Feast in the sky with Renaissance Doha City Center, barbeque in the ocean with Diplomatic Club and dine on a dhow with Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels. Basically get plenty of chances to dive head first into the diversity of world cuisine, as this year’s four-day Qatar International Food Festival showcases the five-star hospitality and food services this country has to offer.
In the Museum of Islamic Art Park setting, which overlooks the Doha waterfront, families will enjoy the wide range of activities that are making an appearance this year. A dedicated family zone allows families to sample eclectic cuisine while listening to live music and watch kids play. Creative programmes are also running alongside the event, as well as 11 general zones, four food zones, a live cooking area where contests are to be held, 55 food stalls and five kiosks for restaurants and exhibitors.
A major focus for 2014 is the bond between Qatar and Brazil and so cuisines from both countries are being highlighted along with traditional entertainment. Plus, a ‘Health & Active’ zone combines healthy food outlets, and information on nutrition and a well-balanced diet, as well as a ‘fitness and fun’ course.
Rashed Al Qurese of the Qatar Tourism Authority said, ‘QIFF will bring together the world’s culinary cultures in a unique event that reflects Qatar’s diversity and rich culture. The festival will allow QTA to promote Qatar in the region and the world as a world-class hub with deep cultural roots.’
Music and live entertainment, as well as official speeches and announcements, will also be going on throughout the days.
Entry to the event is free to the public. The festival starts on March 20 at 5pm until 11pm. From March 21-23 it will be open 2pm-11pm. Visit www.qifoodfestival.com
Specialty zones
Dinner in the Sky – 22 diners are hoisted 40 metres into the sky, eight times a day, to enjoy a culinary experience with the Renaissance Doha City Center Hotel team.
Family zone – Playgrounds, kid’s entertainment areas, ball games and picnic areas, as well as trampolines, a football pitch and kiosks for kid-friendly snacks. Plus face painting, a sack race, rope skipping, hula hoop, an egg and spoon race, crawl tunnels and more!
Water zone – Step aboard a BBQ donut, brought to you by the Diplomatic Club, offering floating tea times in the early afternoons or barbeques later on for eight passengers several times a day.
International zone – 16 stalls of various world cuisines from European to Arabic, American to Asian.
European food court – Serving French, Italian, Spanish and Greek favourites with music by guitarist Tarek in the background.
The Arabic sector – Lebanese, Moroccan, Tunisian and Egyptian dishes are on offer in a court decorated with Arabic lanterns with majlis seating areas.
The American area – Sit on picnic style American table cloths and multi-coloured Mexican and Brazilian woven rugs while enjoying food from Mexico, Brazil and America.
The Asian area – Specialties from Thailand, China, Japan, Korea, Pakistan and India are on offer to a backdrop of live music.
Qatar/Brazil zone – Marking this year’s Qatar Brazil Year of Culture 2014, this zone features special food outlets for Brazilian cuisine as well as traditional Qatari tents for local food and hospitality.
Healthy food zone – A variety of food and beverages dedicated to healthy living are on offer here.
