Unboxing the Magic: Behind the Scenes of Disney The Magic Box Ahead of its Doha Premiere this April
Reading Time: 2 minutesThis spring, Disney The Magic Box arrives in Doha, offering a unique and immersive theatrical experience. Presented by Fever, the global live entertainment discovery platform, and Proactiv Entertainment, a renowned producer of large-scale productions, the event aligns with Visit Qatar’s mission to bring world-class, family-friendly entertainment to the region. A Visionary Theatrical Experience Disney The Magic Box was conceived by Felipe Gamba Paredes (Creative Producer, Co-Book Writer) and his creative team to offer an innovative take on Disney’s timeless stories. The production takes audiences on an emotional journey, rekindling the sense of wonder first sparked by Disney classics. With the support of Disney Theatrical Group, Gamba Paredes assembled a diverse team of artists, blending passionate Disney enthusiasts with fresh voices to reimagine the spirit of beloved characters. At the heart of this vision is Mickey Mouse, the mischievous, resourceful, and beloved character whose ingenuity and humor shaped Disney legacy. His presence serves as a reminder of the boundless imagination and playful spirit that have defined Disney storytelling for generations. Puppetry, Humor, and Emotional Storytelling Bringing Disney characters to life through masterful puppetry, stunning visuals, and dynamic theatrical techniques, Disney The Magic Box seamlessly weaves humor and heart into its storytelling. Laughter sets the stage for deeply moving moments, making iconic ballads like Colors of the Wind, Let It Go, and How Far I’ll Go even more poignant. This carefully crafted emotional arc lingers long after the curtain falls. A Journey of Self-Discovery At the heart of the production is Mara, a young woman who stumbles upon a mysterious, magical box. As she unravels its secrets, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, rediscovering the imagination and joy of childhood. Much like Alice in Wonderland, her adventure invites audiences to reflect on their own inner worlds, reigniting the magic of storytelling and adventure. Each song has been thoughtfully selected to mirror Mara’s emotional transformation, creating a narrative that blends nostalgia, self-reflection, and wonder. As audiences follow her journey, they too reconnect with the timeless magic of Disney. A Musical for All Generations One of the production’s most distinctive qualities is its universal appeal. Mara’s story resonates across generations, with the show’s soundtrack spanning decades—from Mary Poppins (1964) to Aladdin (1992) and modern favorites like Frozen and Moana. As she emerges from the audience at the start of the show, she draws viewers into a shared experience that speaks to children and adults alike. As Disney The Magic Box makes its highly anticipated debut in Doha, this collaboration underscores Qatar’s commitment to bringing exceptional global entertainment to the region. With Fever and Proactiv Entertainment at the helm, this extraordinary production promises to enchant audiences of all ages. Don’t miss this celebration of Disney’s enduring magic!Tickets for Disney The Magic Box are available at Virgin Megastore and Fever.For more details on Visit Qatar’s upcoming events, visit visitqatar.com. SHOW INFORMATION Venue: Al Mayassa Theatre OpeningDate: 3rd April 2025Running Time: 90 minutes (no intermission)Recommended Age: 6 years and above (No children under 3) Performance Schedule:Weekdays: Wednesdays, Thursdays – 17:30Fridays: 15:30, 20:00 Weekends: Saturdays – 14:00, 17:30 Ticket Prices: Starting at QAR 70
Hilton Doha The Pearl Welcomes the Holy Month with its Ramadan Souq
Reading Time: 2 minutesDoha, Qatar, February 24, 2025 – Hilton Doha The Pearl is delighted to announce the return of its Ramadan Souq, a signature experience that has become a cherished tradition within the community. Building on the overwhelming success of previous years, the hotel promises an unforgettable journey through the heart of Arabian hospitality. Guests are welcomed to embrace the spirit of Ramadan by enjoying outdoor Iftar and Suhoor by the poolside, under the starlit sky. Featuring a blend of tradition and Ramadan spirit, the Souq offers a truly unique dining experience. Traditional tents setting create the perfect atmosphere for an evening of connection and celebration. Guests can indulge in a lavish buffet spread complemented by live cooking, grill, pasta, shawarma and sushi stations, as well as a dedicated kids’ corner. With a weekly rotating menu, each visit ensures a new culinary adventure. “At Hilton Doha The Pearl, we take pride in creating exceptional experiences that reflect the spirit of Ramadan