Bigger and better, 7th QIFF expects 220,000 visitors

The 7th edition of the Qatar International Food Festival (QIFF) will feature an array of gastronomical events to welcome a large number of visitors at the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) Park from March 22 to 28.
Expecting more than 220,000 visitors from Qatar and neighbouring countries, the week-long celebration will also see a dozen food trucks deployed at The Pearl-Qatar, one of the satellite venues.
A number of QIFF activities and events will also take place at Katara - the Cultural Village esplanade such as the mini live cooking and entertainment shows. One of the unique offerings in this edition include water taxis going to the three festival venues.
“The festival is one of our signature events and part of our strategy is to diversify the country’s tourism offerings in partnership with the private sector,” Qatar Tourism Authority’s (QTA) Events and Festivals director Mashal Shahbik told a press conference on Tuesday.
At MIA Park, a Snack Court will host a number of popular eateries, cafes and restaurants while the Cuisine Court offers fine-dining creations by chefs from hotels at affordable prices (between QR5 and QR35).
Visitors will also have the chance to taste a variety of Chinese and Qatari dishes at the Culture Court as part of the Qatar-China 2016 Year of Culture organised by Qatar Museums (QM).
QM’s Public and International Relations director Mohamed Nasser al-Othman said the initiative, which intends to foster improved mutual understanding, and build bridges between cultures, is continuously supporting QIFF.
Shahbik noted that entry is free of charge irrespective of the number of people coming to the festival and the prices of food are very minimal.
“We want the people of Qatar and tourists from neighbouring countries to enjoy,” she stressed.
Organisers will also set up a Health Court to underline the importance of healthy eating by serving organic food. It will also offer free medical check ups for visitors.
Shahbik thanked Qatar Airways (QA) for co-hosting QIFF and providing “a first-class touch” to the various activities.
One of the highlights of the annual culinary celebration is QA’s Dinner-in-the-Sky which has been giving visitors a five-star hospitality experience.
QA Marketing and Corporate Communications senior vice president Salam al-Shawa said they have invited a number of international and national celebrity chefs who will perform live at QA’s Cooking Theatre.
QA Holidays has created special travel packages for visitors abroad, according to QA’s Commercial – Qatar senior vice president Ehab Amin.
He said these packages will include transportation, accommodation, and hotels especially during the weekend aimed at inviting more visitors from different GCC countries to take part at QIFF.
“The Festival has all of the right elements to be attractive to people throughout the GCC – it is a family event, it has exciting food and entertainment from around the world, and it has the world’s best airline flying directly to Doha,” he added.
Saif Saad al-Saeed said QIFF is one of the most significant cultural and social events on Qatar’s calendar “as it sheds light on different foods and their connections to various cultures and civilisations.”
Besides the 12 food trucks coming from Qatar and across the region, The Pearl-Qatar will host a number of sports activities and entertainment shows.
“The Festival offers a unique opportunity to attract visitors and participants looking to enjoy the best of international cuisines,” stressed United Development Company's marketing and communications director Hussain Akbar al-Baker.