Nationwide festival extends from mid-June to end of August
The country’s longest festival, Qatar Summer Festival (QSF) is set to return from 14 June to 31 August. Held under the theme ‘Colour Your Summer’, the festival invites residents and visitors to kick off the season’s festivities with a special Eid Al Fitr celebrations which will be held over the first week of QSF.
Mashal Shahbik, Director of Festivals and Tourism Events at Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA), said that over the years, QSF has grown to become synonymous with family-friendly activities, entertainment, hospitality and shopping offers, that bring colour to everyone’s summer. For its fifth edition, she said that they are particularly excited to add special activities for local sports fans.
Qatar Fan Zone
As this year’s edition coincides with the FIFA World Cup Russia 2018, QSF has partnered with the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy and the Ministry of Sports and Culture, to bring Qatar Fan Zone to Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena. The fan zone activities will kick off on 14 June and will continue until the World Cup Finals on 15 July. Entry to the Qatar Fan Zone is free, offering all residents and visitors an opportunity to keep up with the excitement surrounding the month-long Russia World Cup tournament in an atmosphere that emulates the World Cup vibes.
In addition to live screenings of all matches, the zone will also feature live entertainment and concerts, a gaming and activity area, and over 40 food stalls.
Mall Entertainment and Shows
From the first to the fifth day of Eid Al Fitr, participating malls will set up special free entertainment shows for shoppers and families looking for indoor fun. In addition, the following shows will be performed three times a day on rotation at all participating malls:
- The Fluffy Bears (20 minutes)
- Aladdin and the Genie (25 minutes)
- Beauty and The Beast Adventure Parade (30 minutes)
- Madagascar: A Musical Adventure (45 minutes)
- Disney Princesses Parade (45 minutes)
And, for a flavour of local tradition, the Qatari Ardha dance (20 minutes) will also be shown across malls this Eid.
QSF participating malls include Al Khor Mall, Al Mirqab Mall, B Square Mall, Doha Festival City, Gulf Mall, Hyatt Plaza, Landmark Mall and Mall of Qatar. Lagoona Mall is also participating with special World Cup activities, allowing shoppers to watch the tournament’s matches live.
Entertainment City
The QSF family favourite returns to open its doors to the public on the first day of Eid Al Fitr. Spread out over the expansive ground floor of the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre, Entertainment City key features include the world’s largest bouncy castle, an 18-hole mini-golf course, an ice skating rink, exciting rides, skill games and video games, as well as live entertainment shows.
Visitors will also get the chance to keep up with the World Cup excitement while enjoying food, beverage and shopping options. It will be open daily from 2 pm to 11 pm. An individual entry ticket costs QAR15 and a day pass, QAR 150. Individual game prices range from QAR10 to QAR35.
Shop and Win
Retailers at 11 participating malls will be offering up to 50% discounts and special promotions. For every QAR200 spent at any of the outlets in QSF participating malls, shoppers can enter three raffle draws for a chance to win one of 27 exciting cash prizes worth QAR2 million or a 2018 Lamborghini Hurricane Super Car.
Hospitality offers
All throughout QSF, at least 50 of Qatar’s five- and four-star hotels will offer a range of offers and discounts on brunches, beach and pool access, accommodation and spa treatments. Visit qatarsummerfestival.qa for more information.
Follow the Fun
Visitors and residents wishing to stay up to date with key events in Qatar can follow the Qatar Events Calendar on social media: Twitter and Instagram (@QatarCalendar), Facebook (Facebook.com/QatarCalendar) and Snapchat (QatarCalendar).