The New Year celebrations have just worn off and we are already two weeks into 2018. Before you get into your usual work routine, we decided to list down some of the most exciting Qatar events for this year. So pull out your planners and note down your favourite because the year has just begun and there is already so much to look forward to!

JANUARY

  1. Flower Festival 2018

 

 

There is nothing better than to kick off the year with some flowers. The Flower Festival will be held in three different markets and will host locally produced flowers. The two day event is an initiative of the Ministry of Municipality and Environment and will help promote local floral businesses. If you plan on expanding your backyard or adding some colour to your balconies, now you know where to go.

Where: Al Mazrouah, Al Khor and Al Dhakhira, Al Wakrah

When: January 11th to 13th, January 18th to 20th, January 25th to 27th , 2018(respectively)

  1. The Color Run

The 4th edition of probably the most popular 5k run (or walk) is here again this year to continue celebrating health and spreading a message that fitness can be fun. If you missed it last year, this is your chance to spend a day running, laughing and enjoying all the color(literally!).

Where: Qatar National Convention Centre.

When: 27th January 2018

 

FEBRUARY

  1. Valentines Day

If this isn’t the time for romantic dinners and gourmet foods, chocolates and flowers, then nothing else is. Every year several hotels and restaurants host exclusive dinners for you to enjoy with your loved ones (friends included). You may have to watch out for reservations though. This is also the time where every shop is overflowing with major discounts on all of your favourite chocolates and gift items and even flowers. Sounds like a week of pampering is on the cards.

When: February 14th 2018.

 

MARCH

  1. Qatar International Boat Show

The 5th edition of the Qatar International Boat Show will be a sight to behold. For all the boaters and the to-be-boaters, the exhibition will be an informative and absolutely inspiring experience. Even if you are not looking to take up boating professionally, the array of boats at this event is sure to keep you on your toes.

Where: Porto Arabia, The Pearl Qatar

When: 13th March to 17th March 2018.

 

  1. Karting

Need for some speed? Well, an adrenalin rush sounds like the perfect thing to beat the winter while you satisfy all your over speeding temptations without getting into trouble! The event is currently on-going and there is plenty of time for you to allot at least one weekend to try your hand at this.

Where: The Losail Circuit Sports Club.

When : open until 15th March 2018

 

APRIL

  1. Souq Waqif Spring Festival

Souq Waqif is already a favourite hang out spot for many of us. Looks like this year will give you even more reasons to fall in love with this place. This mega outdoor entertainment event includes activities like live shows, shopping and hotel promos, rides, games and many other fun stuff.

Where: Souq Waqif

When : open until April 14th 2018.

 

MAY

  1. Project Qatar 2018

Calling all the entrepreneurs and business men and women to the biggest and only business exhibition of Qatar that specialises in the booming construction and related industries. There is an event for all kinds of people in Qatar and this one’s for those of you that are planning to make it big this year.

Where: Doha exhibition and Convention Centre

When: 7th May to 10th May, 2018. 3 to 9pm.

JUNE

  1. Eid Al Fitr Activities

When the holy month of Ramadan comes to an end, a 3 day public holiday will greet the Eid Al Fitr. Many celebrations at multiple locations are expected. And of course food, glorious food options everywhere!

When: June 15th to June 17th 2018.

 

JULY

  1. Summer Entertainment City

The whole month of July will see Qatar buzzing with the various activities organized by the Qatar Tourism Authority. The Qatar Summer Festival is one such event which will hopefully return this year having had great success in 2017. Watch out for fun activities and a whole lot of entertainment and games.

Where: Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre

When : June 25th to September 5th 2018

 

AUGUST

  1. Eid Al Adha Celebrations

The most popular and longest public holiday in Qatar falls during the Eid Al Adha. While many celebrate by inviting guests over and preparing feasts for friends and family, this is also the time when many Malls and shopping centres host amazing activities for its customers. The Mall of Qatar and Katara has the biggest highlight with theatrical performances and live entertainment while places like Pearl Qatar also arrange fun activities. It is also the most popular time for a short vacation or a dessert safari and barbeque by the beach, among the residents. So keep an eye out for any discounts and offers coming your way around this time.

When: 22nd August 2018

 

SEPTEMBER

  1. Building Services Qatar

Another major business event that is all set to take place in September of 2018 is the Building Services Qatar. This event will be informative for professionals involved in specific industry sectors like doors and facades, heating, ventilation, air conditioning and facilities management industries. This will also be a great opportunity for companies that have opened up fairly recently and looking to increase their customer base.

Where: Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre.

When : September 24th to 26th , 2018.

 

OCTOBER:

  1. October-fests

October is the month for the popular Oktoberfest. Just like last year, it is expected that Katara village, Pearl Qatar and Mall of Qatar will hold interesting activities and programs. Popular hotels like the Intercontinental and Radisson Blu also take part in this end of summer festivities by hosting special dinners.

NOVEMBER

  1. Solar Art Festival

Last year the MENA Solar Art Festival made its debut in Qatar with a unique collection of artworks that integrated the concept of solar energy with art. Presented by Qatar Solar Technologies, the event hosted exclusive commissions by solar artists worldwide. The official announcements for this year’s exhibition has not yet been made, but let’s hope it returns for everyone who missed it last year.

Where: Doha Fire Station.

When : November 2018

DECEMBER

  1. Qatar National Day 2018

For those of us living here, December in Qatar is all about looking forward to the National Day. With the mega celebrations last year, the hopes are higher and the residents are truly anticipating the next founder’s day of Qatar. The military parade and of course the grand firework show will always be our favourite highlight of the day.

Where: Corniche.

When: December 18th 2018

We hope each one of you had a fantastic start to the year and that we gave you a few more reasons to plan and enjoy the rest of the year with AllandAbout!

PS: The dates mentioned are tentative and are subject to changes or cancellation.


Written by Adithya Nair

Adithya is an Electronics engineering graduate who embarked on her artistic journey in her final year of college. From co-founding a handmade gifts company to being placed on the leader board of Zomato, she explores every facet of her life eagerly. She shares her paintings, poetry and blogs on her social media and is an artist in the making. Follow her articles on AllandAbout.com and on Instagram @artbyadithyanair