With so many things to do in Doha, picking the right one can be overwhelming. No worries! We have rounded up for you a bunch of super activities in the town. There are scrumptious food festival with live cooking theater, art exhibitions, sports, film industry master program and much more to explore over the next seven days. So let’s try our awesome recommendations for the best things to do in Doha.
Our listings come out every Sunday, so be sure to keep following ILQ for more events updates and information! And, if you want more, visit iloveqatar.net/events.
Qumra, now in its fourth edition, is an initiative created by the Doha Film Institute to provide a space for new voices in cinema!
You can enjoy the very best selected cinema from around the world. Ticket-holders will have the rare chance to meet some of the filmmakers in exclusive question-and-answer sessions after the screenings.
Date: March 7 -14
Time: 4:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Ticket Purchase: At the door / online
Price: QR 35
Qumra Screenings time schedule:
Fire at Sea by Gianfranco Rosi Followed by a Q&A session with Gianfranco Rosi Fri, March 9 / 7:00 p.m. / MIA – A / QR 35
Footprints of Apichatpong Weerasethakul Short Films Programme by Apichatpong Weerasethakul Followed by a Q&A session with Apichatpong Weerasethakul Sat, March 10 / 7:00 p.m / MIA – A / QR 35
Moneyball by Bennett Miller Followed by a Q&A session with Bennett Miller Sun, March 11 / 7:00 p.m / MIA – A / QR 35
The Return by Andrey Zvyagintsev Followed by a Q&A session with Andrey Zvyagintsev Mon, March 12 / 7:30 PM / MIA – A / QR 35
The Young Victoria by Jean-Marc Vallée Followed by a Q&A session with Sandy Powell Tue, March 13 / 7:00 p.m. / MIA – A / QR 35
Qumra Screenings: New Voices in Cinema
City of the Sun by Rati Oneli Wed, March 7 / 4:30 p.m. / MIA – A / QR 35
Hunting Season by Natalia Garagiola Wed, March 7 / 7:30 p.m. / MIA – A / QR 35
Taste of Cement by Ziad Kalthoum Thu, March 8 / 4:30 p.m. / MIA – A / QR 35
New Voices Shorts Programme Sat, March 10 / 4:30 p.m. / MIA – A / QR 35
Beauty and the Dogs by Kaouther Ben Hania Wed,March 14/ 7:30 p.m / MIA – A / QR 35
Qumra Talks are panel-style discussions that cover a broad range of topics from writing for television to photography, and storytelling through emerging media such as virtual reality.
Qumra Talks time schedule:
On Photography with Brigitte Lacombe with Brigitte Lacombe and Marian LacombeSun 11 March / 4:00 PM / MIA – A / QR 35
Virtual Reality: Storytelling through Emerging Media with Simon Wilkinson In partnership with the British Council Mon 12 March / 4:00 p.m. / MIA – A / QR 35
Content for a Fragmented Media Universe with Jon Kamen Tue 13 March / 4:00 p.m. / MIA – A / QR 35
Location: Museum of Islamic Art, Doha Date: March 11- 13 Time: 4:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Ticket Purchase: At the door Price: QR 35
Spend your spring at Qatar's best family destination-Al Bidda Park and taste wide range of delicious food. Tons of live performances, Trampoline Park, and so much fun at just one stop! Welcoming you all from March 8th until May 8th.
Location: Al Bidda Park, Doha
Date: March 8 – May 8
Time: 4:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Ticket Purchase: No tickets needed
Phone: (+974)3302-8926
Email: [email protected]
Starting March 9, the five-a-side tournament kicks off it’s qualifying rounds that will lead up to the national final on March 30. Assemble your five players and register your team if you think you’ve got what it takes to outplay them all!
Location: Qatar Sports Club, Doha
Date: March 9 -10
Time: 2:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Ticket Purchase: No tickets needed
Phone: +(974)5560-0708
Website: www.neymarjrsfive.com
As a Doha Mum, safety when driving is really important to you. 2018 Traverse offers all of the safety features that you need, to keep you and your family safe. So explore the Traverse!
Bring along your children and join for great fun-filled activities. The event includes FREE professionally run workshop for mums on acrylic painting, cupcake and cookie decorating workshop, kids activities like face painting, cupcake decoration, balloon squeezing, etc. Raffle draw for a chance to win a test drive on the Traverse, for a weekend.
