Qatar Calendar unveils a special lineup of events celebrating Ramadan and beyond
With the holy month of Ramadan in full swing, the March edition of Qatar Calendar offers a vibrant lineup of family-friendly events that capture the essence of this special time. Visitors can look forward to food festivals, immersive exhibitions, unique art displays, and exciting sporting events, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy this Ramadan. Ramadan Activities. Old Doha Port welcomes the return of the Throwback Food Festival throughout the holy month of Ramadan, offering visitors a daily feast of culinary delights from a diverse range of cuisines. Also taking place throughout Ramadan until March 30, is Hosh Msheireb, an experience inspired by the warmth of family gatherings in the courtyard of a traditional Qatari heritage house. It provides a welcoming space for family and friends to come together and embrace the spirit of the holy month. Additionally, Msheirebis hosting a variety of Ramadan-themed activities from March 1 to April 1, adding to the festive atmosphere. This month residents can also enjoy Ramadan Nights at Hyatt Plaza, an annual Ramadan campaign running from March 1 to April 4, featuring engaging activities such as kids’ workshops and roaming characters. Ramadan at Torba Farmers Market returns to Education City from March 7 to March 29, where visitors can enjoy traditional craftsmanship, Arabic cuisine, and sweet treats in a lively setting. The third edition of The Pearl Ramadan Bazaar will bring a vibrant array of kiosks featuring food and crafts to 2-5 La Croisette, Porto Arabia, The Pearl, from March 1 to April 5. For those looking to shop, the Tajheezat Sha’ban & Ramadan Trade Fair at Katara Cultural Village offers a wide selection of discounted products from February 25 to March 12. Additionally, the Ramadan and Eid Shopping Exhibition at DECC runs from March 16 to March 29, providing even more great deals for shoppers. Those interested in Islamic art can explore traditional craftsmanship at the Ramadan Herfah Workshops, held at Al Khater House from March 2 to March 22. For family-friendly fun visitors and residents can head over to Le Marché at Place Vendôme Mall for activities including Paintless Paintball, Bazooka Ball, and the Space Tribe Ball Pit, running now until April 30. Sporting Events Education City, in partnership with the Qatar Sports for All Federation, is hosting the Sports for All Ladies Ramadan Series 2025 every Saturday from March 1 to March 22. The event features four races ranging from 5 to 30 minutes. Also taking place at Education City is Ladies Night x QSFA Tournaments, running from March 4 to March 26. This series includes four Ramadan tournaments exclusively for women, featuring football, volleyball, badminton, and running races. For those looking to test their endurance this Ramadan, The North Challenge, organised in partnership with Qatar Ultra Runners, offers a two-hour running race at Heenat Salma Farm on March 6. Lusail Circuit is also promoting health and physical activity with the Dukhan Bank Ramadan Duathlon 2025, set to take place on March 14. Two volleyball tournaments are happening this month: the 3rd “Ekbes” Beach Volleyball Tournament 2025 at Old Doha Port from March 6 to March 14, and the Volleyball Tournament at 974 Beach from March 12 to March 14, where participants can form teams and compete for prizes. A squash competition, QSF 3 PSA Satellite “Senior” (1K) – Squash, is also taking place at Khalifa International Tennis & Squash Complex from March 17 to March 20. Exhibitions and Festivals Qatar’s exhibition scene is thriving with a diverse range of insightful art displays and showcases including the Mal Lawal 4 Exhibition, running until April 10 at Sahat Al Nakheel in Msheireb Downtown Doha, explores the history of gaming with a special focus on the 1990s. Over at Fire Station’s Gallery 4, The Voyager is the Narrator II: New York & Paris Residency Exhibition will feature the remarkable works of 10 talented artists who participated in the international residency program in Paris and New York. The Al-Raqim Exhibition, running until June 21 at the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA), celebrates Arabic calligraphy as an art form. Meanwhile, In the Realms of Mecca: A Journey through the Rituals of Hajj and Umrah at MIA offers an immersive look into the sacred rituals of Hajj and Umrah until December 30. For those interested in fashion and accessories, the Rouda Al Malki Exhibition at Al Dana Club from March 7 to March 12 will showcase women’s essentials, including abayas and jewellery. Additionally, the first-ever Asian Nuts and Dried Fruits Exhibition is now open at Souq Waqif, bringing together over 40 companies from around the world. Running from March 1 to March 10, the exhibition offers visitors a chance to explore a wide selection of premium nuts and dried fruits from top global producers. For detailed event information and to stay updated, visit www.visitqatar.com, download the Visit Qatar app, and follow @QatarCalendar on social media.
