Discover Qatar – The Ultimate Family-Friendly Destination this Winter Season Offering Everything from Shopping and Food Festivals to Outdoor Adventure and Iconic Sporting Events

With a captivating blend of cultural richness, world-class events, and luxurious hospitality, Doha invites families and individuals alike to embrace a winter season like no other.

Shopping and Retail Experiences

Doha has welcomed 2025 with a dynamic calendar of festivals and events, headlined by Shop Qatar 2025, the nation’s premier shopping festival. Running from 1 January to 1 February, this month-long celebration spans 20 malls and shopping destinations, including Place Vendôme and Doha Festival City. Visitors can expect unparalleled discounts, family-friendly entertainment, engaging competitions, and enticing raffle prizes. From luxury boutiques to local retailers, Shop Qatar 2025 offers a curated shopping experience with weekly raffles featuring extraordinary prizes, including cash rewards up to QAR 100,000 and a Tesla Cybertruck for the grand finale.

Adding to the season’s attraction, the Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition 2025 returns for its 21st edition, showcasing exquisite collections of luxury and craftsmanship. The exhibition includes limited-edition launches and the presence of global industry leaders. With appearances by international celebrities and influencers, this event is a highlight for enthusiasts of fine jewellery and timepieces.

Culinary Experience

The Qatar International Food Festival (QIFF) 2025 will delight gastronomes from 12 to 22 February at Hotel Park. Featuring over 100 food and drink kiosks, live entertainment, cooking workshops, and daily fireworks, QIFF offers a culinary journey for all ages.

Adding to Qatar’s vibrant culinary calendar, the Throwback Food Festival returns throughout Ramadan in March, showcasing some of Qatar’s oldest restaurants alongside entertainment and competitions.

Visitors can also indulge in Qatar’s Michelin-starred dining scene, featuring renowned restaurants such as IDAM and Jamavar, along with four Bib Gourmand recipients and a total of 33 Michelin-selected establishments. This growing recognition firmly establishes Doha as a global culinary destination.

Sports events

Sports enthusiasts can look forward to a thrilling lineup of events that showcase Doha’s world-class sporting infrastructure and vibrant atmosphere. The Qatar ExxonMobil Open, scheduled from February 17 to 22, will bring the world’s top tennis players to Doha, delivering intense matches for fans of the sport. Known for its exceptional organisation and vibrant crowd, this tournament remains a key fixture on the international tennis calendar.

For motorsport enthusiasts, the E1 Doha Grand Prix by Visit Qatar will take place on 21-22 February and offers an exhilarating experience as high-performance boats race through the city’s sparkling waterfront. Combining speed, precision, and spectacular views, this event highlights Qatar’s commitment to hosting innovative and thrilling competitions.

Must-Visit Attractions and Iconic Doha Experiences

Doha’s iconic destinations offer visitors an array of cultural and leisure experiences. The Pearl-Qatar, with its luxury boutiques, marina views, and fine dining selection, remains a symbol of sophistication. Gewan Island, a luxury extension, introduces Qatar’s longest climate-controlled pedestrian walkway, elevating the visitor experience further.

The Lusail Winter Wonderland at Maha Island provides festive entertainment, winter-themed attractions, and dining options suitable for all ages. Families can enjoy the thrills of Quest Indoor Theme Park, home to record-breaking indoor roller coasters and drop towers. Meanwhile, Katara Cultural Village offers art galleries, an open-air amphitheater, and scenic beachfronts for cultural enrichment and leisurely strolls.

For those seeking outdoor adventures, Ras Abrouq has become one of this winter season’s most visited attractions, drawing more than 38,000 visitors since its opening. Reflecting the overwhelming demand, Ras Abrouq’s duration has been extended until February 15th, allowing more residents and visitors to enjoy its exceptional offerings.

Meanwhile, the Sealine season welcomes visitors from 3 to 27 January for a vibrant three-week experience filled with concerts, a Kite Festival, and diverse entertainment. Additionally, Sealine Season is gearing up for an unforgettable evening with Al Samri Night on Friday, January 24^th, from 20:00 to 22:00, followed by a spectacular drone show and the finale fireworks at 23:00 at the Celebration Dune area. This one-day event will be held as part of the celebrations of this year’s Sealine season and will be free to enter for all with special seating areas dedicated for families.

Marking the final weekend of what has been one of the most successful activations this winter season, Al Samri Night celebrates a traditional Bedouin music form that features the recitation of poetry accompanied by the rhythmic beats of the Daf drum.

Must-attend Events!

Qatar is also set to host a diverse line-up of must-attend events that offer something for everyone—from tech enthusiasts to sports and music fans. The Web Summit returns in February bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators from around the globe for the Middle Eastern edition of the world’s largest technology conference.

During Eid in March, the Luminous Festival will take place, promising a captivating celebration of light and art.

While April will see Ed Sheeran take the stage in Doha as part of his Global +–=÷x Tour 2025, where he will perform at the state-of-the-art Lusail Multipurpose Hall, offering fans a world-class musical experience. For more information about tickets and how to purchase them, please visit: https://visitqatar.com/qa-ar/events-calendar/ed-sheeran-concert.

A Perfect Winter Escape Awaits

With its illuminated skyline, vibrant cultural scene, and renowned Qatari hospitality, Doha provides an ideal winter getaway. From luxury shopping and Michelin-starred dining to cultural exploration and outdoor adventures, visitors are assured an enriching and memorable experience.

GCC visitors can also enjoy exclusive offers with the “Visit Qatar Pass”, which provides discounts ranging from 30 to 50 per cent across multiple categories, including, food and drinks, beauty and spa, health and fitness, fun and leisure, room nights, and services and retail.