Qatar's impressive lineup of events in Q1

It is quite evident that it is set to be quite a happening year for Qatar. Apart from the FIFA World Cup 2022, the lineup for various events and festivals this year is already pretty impressive. The first quarter of this year is sure to bring in a lot of excitement for the crowd. We’ve covered the whole list of events due to happen from January–March 2022.

Marmi Festival

The 13^th edition of the Qatar International Falcons and Hunting Festival (Marmi 2022) is currently going on. The ongoing festival began on January 1 under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani and will continue till the end of this month. It specializes in the field of falconry and hunting in the Qatar region.

The event features participating falcons under the 11–15 inches size who are put through various tests of flying, chasing, hunting, eyesight sharpness, and racing. Marmi, as it is popularly known, is a festival that is an important reflection of Qatari culture.

Dates: January 1–29

Venue: Sabkhat Marmi, Mesaieed (Sealine)

Doha International Book Fair 2022

The 31^st Doha International Book Fair is a much-awaited event for book lovers, intellectuals, authors, and publishing houses in the GCC region. This year’s guest of honor is the United States of America, as a part of the Qatar-USA year of culture from 2021. The slogan for the event ‘Knowledge is Light’ is also expected to translate into the event’s programs and activities. The book fair is a cultural knowledge exchange experience and aims to open new horizons of intellect. Read more about the book fair here.

Dates: January 13–22

Venue: Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC)

Shop Qatar

An annual initiative by Qatar Tourism, Shop Qatar is an event that boosts the fashion and lifestyle retail sector. Several residents and visitors are tempted to partake in the festive shopping affair as everyone gets an opportunity to win exciting promotions, discounts, and offers. There are raffle draws that award prizes ranging from high-end cars & SUVs to cash prizes of up to QAR 100,000.

Dates: January 31–February 28

Venue: Mall of Qatar, Doha Festival City, City Center Mall, Landmark Mall, Lagoona Mall, Hyatt Plaza Mall, Al Khor Mall, Villagio Mall, Ezdan Malls—Al Gharaffa & Wakra, Msheirib Galleria Mall, The Gate Mall, etc.

Katara International Arabian Horse Festival

Qatar, being a pioneer of breeding purebred Arabian horses, is all geared up to host the Katara International Arabian Horse Festival KIAHF) in February. The prizes at stake are worth nearly QAR 16 million and the event will be hosted at the Katara Esplanade. The festival includes the Arabian Peninsula Horse Show, Title Show, and Arabian Horse Auction.

The KIAHF is a platform for proud owners to showcase their purebred horses at the event and for interested buyers and equestrian enthusiasts to enjoy the auction and shows. Event details can be found here.

Date: February 2–12

Venue: Katara Esplanade

Qatar International Agricultural and Environmental Exhibition 2022

The 9^th edition of the Qatar International Agricultural and Environmental is also scheduled to happen later this quarter at the DECC. The event is organized as a collaboration between the Ministry of Municipality and the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change.

The exhibition is a platform for industry professionals to explore agricultural equipment, products, and technologies. There is also an opportunity to exchange ideas on sustainability, innovation, alternate energy, and share best practices. Read more about the exhibition here.

Date: March 10–22

Venue: DECC

Doha Forum 2022

The 20^th edition of the Doha Forum is expected to occur in March under the patronage of Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The theme for 2022 is ‘Transforming for a New Era’, and is meant to focus on important issues such as geopolitical alliances, international relations, financial system, economic development, climate change, and sustainability. The forum will also discuss key areas on defense, cyber, and food security. This year’s forum is touted to be the biggest one held since its launch in 2000.

Many distinguished policy-makers, journalists, leaders, and innovative thinkers are expected to be under one roof to focus on the challenges and opportunities in the mentioned topics. You can find more details here.

Dates: March 26–27

Venue: Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel

Qatar International Mother and Child Expo (QIMC)

This is a pioneering international event in Qatar that places the spotlight on aspects of mother, child, and maternity. The expo is going to be a hub for all stakeholders and concerned sectors to promote new products and services to new mothers or mothers-to-be. There will be a sharing of knowledge and insights about motherhood and the child. Some of the targeted sectors include health & healthcare, food & nutrients, hygiene and sanitary, pedagogical and educational, and children’s toys, furniture and entertainment.

The QIMC expo is touted to have more than 90 stalls and an expected footfall of more than 3000 visitors. More details can be found on their official website.

Dates: March 28–29

Venue: Qatar National Convention Center (QNCC)

There are several other events that feature on Qatar Tourism’s calendar of events that include

1. African Festival (February 17–26)
2. Grand Prix of Qatar (March 4–6)
3. Qatar International Weightlifting Cup (February 1, Radisson Blu)
4. National Sports Day Qatar (February 8)
5. Qatar America Institute of Culture Exhibition (March 3–23)
6. Qatar International Food Festival (March 3–19)

Note: Some of these mentioned events and other details are subject to change. Stay tuned to find out future updates about the same.

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