20 March 2014
The Qatar International Food Festival (QIFF) opened in a festive mood at the Museum of Islamic Art Park yesterday evening, attracting a large number of visitors who were treated to a series of performances on stage and a variety of food offered by dozens of hotels and restaurants in Doha. The four-day event was jointly inaugurated by HE the Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage Dr Hamad bin Abdul Aziz al-Kuwari, Qatar Tourism Authority chairman Issa bin Mohamed al-Mohannadi and Qatar Airways CEO Akbar al-Baker. While touring the stalls, the dignitaries also led the unveiling of the Qatar-Brazil official logo for the 2014 Year of Culture celebrations.
Brazilian dancers dressed in colourful costumes performed on the stage. The Italian National Pizza Acrobatic team was another attraction. A separate stage for kiddie shows has also been set up at the MIA Park. HE Dr al-Kuwari lauded the QTA and Qatar Airways for a well-organised and well-attended festival, which also has special activities for children. Al-Baker observed that the QIFF is now more prominent than last year's event. "The objective is to promote the country, the city, the Museum of Islamic Art - all the things that we are doing to promote the destination." Several hotels, restaurants and coffee shops are participating in this year's festival. The attractions include a floating doughnut, which offers a serene and unique tour of the MIA waters while dining with family and friends, and the popular Dinner in the Sky.
"The dining alternatives in Doha continue to grow year after year and the QIFF is a great way to showcase new tastes and trends," al-Mohannadi said in a statement. He echoed the statements of al-Baker, saying the QIFF has been growing every year in size and popularity. The festival features 11 general zones, including four food zones, a live cooking zone, 55 food stalls and five kiosks of restaurants and exhibitors. Another signature area is the Qatar-Brazil Year of Culture zone, which serves as an activation of this year's cultural exchange programme between the two countries.
Also new is the health and active zone, which combines healthy food outlets and information on healthy nutrition and a well-balanced diet. Al-Baker stressed, "In their own way, both the QIFF and Qatar Airways are playing a part in connecting Qatar with the rest of the world - one through amazing culinary experiences and the other through amazing travel experiences." A shuttle service will run between two dedicated parking lots and the MIA Park and this will help ease the volume of traffic to and from the venue.
The first shuttle bus pick-up point will be located close to Al Bidda Park and the second one near Sharq Village & Spa. Signage will be placed along both routes to help drivers identify and locate the parking lots. Organisers strongly recommend making use of the shuttle service to avoid being caught in traffic near the MIA Park. The shuttle service will run continually on the following days and times: today - 1.30pm to 11pm, tomorrow - noon to 10pm and Sunday - 1.30pm to 10pm.
The Qatar International Food Festival (QIFF) opened in a festive mood at the Museum of Islamic Art Park yesterday evening, attracting a large number of visitors who were treated to a series of performances on stage and a variety of food offered by dozens of hotels and restaurants in Doha. The four-day event was jointly inaugurated by HE the Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage Dr Hamad bin Abdul Aziz al-Kuwari, Qatar Tourism Authority chairman Issa bin Mohamed al-Mohannadi and Qatar Airways CEO Akbar al-Baker. While touring the stalls, the dignitaries also led the unveiling of the Qatar-Brazil official logo for the 2014 Year of Culture celebrations.
Brazilian dancers dressed in colourful costumes performed on the stage. The Italian National Pizza Acrobatic team was another attraction. A separate stage for kiddie shows has also been set up at the MIA Park. HE Dr al-Kuwari lauded the QTA and Qatar Airways for a well-organised and well-attended festival, which also has special activities for children. Al-Baker observed that the QIFF is now more prominent than last year's event. "The objective is to promote the country, the city, the Museum of Islamic Art - all the things that we are doing to promote the destination." Several hotels, restaurants and coffee shops are participating in this year's festival. The attractions include a floating doughnut, which offers a serene and unique tour of the MIA waters while dining with family and friends, and the popular Dinner in the Sky.
"The dining alternatives in Doha continue to grow year after year and the QIFF is a great way to showcase new tastes and trends," al-Mohannadi said in a statement. He echoed the statements of al-Baker, saying the QIFF has been growing every year in size and popularity. The festival features 11 general zones, including four food zones, a live cooking zone, 55 food stalls and five kiosks of restaurants and exhibitors. Another signature area is the Qatar-Brazil Year of Culture zone, which serves as an activation of this year's cultural exchange programme between the two countries.
Also new is the health and active zone, which combines healthy food outlets and information on healthy nutrition and a well-balanced diet. Al-Baker stressed, "In their own way, both the QIFF and Qatar Airways are playing a part in connecting Qatar with the rest of the world - one through amazing culinary experiences and the other through amazing travel experiences." A shuttle service will run between two dedicated parking lots and the MIA Park and this will help ease the volume of traffic to and from the venue.
The first shuttle bus pick-up point will be located close to Al Bidda Park and the second one near Sharq Village & Spa. Signage will be placed along both routes to help drivers identify and locate the parking lots. Organisers strongly recommend making use of the shuttle service to avoid being caught in traffic near the MIA Park. The shuttle service will run continually on the following days and times: today - 1.30pm to 11pm, tomorrow - noon to 10pm and Sunday - 1.30pm to 10pm.
1 Brazilian dancers on stage.
2 Jugglers and stilt walkers participated in a parade.
3 A band with its members dressed in chef's attire performed during the opening. A cookery demonstration in progress.
4 A cookery demonstration in progress.
5 The Qatar-Brazil 2014 logo was unveiled on the occasion.
© Gulf Times 2014
