What Is the Qatar International Food Festival?
The Qatar International Food Festival (QIFF), hosted by Visit Qatar, is the country’s flagship food event — a family-friendly celebration of cooking from Qatar’s own kitchens and around the world. Each edition brings together live cooking shows, chef masterclasses, food competitions, and dozens of restaurants and street-food vendors in one open-air precinct.
The 15th edition wrapped up in January 2026 as the biggest yet, drawing nearly half a million visitors. With QIFF now a fixture on Doha’s winter calendar, the 16th edition — QIFF 2027 — is expected to return in early 2027.
If you’re planning to build a trip around it, it’s worth comparing flights to Doha and hotels in Doha early, since the festival lands in Qatar’s busy winter-travel season.
Dates and Timings
QIFF 2027 dates haven’t been announced yet. Visit Qatar usually confirms the schedule a few weeks ahead of the festival, so check the official events page closer to the season.
For reference, the 15th edition ran from 14 to 24 January 2026. Doors opened 4 PM to 11 PM on weekdays and stayed open later on weekends, from 3 PM to 1 AM. The 2027 edition is likely to follow a similar mid-January window.
Location
The 2026 festival was held at the Stadium 974 precinct on Doha’s Ras Abu Aboud waterfront — a short drive east of the city centre and an easy walk from Ras Bu Abboud station on the Doha Metro Gold Line. The 2027 venue is yet to be confirmed.
What to Expect
These were the headline experiences at the most recent edition, and most return year after year:
Michelin Guide Village
A festival favourite, the Michelin Guide Village gathers Michelin-rated restaurants in one place, serving curated tasting menus at festival prices — a rare chance to try Michelin-level cooking without the fine-dining bill.
Dinner in the Sky
One of QIFF’s signature draws, Dinner in the Sky lifts diners 40 metres above the ground for a gourmet meal. Past editions offered several seatings through the evening, from high tea to twilight and moonlight flights.
The Cooking Studio
The Cooking Studio puts local and international chefs centre stage with live demonstrations, masterclasses, and hands-on workshops — a good spot to pick up techniques and recipes straight from the pros.
QIFF Ring
The QIFF Ring is the festival’s interactive arena, where families join playful culinary challenges and competitions to win prizes.
Family Entertainment
Beyond the food, recent editions layered in daily fireworks, drone shows, live performances, and dedicated kids’ activities, making QIFF an easy day out for families and groups.
Tickets and Entry
Entry to the Qatar International Food Festival is free — you only pay for what you eat, drink, or book. A handful of premium experiences, such as Dinner in the Sky or limited-seat workshops, need to be reserved separately. Confirm the latest entry details on Visit Qatar’s official page before you go.
Sources
- Qatar Tourism — QIFF 2026 Concludes 15th Edition
- Qatar Tourism — QIFF Returns in January with its 15th Edition
- Visit Qatar — Qatar International Food Festival
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