Khalid Tawalbeh
Doha
The Qatar Toy Festival 2024 kicked off at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC) on Monday, transforming it into a vibrant hub of entertainment and joy for the summer.
Running from July 15 to August 14, this festival promises to be a premier destination for families seeking a break from the summer heat, offering a plethora of activities and experiences designed to cater to all age groups.
This spectacular event is organised by Spacetoon, a leading name in children’s entertainment.
Known for its engaging and educational content, Spacetoon has curated a festival that combines fun, learning, and creativity, ensuring a memorable experience for visitors of all ages.
With their expertise in creating captivating experiences for children, Spacetoon has successfully brought together an impressive lineup of activities, live performances, and interactive zones that make the Qatar Toy Festival 2024 an unmissable summer event. The festival features ten diverse zones spread across a vast 17,000 square metres, including three new areas introduced this year: the preschool zone, the girls’ zone, and the boys’ zone.
Other exciting zones include the anime zone, the family zone, the movie land, the theater, the food and beverage area, the thematic zone, and the shopping area.
This extensive variety ensures that there is something for everyone, making it a must-visit event for both locals and tourists.
Renowned for its immersive experiences, the Qatar Toy Festival 2024 brings over 50 major global brands in children’s toys to Doha.
This year’s edition also sees the debut of beloved characters like Mr. Bean and Barney, adding a fresh twist to the festival’s offerings. With a lineup that includes 76 live performances featuring popular toy characters, the festival guarantees non-stop excitement.
The festival’s daily schedule is packed with engaging activities and shows, designed to captivate both young and old.
Visitors can enjoy an array of musical performances, scientific exhibitions, and dance shows, alongside roaming performances that add an element of surprise and spontaneity to the event. More than 19 theater shows are scheduled, ensuring that entertainment is always just around the corner.
In addition to the performances, the festival features various interactive zones. The anime zone, for instance, is a haven for fans of Japanese animation, offering themed activities and merchandise. The movie land provides an immersive cinematic experience, while the food and beverage area ensures that visitors have access to a wide range of dining options.
To cater to different needs and preferences, the festival offers a range of ticketing options. A general entry ticket is priced at 50 Qatari riyals, allowing access for one person for a day, including all activities and theater shows, though it excludes access to the studio and some movie screenings.
For those seeking a more enhanced experience, the fast-track ticket at QR300 provides single-day access to fast-track lanes in the play areas, covering all activities and theater shows, except for the studio and certain movies.
Families can opt for the family ticket priced at QR200, which covers five people for the price of four for a day, including all activities and theater shows, but excluding studio access and certain movies.
For those planning multiple visits, the festival pass at QR450 Q offers entry for one child for the entire duration of the festival, with a complimentary entry for one accompanying adult, covering all activities and theater shows except studio access and certain movies.
The VVIP ticket, at QR1500, grants entry for four people for a day, including fast-track lanes in play areas and access to the lounge, covering all activities and theater shows but excluding studio access and certain movies.
Dr Aymen Al Qadhi, one of the first visitors to the festival, shared his thoughts on the event. "This festival is a remarkable initiative that brings together people of all ages for a month of fun and excitement. The organisation is top-notch, and the variety of activities available is truly impressive. It’s not just about toys; it’s about creating memories and experiences that will last a lifetime.”
Dr Al Qadhi, who visited with his family, praised the festival’s focus on safety and accessibility. "As a parent, I appreciate the emphasis on safety. The zones are well-designed, and there’s ample staff to assist and guide visitors. It’s also heartening to see facilities that cater to the needs of all children, including those with special needs. This inclusivity is what makes the festival stand out.”
Reflecting on the importance of such events, Dr Al Qadhi added, "In today’s fast-paced world, it’s crucial to have opportunities like this where families can come together, unwind, and have fun. The Qatar Toy Festival not only entertains but also strengthens community bonds and promotes a sense of togetherness.”
Hafsa bin Hameed, another visitor, expressed her enthusiasm about the festival.
"I’ve been looking forward to this event for months, and it has exceeded my expectations. The attention to detail in each zone is amazing, and there’s so much to see and do. Whether you’re a child, a teenager, or an adult, there’s something here for you.”
Hafsa highlighted the anime zone as a personal favorite. "As an anime fan, I was thrilled to see the anime zone. It’s like stepping into a different world, with all the characters and themes I love. The merchandise and activities are fantastic, and it’s a great place to meet fellow fans.”
She also praised the festival’s ability to cater to diverse interests. "The range of activities is incredible. From the theater shows to the food stalls, there’s never a dull moment. It’s a perfect blend of entertainment, education, and fun. I can’t wait to come back with more friends and family.”
With its grand opening today, the Qatar Toy Festival 2024 sets the stage for a summer filled with laughter, learning, and endless entertainment. The festival operates daily from 2 PM to 10 PM, extending until 11 PM on weekends, ensuring that visitors have ample time to explore and enjoy all that it has to offer.
The organizers have ensured that the festival caters to a wide audience, making it a truly inclusive event. From interactive zones and live performances to a variety of dining options and shopping areas, the Qatar Toy Festival 2024 promises to be an unforgettable experience for all attendees.