Organisers of Qatar International Food Festival (QIFF) revealed more details on the 10th edition of the country’s longest-running multi-cultural event, which will be held from 20 to 30 March at the Oxygen Park in Education City. This edition marks 10 successful years of paving the way for opportunities in Qatar’s F&B sector while welcoming visitors and residents to enjoy the diverse flavours of the world at the forefront of Qatar’s picturesque venues.
This year’s highlights include over 150 F&B stalls spread over three dedicated areas: O1 for main course specialties; O2 for kids-friendly foods and activities; and O3 for cafes and light food along with private seating areas serving curated pre-set menus. Popular features like the Cooking Theatre return this edition with around 30 international and local celebrity chefs, in addition to vibrant cultural shows, roaming entertainment, and month-long side events offering learning opportunities to participants of all ages.
According to Rashed Al Qurese from Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC) the decade-long food tradition in Qatar continues to attract celebrity chefs, food-lovers, F&B entrepreneurs, and so many members of Qatar’s diverse community.
QIFF has played a key role in our strategy to grow and diversify the country’s tourism experiences through vibrant festivals and events. We congratulate all our private sector partners for this success and look forward to continuing to attract people from all corners of the world, as well as residents representing different cultures, to come together and enjoy the intersection of food and culture.’
QIFF teams up with Qatar Foundation (QF) this year (as strategic partner). QF’s iconic Oxygen Park is sure to offer an impressive venue, layout and format to QIFF visitors this year.
Mohammed A Fakhroo, Executive Director of Outreach and Institutional Advancement at QF, said they are very happy that the successful festival will take place at Oxygen Park. He said that the opportunity to host the festival allows them to invite everyone to discover the inclusive experience that Qatar Foundation offers.
Through this partnership, QF is seeking to enhance its collaboration with, and support for, local initiatives and events. Hosting this event is part of our mission to support community development in Qatar.’
More Diversified Tourism Offerings
Since its inception in 2010 as part of Qatar’s strategy to grow and diversify its tourism offerings in partnership with the private sector, QIFF continues to grow and welcome over 400,000 visitors last year. Like previous years, this edition will be organised and delivered by QNTC with support from numerous partners representing the aviation, entertainment, hospitality and F&B sectors in Qatar.
Qatar Airways is once again the official airline partner, bringing new culinary masters from around the world to Doha to showcase their cultural flavours and culinary art. Other partners include: beIN, Vodafone, W Doha, Torba Farmer’s Market, Kidzania Doha, Aura Hospitality, Qatar-India Year of Culture, Akly, La Cantine, Talabat, Uber, Chargello Qatar, Wahab, The Cooking Academy, Qatar TV, and Jeem TV.
International Maestros to Join the Live Cooking Theatre To celebrate its milestone anniversary, QIFF is hosting around 30 international and local celebrity chefs from 14 countries to show their culinary magic in its most popular Live Cooking Theatre.
Chef’s Table A select number of five-star restaurants across Doha are offering residents and visitors an opportunity to join internationally-acclaimed chefs for an interactive cooking and tasting experience through the QIFF Chef’s Table. The chefs include Japanese celebrity chef and restaurateur Chef Nobu Matsuhissa and acclaimed US Chef Richard Sandoval, among others.
Cooking Masterclasses at Chef’s Garden Aspiring chefs can register to attend Masterclasses with celebrity chefs at the Chef’s Garden restaurant in Education City.
Qurated QIFF Menus Extending the QIFF experience to food lovers beyond the festival venue, more than 35 restaurants and cafes will offer special food groupings of a three-course menu of three different sets at discounted prices – QAR45, QAR95 and QAR125. There will be exclusive private booths serving pre-set Qurated QIFF Menus for those who like to dine in luxury.
School Activities at Qatar National Library In partnership with Qatar Foundation, QIFF will deliver a healthy food and nutrition awareness programme for students of 50 schools across Qatar on 10-14 March, helping students distinguish between healthy and unhealthy foods. Local chefs will prepare healthy and tasty snacks in front of students.
Small and Medium Entrepreneurs QIFF has successfully contributed in enriching the country’s dining canvas by attracting international chefs to open local outlets and providing a platform for local entrepreneurs to introduce their innovative offerings. QIFF has dedicated 15% of its spaces to up-coming entrepreneurs and local SME.
In and Around Education City
So far, QIFF has been hosted at numerous scenic venues across Qatar including Katara Cultural Village, MIA Park, Hotel Park, and The Pearl-Qatar. This year, residents and visitors from all over the world attending QIFF will get a chance to explore the impressively designed and landscaped Oxygen Park, also referred to as the ‘green lungs of Education City’, as well as the other amenities within the premises.
The main festival stage will also host a variety of live performances, cultural shows and roaming entertainment running throughout the day. In line with the Qatar-India Year of Culture 2019 theme, the festival will also showcase special food and cultural offerings from India.
Visit qifoodfestival.qa for updates on QIFF 2019.
