
International Food Festival 2025 Kicks Off in Qatar
Doha's culinary scene is set to dazzle as the 14th edition of the Qatar International Food Festival (QIFF) has kicked off at Hotel Park, promising ten days of gastronomic excellence, entertainment, and cultural exchange. Organised by Visit Qatar, this year's festival is the biggest yet, featuring 27 international eateries, over 100 local vendors, and a packed lineup of entertainment, making it a must-visit event for food lovers.
QIFF has grown into a premier international event that celebrates culinary brilliance while showcasing Qatar's rich cultural diversity, according to Eng. Abdulaziz Al-Mawlawi, CEO of Visit Qatar. The festival not only elevates Qatar's position as a top-tier travel destination but also serves as a platform for cultural fusion through food.
One of this year's standout attractions is the Michelin Guide Village, where guests can indulge in exquisite dishes crafted by world-renowned Michelin-starred chefs. Meanwhile, the QIFF Ring—a high-energy competition arena—will see top chefs go head-to-head in live cooking battles, adding an element of culinary spectacle.
For those keen to refine their skills, the Cooking Studio will host interactive workshops and masterclasses led by celebrated chefs from Qatar and beyond. And for thrill-seekers, Dinner in the Sky, a one-of-a-kind dining experience suspended 50 meters above ground, promises a meal with breathtaking views.
The festival site is designed to take visitors on a global culinary journey, with seven distinct zones offering a diverse range of dining and entertainment experiences:
• Latin Cuisine District – A taste of authentic Latin American flavours.
• Flavours Inside Qatar – A showcase of Qatar's rich food scene, from traditional street eats to fine dining.
• Healthy Corner – A hub for plant-based and sustainable cuisine.
• International Cuisines District – A melting pot of global gourmet dishes and street food favourites.
• Coffee & Bakeries Corner – A paradise for coffee lovers and dessert enthusiasts.
• QIFF VIP Area – An exclusive fine dining experience featuring gourmet food, luxury décor, and personalised service.
• QIFF Juniors & Family Entertainment – Fun-filled activities, including daily movie screenings, kids' workshops, and interactive outdoor experiences.
Running until February 22nd, QIFF 2025 is a vibrant cultural and culinary experience, bringing food enthusiasts, chefs, and families to celebrate the best flavours from around the world.
For more details, visit visitqatar.com or follow @qiff.qa on Instagram.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Syyaha
4 days ago
- Syyaha
Visit Qatar Launches 2025 Summer Campaign ‘Moments Made for You'
4th June 2025 – Qatar – Doha: Visit Qatar has launched its 2025 summer campaign 'Moments Made for You', inviting visitors from across the GCC and beyond to experience Qatar as a premium summer destination offering something for everyone. The campaign showcases Qatar's diverse offerings during the summer season, where families, and groups of friends can enjoy experiences tailored to their interests. Highlights include air-conditioned open-air attractions such as Gewan Island, world-class shopping districts and luxury malls, and the thrilling Meryal Waterpark. Visitors can also explore a wide array of water-based activities at both public and private beaches, unwind at resort retreats such as Banana Island, and savour Qatar's vibrant culinary scene, from Michelin-starred dining to budget-friendly local gems. 'Moments Made for You' reinforces Qatar's position as a safe and family-friendly holiday destination, with services and infrastructure that cater to all visitors. The campaign also offers a glimpse of what's to come, including the highly anticipated Qatar Toy Festival 2025, a flagship summer event in Doha designed especially for children and families. It also highlights the upcoming winter season, set to feature an exciting calendar of international sporting events, live musical performances, and vibrant festivals, all promising unforgettable experiences for visitors of all ages. Qatar offers every visitor a personalised experience that blends entertainment, relaxation, and excitement. From luxury shopping and rejuvenating spa treatments to thrilling water sports, major sporting events, and lively outdoor gatherings, Qatar offers something for every interest, ensuring memorable moments for all. For more information on Qatar Calander's 2025 events, visit download the Visit Qatar app, and follow @QatarCalendar on social media.