Visit Qatar Launches the Second Edition of Throwback Food Festival
The second edition of Visit Qatar’s Throwback Food Festival, organised by Visit Qatar, returns at Doha’s Old Port. This year it features new additions and exciting experiences. The festival celebrates the country’s local heritage through traditional cuisine and cultural experiences, offering visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the past. Hamad Al Khaja, Manager of Festivals & Events Delivery at Visit Qatar, said: “Throwback Food Festival is a unique experience that celebrates Qatar’s rich heritage through a variety of events that include traditional cuisine, cultural performances, and interactive competitions. This year, we have expanded the range of activities and enriched the experience, combining heritage markets, traditional games, folk tales, and artistic performances that reflect Qatar’s cultural identity. Through this event, we aim to provide an integrated experience that blends the authenticity of the past with the modernity of the present, making Throwback Food Festival one of the most prominent Ramadan events that enriches the tourism scene in Qatar.” A Ramadan experience with local touches Throwback Food Festival brings the old Qatari souks to life through the ‘Dakkan’ initative, which recreates the flavours of old Qatar, where visitors can sample traditional foods and sweets from the Tayyibin generation. The experience allows visitors to relive their childhood through the dishes they grew up with, in an atmosphere that is full of the flavours of the past. The Folk Games Kiosk also hosts fun competitions that reflect the spirit of Qatari traditions, where visitors can participate in traditional games in a lively Ramadan atmosphere. Quizzes and Tales from the Past The Throwback Food Festival Theatre offers a range of artistic and cultural activities inspired by Qatar’s heritage. Visitors can enjoy interactive competitions such as ‘Kahoot’, which includes questions on popular foods, traditional crafts, and heritage events, with valuable prizes for the winners, as well as ‘Treasure Hunt’ competition, which invites participants to solve heritage puzzles and interact with different stalls to discover the secrets of the past. Set in a lively atmosphere that embraces heritage, the Hakawati tells stories about the history of local cuisine and hospitality, with sound effects and traditional costumes reflecting the spirit of the past. At the Puppet Theatre, children and families can enjoy a puppet show that tells stories about Qatari cuisine and the importance of hospitality and traditions, in an interactive and entertaining way. The festival offers an interactive experience for culinary enthusiasts, with chefs competing in the ‘Local Flavour Challenge’ to prepare Qatari dishes with a creative twist, and the public participating in the ‘People’s Taste Challenge’ to choose the best dish. There will also be a ‘Secret Ingredient Challenge’ where chefs will have to prepare dishes using surprising ingredients, making the competition even more exciting. Folkloric performances and folk songs The festival will host live musical performances featuring traditional songs and rhymes sung at majlis and weddings, and during food preparation such as grinding wheat and making bread, using drums, oud and marwas to add authenticity to the visitor’s experience. This year’s Garangao will also be a night full of colour, joy, and memories. To further enhance the Ramadan experience in Qatar, Visit Qatar has launched this year’s Ramadan campaign titled “Welcome Our Dear Neighbours” which aims to welcome visitors from the GCC during the holy month of Ramadan for an exceptional Ramadan experience, under the theme “Ramadan is better with you”, with Qatar Calendar’s events. Visitors can explore the Ramadan events calendar on the Visit Qatar website and app. For more details on activities and events that blend tradition with modernity, they can also follow @QatarCalendar on social media.
Qatar Calendar: This Week in Qatar
Qatar Calendar continues to offer a wide range of cultural, sporting, and entertainment activities for residents and visitors to enjoy. The second week of January 2025 is packed with a line-up of events that cater to diverse interests, from thrilling adventures and artistic performances to family-friendly attractions and retail offers. Cultural Highlights Marmi Festival 2025 held at Sabkhat Marmi in Sealine until February 1, this festival celebrates the rich heritage of Qatari falconry and hunting traditions. Daily competitions and cultural displays bring the spirit of the desert to life, offering an immersive experience for heritage enthusiasts. Kahraman Exhibition, scheduled to run from January 7 till January 10, is back with its 5th edition showcasing amber from 14 countries around the world at Katara Hall. Theatrical Performances Crime in the City, running from January 8 to 11 at U Venue, is a thrilling theatrical production that blends suspense and drama, offering a captivating experience for theatregoers.Al Theyaba Play runs from January 9 to 11 at Katara Drama Theatre, immersing audiences in a powerful mix of drama, emotion, and talent. Sporting Events Doha Marathon by Ooredoo is taking place on January 17 at Hotel Park in Doha. With categories for all skill levels, the event promotes fitness and community spirit. Mawater at Sealine will run an event dedicated to all car enthusiasts from January 3 to 27. Family-Friendly Activities Ras Abrouq continues to captivate visitors with a diverse range of activities and attractions which include hot-air balloon experience and archery sessions for adventure enthusiasts. Families can enjoy children’s workshops, as well as engaging roaming acts that entertain visitors throughout the site. A camel parade creating a unique blend of culture and adventure for all ages will also be on show Sealine Season offers activities for both adventure seekers and families. It features desert safaris, monster bus rides, ATV buggies, horse riding, and boat trips, with free sports and children’s activities. Weekends include fishing trips, stargazing, and Muay Thai classes. Mohammed Al Bakri and Abdulaziz Al Thuehi will be performing live on January 10, followed by a fireworks display. Al Wakra Safari Zoo, ideal for families, offers educational and recreational activities amidst a serene environment. Visitors can enjoy up-close encounters with wildlife, camel rides, and interactive exhibits designed to inspire a connection with nature. It is located at Souq al Wakra and scheduled to run from January 1 till February 1. Winter Market at Rixos Premium Qetaifan Island North runs until 27 February. It features exquisite seasonal culinary delights, kids’ activities, accessories and artisanal crafts. Retail and Entertainment Vibrant Live Shows & Endless Fun for Kids will be running at Mall of Qatar throughout January. Shop Qatar 2025, running until 1 February, offers unbeatable discounts, exciting retail experiences, and the chance to win grand prizes, including luxury cars. Daily entertainment across participating malls enhances the shopping experience.The dynamic line-up ensures entertainment for visitors of all ages. For more information on Qatar Calander’s 2025 events, visit www.visitqatar.com, download the Visit Qatar app, and follow @QatarCalendar on social media.
