What to Know About Doha's Traditions? Here's a Quick Guide to Doha's Festivals – Keep Your Calendar Free for These Top Picks!

When you hear the word Doha, what does your mind immediately wander to? Glitz, glamour, tall buildings, and every modern convenience you can think of? Well, that’s an accurate depiction of Doha, but Qatar’s capital is also a custodian of art and culture. Throughout the year, the city hosts numerous festivals that celebrate Qatar’s rich cultural heritage. In this festive atmosphere, tourists find their hands full with things to do. Here are the top festivals celebrated in Doha.

Aspire International Kite Festival

Be sure to include Aspire Park in your Doha itinerary if you plan to visit the city in March. The city hosts an annual kite festival in March. The skies above the city’s tall buildings fill up with kites of all sizes, shapes, and colours – a spectacle you, as a tourist, wouldn’t want to miss. Over the three-day event, the park comes alive with expert kite flyers, local families, and tourists, all of whom can try their hand at kite-making at the many workshops, set against a backdrop of parades and various cultural performances.

Camel Racing 

Camels have long been part of Qatar’s desert heritage, and camel racing is one of the most competitive sports, with million-dollar bets. If you want a glimpse of this unique sport, visit between October and February and head to Al Shahaniya Camel Racetrack. The most competitive races take place between March and April, with the lure of national prestige and the Golden Sword Prize for those who win. Al Shahaniya is an hour’s drive from the downtown area. From Al Najada Doha Hotel Apartments by Oaks, a popular accommodation provider offering hotel apartments in Qatar, the racetrack is about 40 minutes away.

Photo by Sidhick Kannur pexels

Qatar International Art Festival

For six days straight in late October or early November, Doha celebrates art. The Qatar International Art Festival, held at Katara Cultural Village, invites artists from around the world to take part in its celebration of artistic talent. With around 200 artists taking part, the festival features a range of paintings, workshops, and panel discussions – there’s also a fashion show. If you’re an artist hoping to apply, be sure to do so in advance. For spectators, entry is free.

Ajyal Film Festival

Travelling to Doha in late November with kids? You can bring them to the Ajyal Film Festival – ‘Ajyal’ means ‘generations’ in Arabic. The festival celebrates motion pictures. While you might think it’s aimed solely at adults, it is designed for all ages, including children. Alongside movie screenings, the festival also hosts cosplay, music performances, and video game tournaments. Musicians, artists, and filmmakers from across the globe take part in the festival, and all activities are offered for free.

Katara Traditional Dhow Festival

Dhow boats are a traditional method of transport in the Middle East. For centuries, these boats have taken Arabians around the world. Every year in December, Doha pays tribute to this beloved vessel with the Katara Traditional Dhow Festival, held at Katara Cultural Village. In addition to around 70 dhow boats featuring traditional designs on display, the festival also hosts a firework show. What’s more, there’s a traditional market where you can buy handicrafts and food. If your schedule permits, you can take a 30-minute trip on a dhow to The Pearl.

Eid al-Fitr

Among the local festivals celebrated in Doha, Eid al-Fitr is the most important. It marks the event that follows the month of Ramadan, during which locals fast and spend their days in spiritual reflection and community bonding. Eid al-Fitr is the reward for fasting for an entire month. Families and friends gather around tables laden with traditional Qatari food to eat and enjoy each other’s company. Most businesses are closed during the festival, but some hotels and restaurants offer discounts and special meals for visitors.

Qatar International Food Festival 

If you happen to be in Doha in March or April, you can treat your tastebuds to some of the most delicious food at the Qatar International Food Festival. Virtuoso chefs from around the world gather to showcase their extraordinary culinary skills. From farm-to-table dining and cooking shows to farmers' markets, it truly is a carnival of all things food-related.