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 a 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, Mr. 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 speak 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 (January 19 – 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. Balloon rides launched at sunrise each morning, which gave passengers spectacular aerial views of Doha and the surrounding desert landscape.
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 program. From John Legend’s unforgettable performance at Katara Amphitheatre in February, to Angham’s set at the Katara Horse Festival, Qatar Live’s line-up of acts showcased an appreciation for a range of music styles and cultures.
Also part of Qatar Live, the world-renowned Circus 1903 made a triumphant debut to Doha in March. In addition to the delightful humour sprinkled throughout the show, audiences were dazzled by the uniquely lifelike puppet elephants, which were brought to life in the circus ring.
Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition (DJWE)
The 19th edition of DJWE (February 20 – 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, Ms 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 – 21, the twelfth 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 March (March 1 – 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.
Sephora hosted a series of events as part of the Shop Qatar. The beauty retailer offered "Sephora Saturdays" at Place Vendôme, featuring masterclasses that were open to all. Additionally, "Sephora Ladies Night" was held every Wednesday, while a special "Sephora Men's Night" was scheduled for March 4. Alongside this, Harvey Nichols at Doha Festival City hosted a grand fashion show on March 14, featuring local designers' Ramadan collections of Caftan and Abayas.
For every 200 QAR spent as part of Shop Qatar, shoppers were eligible to enter a draw for mega prizes worth over 2 M QAR. On March 4th, 11th, and 18th, Qatar Tourism held raffles at Lagoona Mall, Place Vendome, and Doha Festival City (DFC), respectively. Prizes included six cash prizes worth QR 10,000, three cash prizes worth QR 20,000, 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.
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For media-related inquiries, please contact Qatar Tourism’s Press Office on:
+974 3392 4466 | pressoffice@visitqatar.qa
About Qatar Tourism
Qatar Tourism’s mission is to establish Qatar as a place where cultural authenticity meets modernity, and where people of the world come together to experience unique offerings in culture, sports, business and family entertainment, rooted in Service Excellence. Qatar Tourism will regulate and develop the tourism industry, encouraging investment from the private sector. It will set the national strategy for the tourism sector, reviewing it periodically and overseeing its implementation, with the aim of diversifying tourism offerings in the country and increasing visitor spend. Through our network of international offices in priority markets, and cutting-edge digital platforms, Qatar Tourism is expanding Qatar’s presence globally and enhancing the tourism sector.
Web: www.visitqatar.qa
