The Qatar Balloon Festival 2021 kicked off on Thursday (December 9) at Aspire Park, featuring 35 hot air balloons of various shapes, sizes, and designs. The 10-day event, which will run until Qatar’s National Day celebration on December 18, serves as one of the key attractions aimed at further boosting the country’s tourism sector.
According to the organisers, the festival has been set to coincide with the Qatar International Food Festival (November 26 to December 15), FIFA Arab Cup 2021 (November 30 to December 18), Qatar Live 2021 (December 1 to 18), and the Qatar National Day (December 18). The evening programme provides an opportunity for visitors to see the balloons glow in the dark “in perfect rhythm accompanied by the festival’s musical events from the main stage, creating a lovely atmosphere and an experience like no other.”
Those who missed the balloons’ night glow can still catch the balloons early morning for the ‘sunrise launches’ from their windows at home. Besides the giant balloons, the event is also hosting an array of activities for residents and visitors to enjoy, including cultural and entertainment shows, dance performances, and music bands, as well as mascots and jugglers’ show.
A special arena has been set up for various games, both for children and adults, such as human football, carnival games, football darts, VR and electronic games, themed jumping houses, and slides, organisers added. Meanwhile, a wide range of culinary delights are also offered at several kiosks and trucks at the venue.