Visit Qatar officially inaugurated the 15th edition of the Qatar International Food Festival (QIFF) at the 974 Stadium Precinct, marking the opening of one of Qatar’s longest-running cultural festivals.
The ceremony was attended by Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums, alongside senior officials, partners, and guests. The opening day featured a curated cultural programme, including a Qatari Fajri performance inspired by the nation’s pearl-diving heritage, Mexican and Canadian cultural showcases presented as part of the Year of Culture ‘Qatar, Canada and Mexico’, an opening address by Eng. Abdulaziz Ali Al Mawlawi, Chief Executive Officer of Visit Qatar, an opening ceremony show and the festivities concluded with fireworks and drone display, officially signalling the launch of QIFF 2026.
On this occasion, Eng. Abdulaziz Ali Al Mawlawi, Chief Executive Officer of Visit Qatar, said, ‘Today marks 15 years since the launch of the Qatar International Food Festival, an event that has grown beyond a culinary festival to become a flagship annual platform reflecting the depth of Qatari hospitality and the country’s openness to the world. This edition builds on a strong legacy of success, bringing together international flavours and local heritage, with a particular focus on Canadian and Mexican cultures through our strategic partnership with Qatar Museums and the Years of Culture initiative. At Visit Qatar, we remain committed to diversifying the tourism offering and supporting Qatari talent, delivering a distinctive experience that reflects the cultural richness and high standards that define the State of Qatar.’
QIFF 2026 presents an expanded programme featuring local and international vendors, live culinary showcases, family-friendly attractions, and new additions including the QIFF Museum and Concept Store. Signature experiences return alongside new activations such as the <a href="https://gulfeyenews.com/fip-silver-australian-padel-open-errani-back-on-court-i-love-padel-i-hope-to-play-it-regularly-and-to-see-it-at-the-olympics-soon/”>Open Fire Food Festival, curated and presented by Steve Harvey, as well as QIFF Ring, QIFF Juniors, and Dinner in the Sky, reinforcing the festival’s role as a platform for culinary creativity and cultural exchange.
The festival will run until January 24 at the 974 Stadium Precinct, with weekday opening hours from 16:00 to 23:00 and extended weekend hours from 15:00 to 01:00. Entry to the festival is free for all visitors, with convenient access available via the Doha Metro Gold Line to Ras Bu Abboud Station, as well as taxi, rideshare, and public parking options.