Daily Tribune
24-05-2025
- Daily Tribune
Dubai eatery gets 3 Michelin stars in first for Indian cuisine
An Indian restaurant in Dubai was awarded the maximum three Michelin stars Thursday — the first time the prestigious honor has been given to Indian cuisine anywhere in the world. The crowd erupted in cheers as Tresind Studio was named a three-star winner at the Michelin Guide's fourth Dubai ceremony, along with another Dubai restaurant — FZN by Bjorn Frantzen. It also marks the first time restaurants in the United Arab Emirates received the top Michelin rating. 'Today I realized what is the word called 'only' and how heavy it is when we are awarded (the three stars) as the only Indian restaurant,' said Bhupender Nath, founder of Tresind Studio. Chef Himanshu Saini, 38, said he felt 'proud' that the fine-dining restaurant had made history. 'I hope this motivates all the younger upcoming chefs,' he said, adding 'it's a dream which is possible.' 'I think it's a great time for Indian food.' Michelin Guide international director Gwendal Poullennec called the chef a 'pioneer' who had paved 'the way for many more talents to join the industry in India.' 'Culinary history' On its website, the restaurant said it aimed to challenge common perceptions of Indian cuisine 'by showcasing flavors both new and familiar through a creative lens.' The eatery with just 20 seats and an open kitchen located on the Palm, Dubai's famous man-made island, said it favors ingredients locally sourced from organic and sustainable farmers in the UAE. 'Tresind Studio in Dubai has just made culinary history, becoming the first-ever Indian restaurant to earn Three MICHELIN Stars,' the Michelin Guide said on its website. 'While The MICHELIN Guide is not in India, the global spotlight is brighter than ever. Indian chefs in cities from London to Dubai have been rewriting the playbook, fusing time-honoured flavors with boundary-pushing techniques,' it added.


Gulf Insider
08-05-2025
- Gulf Insider
Qatar Bets On Sports To Hit 2030 Tourism Goal Ahead Of Schedule
Qatar spent billions of dollars preparing for the 2022 World Cup, betting that the global spotlight would spark a lasting tourism boom. Three years on, that gamble appears to be paying off. International tourist arrivals surged to 5.1 million last year, up 25 per cent from 2023. Nearly 2 million people have visited Qatar so far this year, fueling optimism among tourism officials that the gas-rich nation could surpass its targets ahead of schedule. 'Our target for 2030 was 6 to 7 million visitors, but I think we will achieve this number sooner,' said Abdulaziz Ali Al Mawlawi, chief executive officer of Visit Qatar, in an interview in Dubai last week. To help edge up numbers, the country aims to position itself as the 'capital of sports,' he said. Over the next few months, Qatar is set to hold events including the the biggest-ever edition of the Fifa U-17 World Cup, the 2025 Fifa Arab Cup, and the Formula 1 Grand Prix at Lusail International Circuit. 'We'll be announcing a very big event for late November in Doha,' Al Mawlawi said, declining to give further details other than that it would be a global one. The rise in visitor numbers could also help the Gulf nation reach its goal of having tourism contribute about 12% to gross domestic product '- potentially ahead of the 2030 target, he said. Get the Mideast Money newsletter, a weekly look at the intersection of wealth and power in the region. While major sporting events have attracted thousands of fans, Qatar is aiming to position itself as a year-round destination by appealing to families seeking affordable luxury. 'It's very safe, very clean, with high-quality hotels and fine dining at reasonable prices,' Al Mawlawi said. Qatar is also expanding its hotel and resort offerings, with a focus on conference and events infrastructure. Doha currently has around 40,000 hotel rooms, with more in development. Still, the country faces stiff competition in the region. Dubai remains the Middle East's dominant tourism hub, while Abu Dhabi has committed $10 billion to expanding its cultural and hospitality footprint. Saudi Arabia aims to draw 70 million foreign visitors annually by 2030, up from about 30 million in 2024. Rather than compete directly, Qatar is promoting multi-stop itineraries, partnering with neighbors including Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi to create joint campaigns. 'We're complementing each other,' Al Mawlawi said. Gulf Cooperation Council nationals made up 41 per cent of arrivals last year, with Saudi Arabia as the top individual source market. Key international sources include the UK, US, China, India and Germany. Qatar has opened tourism offices in 13 countries to broaden its outreach. However, the growth in Chinese and Indian demand has been hurt by limited air connectivity. 'Flights from India to Qatar and China to Qatar are almost at the capacity,' Al Mawlawi said. 'So, we are trying hard to increase the capacity, to increase the landing slots in those countries.'