrian Festival showcases Qatar’s finest Pure Arabians, thoroughbreds and some of the best horses from around the world. Priding themselves on being the best equestrian festival held in the Middle East, highlights include horse shows, international races and contests.
Souq Waqif Spring Festival
Visit the Souq for extra special entertainment including camel rides, circus, clowns, shows, games and art workshops.
March
Qatar International Food Festival
Discover a world of tastes and fabulous gastronomic experiences at the annual Qatar International Food Festival. Held in the spectacular open‐air waterfront setting of the Museum of Islamic Art Park, the festival features the finest cuisine and culinary skills of many of Doha’s top chefs, as well as celebrity cookery experts from overseas. Plus don’t miss the entertainment, competitions, family activities, and some truly unique dining venue options.
July
Eid Al Fitr Festival
Marking the end of a month of fasting for Ramadan, the Eid Festival takes place over 5 days and takes place in various destinations in and around Doha. Eid celebrates with prayers, food, gifts and of course entertainment. Family entertainment highlights include shows such as Elmo Makes Music This Eid, Meet the Nicktoons and Musical and Circus Parade with roaming penguins. While adults are treated to exclusive performances from the likes of Circus Canada and Peter Pan. With nightly firework celebrations at Katara Cultural Village this is an event not to be missed.
August
Qatar Summer Festival
Qatar is the only place to be for summer fun! Whether you’re young or just young at heart, join in for a sizzling month-long fiesta of entertainment, activities, shows, promotions and non-stop fun for all the family. You’ve never experienced anything like it, so say ‘yes’ to summer fun and give the whole family a treat. See you in Doha – the heart of the Gulf.
September
Eid Al Adha Festival
Celebrations take place over 3 days with plenty of entertainment including fireworks, musical acts, performers and plenty of children’s activities.
MIA Exhibition – The Hunt
Marvel at the lifestyle, power and bravery of royal hunters as this exhibition draws on highlights from the collections of Qatari and Turkish museums to explore and celebrate the sport of hunting, as well as the related activities of polo, feasting and fighting, all of which feature richly in Islamic art.
October
IPC Athletics World Championships 2015 – Paralympics
November
Ajyal Youth Film Festival
The Ajyal Youth Film Festival builds on the Doha Film Institute’s history of community-based programming. Ajyal, meaning ‘generations’ in Arabic, invites people of all ages to come together to discuss cinema through events that inspire creative interaction, opening up a fun, collaborative environment where young people can express themselves. Driven with the goal to inspire and create, Ajyal has been designed to empower the region’s youth and to inspire film enthusiasts of all ages in Qatar and the region.
Katara International Kite Festival
The International Kite Festival is 2 days of non-stop wind-driven flying, art and culture. Both air-based and ground-based, attracting internationally recognized Kiting Pilot teams this is a festival not to be missed. In addition families can enjoy a great variety of fun activities including kiting workshops, street painting, face painting and much more.
Longines Global Champions Tour – Horse Racing
Traditional Dhow Festival
Under the patronage of His Highness, The Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, The Cultural Village Foundation – Katara presents the Traditional Dhow Festival. Celebrations for this nautical event include daily cruises, pearl diving, sailing, rowing and diving competitions, plus family activities, performances, science lectures and operetta
December
Qatar National Day
Qatar National Day celebrates the rise of Sheikh Jassem as the father and founder of the State of Qatar and gives its people the opportunity to honour the history and identity of their country. Throughout the month of December celebrations galore include events such as parades, fireworks, illuminations, light and water projections, car and boat shows, exhibitions, kids’ activities, traditional games, falconry and handicrafts.