Location: Jaidah Square, Al Matar Street, Doha, Qatar
Date: March 12
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Phone: (+974)4455-6541
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.facebook.com/events/598214217192089/
Registration: RSVP using this link.
As part of the highly anticipated sixth edition of the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition & Conference (DIMDEX 2018), Hamad Port, one of the Middle East’s largest port, is set to welcome for the first time the Visiting Warship Display at its state-of-the-art facilities. The recently opened 28.5 square kilometres Hamad Port, operated by Qatar Ports Management Company (Mwani Qatar), boasts a 4 km long, 700 meters wide, and 17 meters deep basin, enabling it to harbour some of the world’s largest seafaring ships.
Marking a 10th anniversary this year, DIMDEX 2018 will be held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, and will be hosted and organised by Qatar Armed Forces, over three days from 12-14 March at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC).
Hosted off-site from the QNCC, the extensive display of visiting warships will be comprised of several types of vessels including destroyers, frigates, and fast-attack craft, to amphibious transport docks from the region and beyond. To date, DIMDEX has received over 70 warships at previous editions.
The arrival of the warships is one of the key elements of the leading three-day maritime defence event, as navies from around the world get to display their latest vessels and showcase their capabilities in protecting trading routes, borders and shorelines. This year, DIMDEX and Hamad Port will welcome international vessels and provide exhibitors and visitors with the opportunity once again to explore modern naval warships, and meet with the respective leaders and crew.
Location: QNCC
Date: March 12 - 14
Ticket Purchase: No tickets needed
Website: http://www.dimdex.com/
https://press.fourseasons.com/portuguese-gastronomic-weekSip, savour and celebrate the distinct flavours, sounds and culture of Portugal at the first annual Portuguese Gastronomic Week 2018.
Four Seasons Hotel Doha and the Portuguese Embassy present the first Portuguese Gastronomic Week 2018, showcasing an exciting epicurean journey to Portugal for guests to savour from March 12 to 16, 2018. Designed to offer the utmost in unique dining experiences, the five-day event will showcase myriad authentic Portuguese and Portuguese-inspired culinary offerings, including a specially designed menu by globally renowned Chef Miguel Castro Silva, and musical performances by award-winning fado musician Maria Ana Bobone. Guests are invited to sip, savour and celebrate the distinct fusion of culinary artistry and entertainment reflective of Portugal.
Host Chef Miguel Castro Silva, who is regarded as one of Portugal’s great master chefs, will present a tasting menu reflective of Portugal’s traditional fare of fresh seafood and infused with his signature modern twist. An industry veteran, Silva operates seven restaurants in Portugal and has redefined the culinary scene in that country. Now, he brings his technique and culinary craftsmanship to Doha for the first time for all to enjoy.
The Portuguese Gastronomic Week schedule of events include:
March 12-16, 2018
Thursday, March 15, 2018
Friday, March 16, 2018
Location: Four Seasons Hotel
Date: March 12 - 16
Ticket Purchase: No tickets needed
Phone: (+974)4494-8600
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://press.fourseasons.com/doha/hotel-news/2018/portuguese-gastronomic-week/
Qatar Museums (QM) will present an exhibition of recent works by the Chinese artist Ai Weiwei – his first in the Gulf region. The exhibition takes place at the Garage Gallery in the Fire Station from March 15– June 1, 2018 and will feature one of Ai Weiwei’s most prominent and poignant projects highlighting the plight of refugees, Laundromat (2016).
His show in Doha highlights Qatar’s development as a creative and artistic hub that encourages dialogue through artistic expression. It also reflects the determination of QM and its Chairperson Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani to bring the world's leading contemporary artists to the country to inspire future generations of artistic talent and engage the local community, as well as offer a regional platform to some of the world’s most unique and powerful voices.
The exhibition follows Ai Weiwei’s first visit to Qatar in April 2017, when he discussed his life and work at a packed public event at the Museum of Islamic Art, and met with young artists at the Fire Station.
Ai Weiwei is renowned for making strong aesthetic statements that resonate with timely phenomena across today’s geopolitical world. From architecture to installations, social media to documentaries, Ai uses a wide range of mediums as expressions of new ways for his audiences to examine society and its values.
Location: The Fire Station
Date: March 15 - June 1
Ticket Purchase: No tickets needed
Website: http://www.firestation.org.qa/
Qatar International Food Festival 2018 will open on March 15 and continue for 11 days at Hotel Park. As the country's only international food festival, QIFF 2018 brings culinary and cultural experiences from all corners of the globe to Qatar's residents and visitors. QIFF is the second country-wide festival of 2018, and follows on from Shop Qatar, which witnessed a 40% increase in sales based on the total number of coupons entered into raffle draws over the month-long festival.
