Festivals in Doha

Muslim festivals form a huge part of Doha festivals. There are other festivals that cater to films and culture.

Ramadan

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar in which the Quran was revealed by Allah to human beings in the seventh century A.D. Ramadan is also a Muslim festival during which Muslims yearn to reach closer to God by purifying their souls. During this month, the Muslims fast during the day. A Ramadan tent is set up in the evening by families outside their house. Families and friends gather together over ‘iftar’, the meal that is taken to break the fast. Huge amounts of food are eaten during this meal. Many hotels in Doha also hold their own version of the Ramadan tent where they set up tents and offer food for a price. Dinner can cost anywhere from around QR25 to QR150 per person.

Id-ul-Fitr

At the end of the Ramadan, Id-Ul-Fitr (festival of breaking the fast) is celebrated for 3 days. People exchange gifts with one another. Sumptuous and special meals are prepared. Fairs are also held at some places. People dress up in new clothes and wear ‘ittar’ (heavy perfume). Muslim women apply henna on their hands and wear glittering jewelry. Muslims gather in the mosques to offer special prayers of Id and greet one another.

Doha Cultural Festival

The Doha Cultural Festival is held all over Doha. It is held at the Visual Arts Center, Ritz Carlton hotel, the city center, shopping malls as well as the Alwaseel Auditorium. It lasts for a couple of weeks during which there are exhibitions, music and dance performances, poetry sessions, theater and lots more. Some of these performances also require you to buy tickets.

The Heritage Village in Al Bidda Park reproduces the look of a Qatari village 100 years ago. There are lots of stalls selling local crafts and food items. A popular local show is the “men jump” show.

The exhibition program at the Visual Art Centre showcases photography, paintings, sculptures and other artistic work. Theater events include a variety of plays, ballet and opera performances. There are internationally famous shows like “La Traviata ”. Local theatrical productions are also held.

Festival of the Senses

This family-friendly event takes place every year in May on the Corniche. Various activities and exhibitions are held that focus on human senses.

Qatar Summer Wonders - Shopping Festival

Qatar Summer Wonders Festival is held during the hot summer month of July or August. This offers huge discounts in the major malls of Qatar. There are street theater performances and lots of film screenings.