Tribune News Network
Doha
Qatar Tourism (QT), in collaboration with Qatar Airways, organised a thrilling and diverse array of events back-to-back throughout the country’s cool season as part of its highly successful ‘Feel Winter in Qatar’ campaign. From stunning performances to culinary adventures, the packed schedule offered unforgettable experiences for residents and visitors of all ages.
Commenting on the success of the campaign, Omar Al Jaber, director of Shared Services at Qatar Tourism, said: “Feel Winter in Qatar was a targeted campaign that helped us make the best of Qatar’s winter sun. We brought global firsts, with the likes of the PAW Patrol Festival, and re-ignited some of Qatar’s most loved celebrations such as the Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition. The breadth of experiences speaks to Qatar’s multi-faceted tourism offering, and we are delighted to have welcomed residents and regional visitors during this uplifted time.”
Qatar Balloon Festival
Opening the ‘Feel Winter in Qatar’ season was the third edition of the Qatar Balloon Festival from January 19 to 28, which this year was hosted at the Old Doha Port area. The ten-day festival treated visitors to live entertainment, delicious food and the wonderful daily sight of hundreds of hot air balloons gently lit from within at dusk.
Qatar Live
Starting with Disney Princess: The Concert on January 26, Doha’s Disney lovers were in for a special treat with an open-air production of the globally loved Disney Princess – The Concert. In partnership with Disney Concerts and Broadway Entertainment Group, some of Broadway and the West End’s most celebrated artists performed a special tribute to Disney princesses, alongside a live accompaniment by the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra.
In addition, various acclaimed local, regional and international artists performed live and dynamic sets throughout the season as part of the Qatar Live programme.
Also part of Qatar Live, the world-renowned Circus 1903 made a triumphant debut to Doha in March.
Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition
The 19th edition of DJWE from February 20 to 25 put on display showstopping pieces from the most prominent local, regional and global brands. With a first-time feature of a musical score, created by none other than famed Qatari composer, Dana Al Fardan, the flagship event housed a purpose-built studio, plush dining outlets and the world’s most successful watch auctioneers, Phillips, in Association with Bacs & Russo.
Qatar International Food Festival
From March 11 to 21, the 12th edition of Qatar International Food Festival was held on the streets of Lusail Boulevard for the first time. The country’s largest and longest-running food and beverage festival invited food lovers to live cooking shows, play zones for kids, the chance to meet and learn from the world’s most respected chefs and much more.
Shop Qatar
Also in from March 1 to 18, Shop Qatar, the country’s largest shopping festival, made its return to venues across Qatar. From Villagio to the Mall of Qatar, some of the country’s most popular shopping malls participated in the month-long celebration. Shoppers were treated to a range of events in participating venues, including live entertainment, make-up masterclasses and the chance to win cash prizes.
For every QR200 spent as part of Shop Qatar, shoppers were eligible to enter a draw for mega prizes worth over QR2 million. On March 4, 11 and 18, Qatar Tourism held raffles at Lagoona Mall, Place Vendome and Doha Festival City (DFC), respectively. Prizes included six cash prizes worth QR10,000, three cash prizes worth QR20,000, and a grand prize of either a BMW X5 or a studio apartment in The Pearl Qatar.
Also falling under the Shop Qatar banner was the one-of-a-kind Paw Patrol Festival at Place Vendôme. The pup-tacular event held a live stage with larger than life characters, themed activities and much more.
