Doha, Qatar – The 15th annual Qatar International Food Festival (QIFF) concluded on January 26, 2026, drawing a record-breaking 490,493 attendees to the 974 Stadium Precinct over ten days. Organized by Visit Qatar, the festival showcased a diverse range of culinary experiences and cultural entertainment, solidifying its position as a premier event in Qatar’s tourism and hospitality sector. This year’s event saw a significant increase in both local and international participation.
The festival’s success underscores Qatar’s growing appeal as a destination for foodies and cultural enthusiasts. According to Visit Qatar, the 2026 edition experienced a 36% increase in overall attendance compared to the previous year, with 10% of visitors traveling internationally to attend. The event also highlighted the strength of Qatar’s domestic tourism market, with Qatari nationals comprising 22.1% of attendees.
Record Attendance Highlights QIFF’s Growing Influence
The substantial increase in visitor numbers demonstrates the Qatar International Food Festival’s increasing regional and global recognition. The 974 Stadium Precinct provided a spacious and modern venue for the event, accommodating the large crowds and diverse range of vendors. This year’s festival focused on providing an immersive experience, blending culinary delights with cultural performances and interactive workshops.
Expanding Culinary Horizons
QIFF 2026 featured a notable expansion in vendor participation, with 200 local businesses and 46 international vendors showcasing their offerings. This represents a 43% increase in international vendors compared to last year, introducing a wider array of global flavors to the festival grounds. The event served as a platform for both established restaurants and emerging culinary entrepreneurs.
Additionally, over 50 local and international chefs contributed to the festival’s program, leading cooking demonstrations and exclusive dining experiences. This provided attendees with opportunities to learn from industry professionals and sample innovative cuisine. The presence of renowned chefs added to the festival’s prestige and appeal.
Introducing the QIFF Awards
A new addition to the festival this year was the inaugural QIFF Awards, recognizing outstanding participants across various categories. Hookies Cookies was awarded for attracting the Longest Line, while Ibis Doha and 99 Grill were recognized as the Favourite Local and International Vendors, respectively. Taco King received the Favourite Chef award, and Shakarji was honored with a special award for its contributions to Qatar’s culinary landscape. These awards aimed to celebrate excellence and enhance visitor engagement.
Ahmed Hamad Al Binali, Director of Festivals and Events at Visit Qatar, stated that the 15th edition of QIFF represents a “defining milestone” in the festival’s development. He emphasized the strong connection the festival has cultivated with its audience and its commitment to showcasing both local and international culinary talent. The success of the event is seen as a positive indicator for Qatar’s tourism sector.
The festival’s success also reflects the broader growth of Qatar’s food and beverage industry. Investment in culinary tourism and hospitality infrastructure has been a key component of Qatar’s national vision, aiming to diversify the economy and attract international visitors. The event also provided a boost to local businesses, offering them a platform to reach a wider audience.
Looking ahead, Visit Qatar has not yet announced specific dates for the 2027 edition of the Qatar International Food Festival. However, given the success of this year’s event, planning for the next festival is likely underway. Future editions may focus on further expanding international participation and incorporating new technologies to enhance the visitor experience. The continued growth of the festival will depend on maintaining its appeal to both local residents and international tourists, as well as adapting to evolving trends in the culinary world.
Source: The Peninsula Qatar
Visit Qatar Official Website
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