The fifth edition of the Qatar International Food Festival (QIFF) was formally inaugurated at the Museum of Islamic Art Park in Doha in the presence of dignitaries, the media and the general public. QIFF social media contests were also launched simultaneously on Instagram and Twitter that allow users to compete for prizes such as free flights to Brazil and tickets to “Dinner in the Sky”.
The opening ceremony was attended by the Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage, His Excellency Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kuwari, Qatar Tourism Authority Chairman His Excellency Issa bin Mohammed Al Mohannadi, and Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker. Once the ribbon was cut, the dignitaries received a tour of the event and the audience was treated to a special performance by Brazilian and Korean bands on the stage.
Like every year, QIFF brings together people from all countries and cultures to sample delicious cuisines from the world over. It is also a chance for Qatar’s hospitality industry to show off their best food and beverage offerings.
“The dining alternatives in Doha continue to grow year after year, and the Food Festival is a great way to showcase new tastes and trends,” said Issa Al Mohannadi, Chairman of QTA. “QIFF has been growing every year in size and popularity, and in keeping with that trend I expect this fifth edition will be the biggest and best yet.”
The festival features 11 general zones, including four food zones, a live cooking zone, 55 food stalls and five kiosks of restaurants and exhibitors. Signature zones and activities include the Dinner in the Sky zone – one of the most popular signature activities sponsored by Renaissance Hotel – as well as the BBQ Donut, which is sponsored by the Diplomatic Club.
Another signature area is the ‘Qatar/Brazil Year of Culture’ zone, which serves as an activation for this year’s cultural exchange programme between the two countries. Also new is the Health & Active zone, which combines healthy food outlets and information on healthy nutrition and a well-balanced diet.
“Qatar Airways is proud to be a partner for QIFF once again in 2014,” said Akbar Al Baker, CEO of Qatar Airways. “In their own way, both 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.”
QIFF named Qatar Museum Authority (QMA), Ministry of Culture, Arts, and Heritage, and Qatar Events Diary OnQ the strategic partners. Partners of this year’s festival include: Doha Film Institute (DFI), BBC Good Food, Al Rayyan TV, QF Radio, Jeem TV, Baraem TV, Qatar Brazil Year of Culture, Philips and the Crown Plaza Hotel.
A shuttle service will run between two dedicated parking lots and MIA Park, and this will help ease the amount of traffic to and from the venue. The first shuttle bus pick up will be located close to Al Bidda Park, with a second one located near Al Sharq. 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 MIA Park.
The shuttle service will run continually on the following days and times:
• Friday, March 21: 1:30pm – 11:00pm
• Saturday, March 22: 12:00pm – 10:00pm
• Sunday, March 23: 1:30pm – 10:00pm
Jointly co-organized by Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) and Qatar Airways, QIFF will be open to the public on Friday March 21 from 2:00 pm to 11:00 pm, Saturday March 22 from 2:00pm to 10:00pm, Sunday March 23 from 2:00pm to 10:00pm. Entry to the event is free for the public.
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