while adding our distinctive touch of innovation and excellence,” said Daniel Van Wyk, General Manager of Hilton Doha The Pearl. “We are thrilled to welcome guests once again to our Ramadan Souq and to continue celebrating the warmth, togetherness, and hospitality that defines this Holy Month” added Daniel. The Ramadan Souq is located on the fifth floor of Hilton Doha The Pearl. Iftar is priced at QAR 240 per person and will be available from sunset till 20:30pm, while Suhoor is priced at QAR 150 per person and will be served from 21:30pm till 00:30am. Guests can also book for both Iftar and Suhoor using The Entertainer, Urban Points and My Book Qatar applications. In addition to the Ramadan Souq, The Kitchen at Hilton Doha The Pearl will remain open for non-fasting guests for breakfast and lunch, offering a diversified dining menu. Hilton Doha The Pearl invites all guests to enjoy this Ramadan in a setting where great food and warm hospitality creates exceptional moments with family and friends.For reservations please call +97444924444 or email us on DOHPR_Ramadan.ThePearl@Hilton.com
Qatar International Food Festival 2025 concludes with record-breaking number of visitors
Reading Time: 2 minutesThe 14th edition of the Qatar International Food Festival (QIFF) has successfully concluded, attracting more than 365,000 visitors over the course of 11 days. Organised by Visit Qatar, the festival transformed Hotel Park into a vibrant culinary and entertainment hub, delivering a unique gastronomic experience to locals, residents and visitors. A total of 180 vendors participated this year, showcasing Qatar’s rich gastronomic scene, while more than 28 international vendors brought global flavours to the festival, creating a unique fusion of tastes and experiences. For the first time this year, QIFF featured a Michelin Guide Village where guests indulged in exclusive creations from nine Michelin-starred restaurants from around the world. Meanwhile, QIFF Junior, another brand-new activation this year, engaged over 5,000 children, further enhancing the festival’s dynamic atmosphere and reaffirming its position as a premier family-friendly event. This year also featured the debut of QIFF Ring, where visitors participated in lively food competitions, from eating challenges to juice-making and decorating contests. The QIFF Ring hosting 36 competitions, drawing 360 competitors, and awarding over 500 winners, including audience members, with a total of 5,400 attendees. QIFF 2025 also included a Cooking Studio, which hosted interactive workshops led by renowned local and international chefs. In addition, nine renowned chefs hosted exclusive Chef’s Table experiences for over 70 guests in total. Further elevating the festive experience, Dinner in the Sky offered visitors a unique culinary experience, combining gourmet dining with breathtaking views of Doha from 50 metres above ground. Ahmed Hamad Al Binali, Director of Festivals and Events at Visit Qatar, from Visit Qatar commented: “QIFF 2025 has been a resounding success, welcoming more than 365,000 visitors, reaffirming Qatar’s position as a premier culinary and cultural destination. As one of Qatar’s longest-running festivals, QIFF continues to grow each year, introducing new experiences, engaging programming, and innovative themes that captivate both residents and visitors. The festival not only celebrates culinary excellence but also fosters meaningful connections among communities. We extend our appreciation to all visitors, chefs, and partners whose contributions made this edition truly remarkable, and we remain committed to further enhancing Qatar’s events and entertainment offering on a global stage.” Spanning several districts, the festival showcased Qatar’s culinary diversity, from traditional street food to fine dining at Flavours within Qatar. Other districts showcased Latin American specialities and global gourmet delights. The Healthy Corner district highlighted sustainable cuisine, while the Coffee & Bakeries district delighted visitors with artisanal brews and sweet treats. Lastly, the QIFF VIP Area provided an exclusive dining experience. Each year, Visit Qatar partners with Hifz Alnaema Center as part of its commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. This collaboration saw the centre collect and package surplus food every evening, distributing parcels to those in need. With record-breaking attendance and a dynamic showcase of food, culture, and entertainment, QIFF 2025 has solidified its status as a flagship event on Qatar’s annual calendar. From captivating musical concerts on the main stage and engaging activities for all ages, QIFF 2025 delivered an immersive celebration of Qatar’s rich culinary and cultural landscape.
