Doha: The skies in Aspire Park will once again be filled with bright and colorful hot air balloons as the Qatar Balloon Festival returns for a second year from December 9 to 18.
40 balloons will be on display during the 10-day festival and this time, it features special shape hot air balloons including a frog, bear, tiger, fox, dog, clown and even a ship.
Organizing Committee Chairman Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hassan Al-Thani said the festival aligns well and adds value to the vision of positioning Qatar as a desired global destination. “The 2nd edition of the balloon festival is strategically aligned with FIFA Arab World Cup in order to provide the visitors, and locals with added thrill and excitement. The new addition to this event is the opportunity for the public to book a balloon ride at reduced prices subsidized by the festival.”
Qatar Tourism Acting Head of Events and Festivals Technical Support Section Hamad Al Khaja said the festival will offer a unique experience to Qatar’s residents and visitors during the upcoming FIFA. “We are working closely with our public and private sector partners to enrich the country’s calendar of events in a way that reflects Qatar’s position as a prestigious tourist destination, and to attend to the likings of the visitors from different backgrounds and nationalities.”
Meanwhile, Qatar Balloon Festival Marketing Manager Ruslan Kurtveliiev told The Peninsula that this year’s festival has more activities lined up for public engagement. “From 4pm to 10pm, we’ll have our entertainment program where we have dancers, musicians, and DJs in Aspire Park. There will also be food and beverages in the area, Kid’s area, and we’ll likewise hold games.”
Kurtveliiev also disclosed they are expecting to surpass the visitor's count from last year which is 50,000.
And another mark that this festival is unique from the first one. The public can get a chance for a balloon ride which is QR299 per person. Tickets will be available by next week on the festival’s website www.qatarballoonfestival.com and at Doha Festival City.