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Festivals & Events in Qatar
Public Holidays In Qatar
Qatar observes several public holidays. The two weekend days are Friday and Saturday. Annual public holidays are:
| Date | English name | Local name (Arabic) | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Second Tuesday in February | National Sports Day | اليوم الوطني للرياضة | A holiday. Started in 2012. |
| Beginning of March | March holidays | عطلة البنك | A holiday. |
| 18 December | Qatar National Day | اليوم الوطني لقطر | National Day of Qatar. |
| 1st, 2nd, 3rd Shavwal | Eid ul-Fitr | عيد الفطر | Reminiscent of the end of Ramadan. |
| 10th, 11th, 12th Zulhijjah | Eid ul-Adha | عيد الأضحى | Commemorates Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son. Also known as the Great Feast (celebrated from the 10th to the 13th). |
Festivals in Qatar
Qatar provides a wide variety of fun festivals and events all year round. While some events highlight the nation’s rich cultural legacy, others highlight its slick modernity and global perspective.
From galloping camels to virtuoso famous chefs, or from the peaceful sight of dhow vessels lining the coastline to brilliant fireworks displays, there is no dearth of variety in the festive pleasures offered here. Some events in Qatar are deeply rooted in sacraments, while others honor artists who push the boundaries of creativity. When you next travel to Qatar, put some of these fantastic festivals on your calendar and plan to attend.
Qatar International Art Festival
The Qatar International Art Festival in Doha, held over six days in late October or early November, provides a showcase and creative interchange for artists from all over the world. The festival has over 200 artists and includes live painting demonstrations, seminars, panel discussions, a fashion show, and an exhibition.
Katara Cultural Village hosts the festival. Artists interested in participating in the event can apply in advance, and the exhibition and live paintings are free to the public.
Ajyal Film Festival
The annual Ajyal Film Festival, held at Doha’s Katara Cultural Village in late November, is a week-long celebration of the moving image. Aiyal means “generations” in Arabic, and the event is intended to appeal to people of all ages, featuring activities such as cosplay, video game tournaments, and modern music performances.
Filmmakers, musicians, and artists from all over the world attend the festival, which takes place at Doha’s Katara Cultural Village. All activities are free to attend.
Katara Traditional Dhow Festival
Dhow boats have been transporting sailors over the Arabian seas and beyond for generations, and Qatar honors this magnificent sailing vessel each year with the Traditional Dhow Festival at Katara Cultural Village in Doha. The celebration is usually held in December.
There are 70 boats of all sizes and traditional designs on display, as well as art exhibitions and a marine-themed firework performance. On-site, a traditional market sells marine products, handicrafts, and food. For a modest price, you can also set sail on a dhow cruise for a lovely 30-minute voyage to The Pearl.
Doha Cultural Festival
The Doha Cultural Festival is a major event in Qatar that celebrates a wide range of local customs and arts. Musical performances, dance, photography, art exhibitions, and other forms of expression are used to express the region’s culture and creativity. The most popular performances are singing and poetry readings, which represent the country’s strong oral storytelling traditions. Events are held at various locations throughout Doha, with performances aimed at the entire family.
H.H. His Majesty The Prince of Qatar, Al Sheikh Hamad Ben Khalifa Al Thani, preside over the annual event, which takes place in February or March.
Aspire International Kite Festival
Every March, the skies above Aspire Park in Doha come alive with colorful kites as part of the city’s annual kite festival. Enjoy the sight of colorful kites flying through the air, expertly managed by kite flyers from all over the world.
Traditional-style kites are on exhibit, and families may perfect their own kite-making talents in daily seminars. Student competitions, parades, and cultural performances are among the other activities planned for the three days of festivities.
Al-Shahaniya Camel Racing
Camel racing in Qatar has evolved through time into a fiercely competitive sport with millions of dollars at stake. The use of remote-controlled ‘jockeys’ to ride the camels exemplifies the sport’s unusual blend of history and modern technology.
Weekly races are held every Friday from October through February, with the main contests taking place in March and April. The victor of HH the Emir’s Main Race in April receives national prestige in addition to the Golden Sword. The races are held at Al Shahaniya Camel Racing Track, which is located on the Doha-Dukhan highway about an hour from downtown Doha.
Eid al-Fitr
Ramadan is a holy month in Qatar, with three days of Eid al-Fitr festivities capping off a month of fasting, prayer, and reflection. It’s a public holiday in Qatar, so people can get together and share fast-breaking meals. Some businesses are closed, but the country is filled with lights, colorful banners, and nightly fireworks displays.
While many families celebrate at home, many local restaurants and hotels honor the festival’s generous spirit by giving discounts, special meals, and activities. The celebration usually takes place on the first day of the Islamic month of Shawwal.
Qatar International Food Festival
Foodies and hungry travelers can plan a trip to Qatar in March or April to see and taste some of the world’s best cuisine prepared by chefs from around the world at the annual Qatar International Food Festival. Live culinary demonstrations by renowned chefs, healthy food workshops, farmer’s markets, and farm-to-table experiences are among the attractions. Local chefs and businesspeople can also demonstrate their skills during the festival.
Each year, a different theme is chosen, with live performances and activities to match. The festival has taken place in a variety of places in Qatar, including The Pearl and Oxygen Park in Doha.
Qatar Marine Festival
Qatar has a rich seafaring tradition, which is honored each year at the Qatar Marine Festival. Katara Cultural Village in Doha hosts events centered on marine education, culture, the environment, entertainment, and sports. One of its festivals featured an elaborate production with over 300 people and high-tech staging.
Visitors can learn more about pearl fishing methods, fishing net weaving, and dhow construction procedures, as well as enjoy food and family-friendly activities like as mini-golf and sand painting exhibitions. Workshops in papermaking, painting, ceramics, and other arts and crafts are available for children.
Souq Waqif Spring Festival
Souq Waqif, Qatar’s iconic market, comes alive during its annual spring festival, which lasts 15 days from late December to early January. More food carts and vendor stalls have been added to the market, while pony rides and carnival attractions keep the kids entertained in Al Ahmed Square.
There are plenty of athletic things to enjoy here, such as volleyball games and kayaking, so it’s not only about shopping. Visitors can also see circus events, acrobatic performances, magic shows, and art exhibitions.
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