As the country's food value chain rapidly develops, the Festival is shedding a bright spotlight on the role of local farms, farmers' markets and Qatari-owned F&B entrepreneurs in bringing food from gate to plate.
All four corners of the world
And in celebration of the unique mix of cultures that Qatar is home to, 9 international embassies based in Doha will be inviting festival-goers to savour the flavours of East and West. The participating countries are the USA, South Africa, Vietnam, the Philippines, Turkey, Lebanon, Mexico, India and Ethiopia.
Special Festival Experiences
Festival favourites are back this year such as the signature Live Cooking Theater with participation from internationally renowned chefs such as US MasterChef Christine Ha, Qatar's very own Aisha AlTamimi, Kuwaiti cook Fawaz AlOmaim, Indian celebrity chef Ajay Chopra, Lebanese celebrity chef Ramzi Choueiri, and the Michellin Star chef who has been preparing the post-Oscars feast for 24 years, Wolfgang Puck. They, along with others will be sharing their culinary delights from 6:00 pm - 10:30 pm daily with a different theme for each day.
Also back this year, is the Health Zone which encourages conscious eating habits and life choices that promote overall well-being. There will also be free fitness classes regularly held throughout QIFF allowing festival-goers to get their blood pumping while enjoying the outdoor festivities at Hotel Park.
This year, QIFF is also shedding a spotlight on locally-owned coffee shops which have become contemporary symbols of cultural and social exchange. The dedicated Coffee Zone which will give coffee lovers a chance to immerse themselves in the bean's rich aromas and flavours.
Exciting Entertainment
Adding to the festive atmosphere at Hotel Park, the main festival stage will host a variety of live performances and cultural shows running throughout the day. In the evenings, fireworks displays will light up the sky above the Doha corniche at 8:00 pm.
Family Fun
This year, QIFF has expanded the children's area to include a mini zoo and farmer's market, providing parents and children an opportunity to learn more about our food's journey from farm to fork. Children will be provided with sports classes as well as creative activities courtesy of Café Ceramique.
In Doha & Around Qatar
QIFF returns with new concepts that take QIFF beyond the festival grounds offering an array of delightful culinary experiences all around the country.
Bringing QIFF to restaurants and cafes across Qatar, festival organisers are once again offering the QIFF Menu from 1-31 March. The QIFF Menu allows residents and visitors to enjoy mouth-watering food groupings of three menu items at a pre-set price of QAR 49 at stand-alone cafes and restaurants; and QAR 99 at hotels.
Location: Hotel Park Doha
Date: March 15 - 25
Time: 12:00 am
Ticket Purchase: No tickets needed
Opening Hours: 4.00 p.m. - 12.00 a.m. (Saturday - Wednesday)
4.00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m. (Thursday & Friday)
A fun filled event with activities for the whole family. Cup cake decorating, paper crafts, colouring, egg hunt and many more activities for all. Children below 5 – QR 60 per Child Children 6 to 11 – QR90 per Child 12 and above – QR140 per person Parent or Guardian – QR 140 per person Family Ticket – QR400/- Admits 2 Adults and 2 Children (below the age of 11 years) *** All Children must be accompanied by parent/guardian (ticket holder) Inclusive of Snack Buffet, Soft Drinks, Juices, Water, Tea & Coffee Tickets available at the F&B Office Call 44281555 for information Tickets can be purchased online at www.q-tickets.com
Location: Radisson Blu Hotel, Doha
Date: March 16
Time: 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Ticket Purchase:Online
Price: QR 60- QR 400
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/152380018804146/
The Doha Triathlon will take place on Friday, March 16, 2018, in the surrounding area of the Museum of Islamic Art, with the scenic view of Doha’s skyline in the background.
This is the second edition of the event which started on January 20, 2017. The event includes full Olympic triathlon and sprint distances, super sprint distance for teenagers aged 12-13 and 14-15 years old (individually or in teams).
The swim will take place in bay behind the Museum. Doha average sea water temperature in March is 22.6 degrees Celsius (71.3 Fahrenheit) and therefore, as per ITU rules, the use of wetsuits for the swim will be most likely forbidden (water temperature reaching or exceeding 22 C (71.6 F) for adults and 20 C (68 F) for children).
