Visitors enjoy a presentation by Stilt Walkers during the opening of the Qatar International Food Festival at Lusail Boulevard. All pictures: Amir Diab
Doha: The much-anticipated Qatar International Food Festival (QIFF) kicked off its 12th edition yesterday at a new venue – the Al Sa’ad Plaza on Lusail Boulevard and organisers expect to attract more than 7,000 visitors a day. The opening was attended by Chairperson of Qatar Museums H E Sheikha Al Mayassa, Chairman of Qatar Tourism and CEO of Qatar Airways H E Akbar Al Baker, and Ambassador of Indonesia to Qatar H E Ridwan Hassan.
This year, QIFF, set to run until March 21, will spotlight Indonesian cuisine as part of its partnership with the Qatar-Indonesia Year of Culture. The Festival will also see over 80 food vendors whip up tasty delicacies from Qatar and worldwide for visitors. QIFF will run daily from 4 pm to 11 pm on weekdays and from 4 pm to 1 am on weekends.
Chairperson of Qatar Museums H E Sheikha Al Mayassa, Chairman of Qatar Tourism and CEO of Qatar Airways H E Akbar Al Baker, and Ambassador of Indonesia to Qatar H E Ridwan Hassan attend the opening of the Qatar International Food Festival yesterday.
Opening the Festival yesterday, Al Baker called QIFF the country’s headline event in its annual social calendar, adding that this year’s edition is being held at the Al Sa’ad Plaza because it “beautifully showcases both our country’s natural landscape and its modern creativity.”
“It is here that we will be hosting for the very first time QIFF, the country’s much loved and highly anticipated food festival. For the next 11 days, this Plaza will come alive with a showcase of the finest cuisines the world has to offer and guest appearances from some of the most respected chefs from around the world.
“QIFF has shown an international spotlight on Qatar’s thriving and diverse culinary scene for over a decade. This offering has only been strengthened in recent months by the abundance of world-leading restaurant openings with more diverse and exciting developments planned for 2023 and beyond. Qatar’s gastronomic landscape is now indisputably among the best in the world,” he added.
According to Al Baker, the joint celebration with the Qatar-Indonesia Year of Culture 2023 will see a dedicated section to exploring Indonesian cuisine. He also disclosed that some of the most renowned, reputable global master chefs would perform interactive cooking shows on the Festival centre stage daily.
During the QIFF, guests will enjoy a host of unique dining concepts, including an interactive 3D mapping experience, Le Petit Chef, and a specialised area for vegan and healthy food options. Visitors can experience a range of lively and family-friendly entertainment at this year’s Festival, including roaming acts, a spectacular firework display daily and a custom-made skating rink. Kids will also enjoy a dedicated area with activities organised by Kidzmondo.
QIFF has been held at MIA Park, the Hotel Park around the iconic Sheraton Hotel, and last year, Al Bidda Park, which hosted the FIFA Fan Festival during the World Cup, played host to QIFF.
Speaking to The Peninsula after the opening, Maha Al Marzoqi, PR Representative at Qatar Tourism, said Al Sa’ad Plaza was chosen because Qatar has so many beautiful places to offer.
“So we’re trying to showcase the destination. This time we’re highlighting Lusail Boulevard, especially Al Sa’ad Boulevard, for the first time for visitors to enjoy a unique experience at the destination,” she stressed.
On the event’s sideline, organisers announced a partnership between Qatar Airways, the Ministry of Culture and Qatari chef Aisha Al Tamimi to showcase Qatari cuisines during the Festival.
