The coming months will see a line-up of festivals and family-friendly activities to complement the cool season in Qatar 

February 07, 2023:  Qatar Airways and Qatar Tourism have revealed an exciting line-up of events and festivals with the newly launched ‘Feel Winter in Qatar’ campaign. The packed schedule of events features all-time favourites on Qatar’s social calendar, alongside fresh, exciting new concerts and exhibitions which are sure to satiate the preferences of families across the GCC.

Already, the campaign has brought to local and regional audiences the 10-day Qatar Balloon Festival where more than 50 hot air balloons from around the world took to Doha’s skies. During the festival, guests were treated to spectacular sunrise balloon launches, daily Nightglow evening shows where tethered balloons were illuminated at dusk, and family-friendly entertainment and delicious food at the Old Doha Port. 

The Season also kickstarted with the world-renowned ‘Disney Princess – The Concert’ which saw, for the first time, live orchestral accompaniment by none other than treasured local institution, the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra. For three nights, some of Broadway’s and West End’s most celebrated artists treated visitors to Disney hits sung against the dramatically impressive backdrop of the outdoors Katara Amphitheatre. 

The Visit Qatar GKA Freestyle Kite World Cup 2023 that took place from January 31 until February 4 has ended with victory for three male winners and three female winners. Held at Fuwairit Kite Beach, one of Qatar’s most exciting new attractions and an upcoming global kitesurfing hotspot, the tournament marked the start of the Qatar Airways GKA Kite World Tour and featured some of the world’s best kitesurfers, including men’s world number one, Gianmaria Coccoluto, and female world number one, Mikaili Sol.

Reflecting on the “Feel Winter in Qatar” campaign, Haya Al-Noami, Head of the Promotion sector at Qatar Tourism said: “The incredible schedule of events on and off the football pitches during last year’s FIFA World Cup™ tournament has well and truly put Qatar on the map as a global tourism destination. In addition, visitors experienced first-hand Qatar’s warm hospitality and authentic culture at every touch point. In the new season, we are delighted to welcome visitors from across the region who can further enjoy the country’s unique heritage, abundant natural beauty and latest attractions.” 

Included in the pipeline of upcoming events are the following: 

Qatar Live 
Following the successful program during the 2022 FIFA World Cup™, Qatar Tourism’s ‘Feel Winter in Qatar’ campaign will see a dynamic line-up of live performances from acclaimed local, regional, and international artists through flagship activations, Qatar Live, starting January 26 and lasting through the season. 

Qatar TotalEnergies Open
The professional women’s tennis tournament is back for its 21st edition and is set to take place at the outdoor hard courts of the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex, February 13 – 18, 2023. 

Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition 
With close to two decades of being the epitome of luxury and elegance in Qatar, the Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition will present priceless pieces, exclusive reveals and exquisite craftsmanship from more than 500 local, regional and international brands. This year’s edition will take place over six days, starting February 20, at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre. 

Qatar ExxonMobil Open 
Part of the ATP 250 tour, this annual men’s tennis tournament will take place from February 20 – 25, 2023 at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex. The first edition was held in 1993 and has since then become an event regularly attended by some of the sport's top-ranking players.

Al Shaqab Events
Al Shaqab is starting Qatar’s 2023 calendar with breath-taking equestrian events, which has already seen ‘Hayaakum at Shaqab’ and will continue with the Commercial Bank CHI AL SHAQAB Presented by Longines 2023. The later will take place on February 23 – 25, 2023 at the Longines Outdoor Arena & Longines Indoor Arena at Al Shaqab brought to you by Commercial Bank (Title Sponsor), Longines (Presenting Partner) and ExxonMobil (Main Sponsor).

Qatar International Food Festival 
The Qatar International Food Festival (QIFF) is a Qatar Tourism initiative that celebrates the global diversity in food and beverage offerings found in Qatar. The 12th edition is slated to launch on March 1 – 11, 2023. 

Previous editions of the food festival included special culinary experiences at scenic outdoor locations, a host of globally renowned chefs, live cooking shows, cooking competitions, masterclasses and other activities for both families and friends. 

Shop Qatar
Shop Qatar celebrates the country's wide range of retail, beauty and entertainment options and unfolds around popular Doha shopping malls. It's an annual event that aims to enhance Qatar's fashion and lifestyle scene and showcase its hospitality. At the same time, Shop Qatar introduces various compelling workshops and masterclasses and presents exciting surprises. This year’s edition is set to take place from 23 February – 18 March 2023. 

Ramadan Bazaar
Celebrate the most important time of the year with Qatar Tourism’s Ramadan Bazaar where you can spend your evenings, after breaking your fast, with family-friendly activities around. Tourists visiting Qatar during Ramadan can expect to learn the wonderful traditions and festivities that this time of the year brings to the country and people.