Transition will be placed next to Richard Serra’s ‘7’ Sculpture. The cycling leg will be along the Corniche and back to the Museum Park for the run.
Dress Code:
This consists of a vest or short sleeve top and running/cycling shorts for the run/bike sections. Tri-suits can be worn and are recommended. Wetsuits, as per ITU rules, will be most likely forbidden on the day of the event but we will update closer to the date whether they can or cannot be worn. Swimsuits must not be used for cycling or running and chests must covered during the bike and run legs. There are no change tents provided in transition. Nudity is strictly prohibited in the transition area. Failure to comply with the dress code will result in disqualification.
Distances: Super Sprint – 375 m swim, 10 km bike, 2.5 k run
Sprint – 750 m swim, 20 km bike, 5 k run
Olympic – 1500m swim, 40 km bike, 10 k run
EVENT BENEFITS:
Location: Museum of Islamic Art Park, Doha Qatar
Date: March 16
Time: 5:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Ticket Purchase: Online
Website: https://dohatriathlon.com/
The MotoGP - 2018 Grand Prix of Qatar is the opening round of the 2018 FIM MotoGP™ World Championship, and the only round of the Championship that is held at night, under the floodlights of the Losail International Circuit. It will mark the 15th Anniversary of MotoGP here in Qatar so don’t miss out and go to watch this unique event!
Public area - grandstand ticket
The Main Grandstand is located on the main straight facing the start and the finish lines. It also has a great view of the starting grid, pit lane, team garages and podium ceremony. The Main Straight at the Losail International Circuit is the longest straight of any other circuit of the MotoGP Championship. Riders can reach up to 350 km/h before diving into turn 1. The Public Area behind the Grandstand will have a fan zone and family entertainment with free activities for all the family which include go karting track for kids, ATV's Track for the kids, traditional activities as camel riding, falcons, traditional arabic coffee making, kids zone for the children with an area with different inflatables, food court, official merchandising outlets, easy access to free parking and taxi service available. Children under 11 years old have free access but must be accompanied by a parent or legal representative. VIP village tickets The MotoGP VIP Village is the official Hospitality Programme of MotoGP World Championship. The VIP Village is located above the pit garages, inside the paddock area.
This ticket includes access to Paddock Access (Full Time), excellent views, gourmet dinner (5 star hotel), non-alcoholic beverages and coffee bar, official program magazine, privileged parking inside the circuit, pit lane walk (sat/sun), service road tour (upon availability)- bmw cars, and ccess to the main grandstand fan zone. Losail club grandstand (turn 10)
The Losail Club Grandstand is one of the best locations of the Circuit. From this Grandstand, you will have a spectacular view of the action happening in turn 9, 10 and 11. The Losail Club Grandstand will be located inside a new Fan Zone with entertainment every evening.
This ticket includes access to VIP grandstand, free meal at food court with soft drinks, paddock (paddock tour restricted timings), fan zone with live music every night, main grandstand fan zone, excellent views, free parking inside the circuit and taxi service.
Losail VIP club (turn 10)
The Losail VIP Club is a VIP Hospitality Lounge, located inside the Losail Club Fan Zone. From this VIP Lounge, you will have a spectacular view of the action happening in turn 9, 10 and 11.
This ticket includes access to the Losail VIP Club Lounge with 5 star catering (dinner buffet & beverages), VIP Grandstan, paddock, fan zone with live music every night, excellent Views, privilege parking inside the circuit and taxi service.
Location: Losail International Circuit
Date: March 16- 18
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Ticket Purchase: Online
Price: Grandstand ticket (3 days) - QR 250 QR (Anniversary Gift included)
VIP Village (Sunday only) - QR 3,750
VIP Village (Saturday and Sunday) - QR 4,500
Losail Club Grandstand (Turn 10, 3 days) QR 2,500
Losail VIP Club (Turn 10, 3 days) QR 3,500
Children under 2 years old have free access. Children above 2 need their own ticket.
Which events will you be attending this week? Let us know in the comments below, and don't forget to like and share this article!
Follow us on our social media channels:
@ILQlive
@ILQlive
@ILoveQtr
ILoveQatar
You have successfully registered your account!
Please confirm your e-mail address by clicking on the URL sent to you.The e-mail usually arrives in 5-10 minutes.
How ajeeb was that!? Thanks for contributing to our community! Your post will appear after we take a quick look!
