Years of Culture
false
2025/04/22
From time-honoured religious traditions, to national holidays and vibrant cultural festivities, Qatar's festivals are as diverse as they are captivating. Here are some of the most unmissable cultural events in Qatar.
Qatar Kite Festival is a vibrant spectacle that fills the skies of Doha with an array of colourful kites of all shapes and sizes. International kite flyers and enthusiasts gather to showcase their skills and expertise through stunning synchronised kite displays, workshops, and competitions. The celebration also includes family-friendly entertainment, food stalls, and interactive activities, creating a joyful atmosphere for all ages.
Established in 2012, Qatar National Sports Day is an annual celebration of fitness, promoting the importance of a healthy lifestyle through physical activity. On this day each year, numerous sporting events, classes, and fun educational activities are organised across the nation. Qatar is one of the only nations in the world with a designated national holiday dedicated to sport, with schools and businesses closed so that everyone can make the most of the many activities on offer.
Qatar International Food Festival (QIFF) is a culinary extravaganza, celebrating the nation's diverse gastronomic landscape. Showcasing local and global cuisines, highlights include live cooking demonstrations by renowned chefs, interactive workshops and entertainment for all ages. Visitors can indulge in a myriad of flavours, from quintessentially Qatari fare to global dishes from around the world, making it a must-visit for food enthusiasts.
Over the years, QIFF has frequently celebrated the rich culinary heritage of Years of Culture partner countries, from a lively Brazil Zone in 2014 to German entertainment in 2017, to a celebration of Moroccan flavours in 2024. In early 2025, attendees experienced activities highlighting Argentinian and Chilean cuisine as part of the Qatar, Argentina and Chile 2025 Year of Culture.
The Mahaseel Festival is an annual event at Katara Cultural Village, shining a spotlight on diverse Qatari-grown produce, from fresh flowers to vegetables. Additionally, Qatar hosts several other food themed festivals throughout the year, including the Mango Festival, Honey Festival, Qatar Dates Festival, and the Flower Festival, all at Souq Waqif and each offering a unique taste of the region's agricultural and culinary heritage.
Garangao is a cherished tradition in Qatar, marking the halfway point of the holy month of Ramadan. On this night, children dress in colourful traditional costumes and visit different homes in their neighbourhoods, singing songs and receiving sweets and nuts. The festival embodies the spirit of community and generosity that is central to Qatari culture. The Qatar National Library regularly participates in the Garangao Festival by hosting a series of engaging activities for local children.
The Lusail Sky Festival is the region's largest aerial spectacle, coinciding with the Eid Al-Fitr celebrations. Attendees can expect a mesmerizing array of performances, including international aerobatics, skydiving demonstrations, skywriting, and high-speed jet displays. The night sky is illuminated by drones and aircraft equipped with pyrotechnics, creating intricate formations and dazzling light shows. On the ground, visitors can enjoy a diverse entertainment programme featuring live performances and a food zone with 14 food trucks.
Eid festivals in Qatar are grand celebrations marked by prayers, feasts, and festivities. Families gather for communal meals together, and public spaces host entertainment, including fireworks and cultural performances. Both Eid-Al-Fitr, which follows Ramadan, and Eid-Al-Adha, which occurs after the Hajj pilgrimage, are public holidays in Qatar.
The Heya Arabian Fashion Exhibition presents the latest in Arabian and modest fashion. Featuring designers from Qatar and beyond, the exhibition includes fashion shows, workshops, and panel discussions that highlight the region's fashion industry.
The Doha International Book Fair is one of the oldest and most significant literary events in the WANA region. It features a vast collection of books, from international bestsellers to regional and local works. Visitors can expect author meet-and-greets, book signings, panel discussions, and activities for young readers, making it a must-visit for book lovers and budding writers.
Past editions of Years of Culture have also welcomed partner countries to share their literary heritage at the festival. During Qatar-France 2020, French literature took centre stage, introducing audiences to renowned works and celebrated authors.
Other literary events in Qatar include the Katara Arabic Novel Festival, which celebrates pioneers of the Arabic novel each October.
The Qatar Toy Festival is a family-friendly extravaganza featuring the latest and most exciting toys, games, and entertainment from around the world. With interactive zones, live character shows, and hands-on activities, it offers a magical experience for children and toy enthusiasts. Attendees can explore brand showcases, exclusive product launches, and special performances, making it a must-visit for families during the summer season in Doha.
The Ajyal Film Festival, organised by the Doha Film Institute, is a cinematic event celebrating international and regional films, with a focus on young filmmakers and movie enthusiasts of all ages. The festival features film screenings, workshops, and discussions, encouraging young audiences to engage with global storytelling.
Celebrating Qatar's rich maritime heritage, the Katara Traditional Dhow Festival showcases traditional wooden boats known as dhows. The event features boat races, boat tours, a floating cafe, and lively musical performances, offering a beautiful insight into the nation's seafaring history. There is also a popular pearl diving competition, fishing competition and firework display.
The Qatar Balloon Festival is a 10-day visual spectacle, showcasing hot air balloons from around the world. Highlights include balloon rides, nighttime glow shows, live music, and food stalls, providing entertainment for all ages.
The Qatar International Art Festival at Katara Cultural Village is a vibrant platform for artists from around the globe to exhibit their work. The creative showcase includes live painting sessions, workshops, panel discussions, and exhibitions, fostering creativity and cultural exchange.
Qatar National Day commemorates the country's unification in 1878 under Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani. The day is marked by patriotic displays, including impressive parades, fireworks, cultural exhibitions, and traditional performances. It is a day of immense national pride, reflecting on Qatar's rich history and significant achievements.
For more information on upcoming cultural events in Qatar, visit the Years of Culture programme to stay updated on exhibitions, festivals, and celebrations throughout the year.