Five must-try experiences at QIFF 2025
Reading Time: 3 minutesQatar’s most exciting food festival presents new attractions and unforgettable culinary experiences. The Qatar International Food Festival (QIFF) opens daily from 16:00 to 23:00 on weekdays and 15:00 to 00:00 on weekends until February 22, offering plenty to explore, savour, and enjoy. QIFF Ring New to QIFF 2025, the QIFF Ring offers visitors an exciting arena to compete and take on thrilling culinary challenges. From showcasing creativity in the ‘Cake Decoration Competition’ to family fun with a father-son ‘Juice Making Competition’ or taking on the classic ‘Burger Eating Challenge’, visitors can participate in a variety of exciting culinary challenges. The QIFF Ring promises an unforgettable experience for foodies to compete and win valuable prizes. Participants can register on www.qiffring.com The Cooking Studio Step into The Cooking Studio and witness 40 world-class chefs in action as they showcase their skills, share exclusive recipes, and bring the latest food trends to life. This interactive experience features live cooking demos, masterclasses, interviews, and hands-on workshops led by renowned local and international chefs. From Qatari delicacies to global flavours, the studio’s themed sessions this year include Spice It Up, Sweet Escape, EcoBites, Flame On! Grain Fiesta, Grow & Glow, Greet & Meat, Organic Scene. Upcoming International chefs taking part in the Cooking Studio include, Benjamin Nast, Surender Mohan, Fabrice Rosso, Nicolas Garate, and Karim Bourgi. Upcoming local chefs include Aisha Al Tamimi, Noof Al Marri, Mohamed Kamal and more. Michelin Guide Village The Michelin Guide Village, a highlight of QIFF 2025, brings world-class dining to the festival with nine Michelin-rated restaurants offering curated tasting menus at affordable prices. This exclusive experience gives visitors the chance to enjoy culinary excellence from renowned Michelin-starred establishments, including ARAYA, Aramburu, Talea by Antonio Guida, Trèsind Studio, Restaurant À L’aise, CTC Urban Gastronomy, R.HAAN, Molino de Urdániz, and LASAI Restaurante. Dinner in the Sky A fan-favourite experience, Dinner in the Sky makes its highly anticipated return to QIFF 2025, offering guests the chance to enjoy a gourmet meal 40 meters above the ground. Curated by talented chefs from Rixos Gulf Hotel, the experience combines exquisite dining with breathtaking panoramic views of the West Bay skyline. Visitors can choose from several curated expereinces throughout the day starting from 15:00 to 22:30 for a one-of-a-kind culinary adventure. These include High Tea, Twilight Flights, Dinner in the Sky, and the Moonlight Flight. To book your reservation visit, https://doha.platinumlist.net/event-tickets/dinner-in-the-sky-qatar. QIFF Juniors Zone A new addition to QIFF 2025, QIFF Juniors is a dedicated children’s zone offering fun activities and interactive experiences. This space features a lineup of family-friendly entertainment, including live performances, interactive educational shows that blend learning with fun, as well as clown acts and mesmerizing magic shows to captivate young audiences. Children can also enjoy endless activities like Mizo & Miza and gymnastics preformances. Additionally, the zone offers interactive stations where kids can explore their creativity. Visitors can park at DECC and access Hotel Park via the designated tunnel or metro users can take a short walk from DECC Metro Station. For the daily event schedule and updates, visit @qiff.qa on Instagram.
Michelin-starred chef Surender Mohan returns to Jamavar Doha for an exclusive culinary celebration
Reading Time: 2 minutesDoha, Qatar – Jamavar Doha, the pan-Indian dining destination at the iconic Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel, is thrilled to welcome back its Culinary Director and Michelin-starred Chef Surender Mohan for a special visit from February 17th to 22nd, 2025. This marks his first appearance at the restaurant since it earned its prestigious Michelin star, a milestone achieved during Doha’s Michelin Guide ceremony in December 2024. Chef Surender Mohan, a celebrated figure in the culinary world, has been instrumental in shaping Jamavar’s legacy across London, Doha and Dubai. His visit offers a unique opportunity for guests to indulge in an exclusive Chef’s Special Tasting Menu, showcasing his signature blend of authentic Indian flavors and contemporary flair. Kicking off his visit, Chef Surender will represent Jamavar Doha at the Qatar Food Festival on February 19th, offering culinary enthusiasts a glimpse of his masterful creations. Adding to the celebration, Jamavar Doha will host a series of culinary experiences for a vibrant showcase of the restaurant’s award-winning cuisine. Reflecting on the significance of his return, Chef Surender Mohan shared: “Returning to Jamavar Doha after achieving a Michelin star is a proud moment for our team. This recognition is a testament to our commitment to excellence, and I am excited to share a selection of special dishes that embody Jamavar’s essence with our valued guests in Doha.” Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to experience the artistry of Chef Surender Mohan and celebrate Jamavar Doha’s Michelin milestone with a variety of exclusive dining experiences; Chef’s Tasting Menu: February 18-22 as of 12:30pm, 5-course menu for QR295 Peat Dinner with Brand Ambassador: February 20, 7pm onwards, 4-course menu with paired drinks for QR495 Royal Brunch with Chef Surender: February 21, 12:30pm-4pm, for QR300 Chef’s Tasting Menu with iconic grapes & signature Jamavar creations: February 21, 7pm onwards, 4-course menu for QR475 For more information and bookings: Website: https://jamavarrestaurants.com/indian-restaurant-doha/ Reservations: +974 4485 3000 Instagram: @jamavardoha
