QIFF is set to conclude on the Doha Corniche today and continue at Al Bidda Park until December 17.
Apart from local and international cuisines, people visiting the festival also enjoy the various activities being held at the event such as live cooking demonstrations, hot air balloon rides, live music and dance performances, along with the highly anticipated fireworks display at night.
Other attractions and games – eight interactive installations, a musical water show, Qatar’s biggest LED installation, trampolines, carnival games and other activations – provide curated and unique experiences for all ages.
The weekend is expected to be a particularly busy period for the festival, with people venturing out in large numbers to enjoy some good food along with the pleasant weather.
“It’s been just a week since our last visit here at QIFF and we have already missed it a lot. We like the setting, the ambiance and definitely the many food offerings. So, for today we will try different kinds of Indian and other Asian desserts,” said Filipino expatriate Edgar B, as he roamed around the park with his compatriot.
He lauded Qatar Tourism and its partners for their “extraordinary efforts in making QIFF bigger” this year.
Edgar added that the annual event serves as “a haven for many families and children who want to spend their weekend outdoors particularly with the weather now, and those who are looking for great food”.
Foodies are also given the opportunity to explore popular cuisines from Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, prepared by the participating vendors.
Dubbed as the country’s longest-running food and beverage festival, QIFF also has a live cooking theatre featuring internationally renowned chefs who hold live demos and take part in friendly competitions. It opens at 3pm and runs until 11pm on weekdays and from 3pm to 1am on weekends.
It is learnt that burgers and shawarma are among the bestselling food items, while milk tea tops the list of popular drinks at QIFF.
Visitors also find this year’s QIFF as “one of the best culinary events and the safest” amid the Covid-19 situation in the country due to its organisation and because it is being held in “a very suitable month and location.”
“We feel comfortable, safe and relaxed because Al Bidda Park is huge and most people maintain a distance from each other. There are tables and chairs almost everywhere, you can even sit on the grass if you like. There is also a play area for children,” said Indian expatriate Soumya.
The QIFF and a number of other winter attractions have been planned in Qatar to coincide with the ongoing FIFA Arab Cup 2021.