Running from January 14 to 24, QIFF 2026 takes over one of the country's most iconic venues, Stadium 974, transforming it into a lively festival with free entry for visitors. Known for its modular design made from 974 recycled shipping containers, also incorporates the country's international dialing code, "974". This innovative venue offers stunning waterfront views and transforms into a culinary hub for the festival. 

If you're planning to experience Doha's most significant food festival, here's everything you need to know.

Try the food

You'll find everything from street food to high-end culinary experiences. The festival features more than 40 international brands across over 100 kiosks and nearly 30 restaurants and cafés. It is organized into distinct food districts: the Doha District, the Latin American Food District, the Healthy District, the Coffee Shops & Pastries District, and The Market.

Taste the world in Doha

This year's festival welcomes several acclaimed restaurants from around the globe. Among the Egyptian participants, you'll find Kufta, Ashraf Farghaly, known for fresh juices, Dodz for fried chicken lovers, Kansas Fried Chicken, Buffalo Burger, JJ's, and Wazeer Elhelow, offering traditional sweets.

From the UAE, Berry brings its signature offerings alongside Kebda Elfalah, while Dubai's Bosnian Kabab showcases Balkan flavors. Carneo joins from Lebanon, and North American participants include Dos Tacos from the USA and Smash Burger from Canada.

The UK brings Dough Club for pizza enthusiasts, and Patty&Bun for gourmet burgers. At the same time, Malta's Hermanos adds to the international mix. With new restaurant announcements coming daily, check the official QIFF page for the latest participating venues.

Visit the Michelin Guide Village

One of this year's most anticipated highlights is the Michelin Guide Village, where you can taste exclusive creations from Michelin-starred chefs at dedicated kiosks. This unique setup lets you sample fine-dining-quality food in a relaxed festival setting without the typical restaurant price tag.

Want to try authentic traditional Qatari dishes? QIFF brings together some of the best local restaurants showcasing machboos, harees, and other regional specialties alongside international flavors.

Experience Dinner in the Sky

If you're not afraid of heights and want an Instagram moment for the ages, Dinner in the Sky remains one of QIFF's most talked-about experiences, where you're suspended 40 meters above ground with panoramic views of Doha's skyline, so you'll need to book this one in advance as it sells out quickly.

Join QIFF Juniors

Traveling with kids? The QIFF Juniors zone transforms the festival into a family affair. Children can participate in cooking workshops, watch interactive shows, and learn about food in different ways. Previous editions have featured everything from chocolate-making classes to junior chef competitions.

Enjoy the QIFF Ring

Would you enjoy a dash of competition? The QIFF Ring will feature exciting food challenges and fun culinary contests, including a watermelon-eating competition, a juicing competition, a cupcake-decorating challenge, and more.

Watch the Cooking Studio and masterclasses

The Cooking Studio offers masterclasses, interviews, cooking demos, and more by your favourite chefs, both international and local. You'll watch renowned chefs demonstrate their signature dishes and share culinary techniques. These sessions draw crowds, so arriving early gives you a better view of the action.

Embrace evening entertainment

Beyond the food, QIFF 2026 promises nightly entertainment. Recent years have featured drone shows that transform the sky into a canvas — hundreds of illuminated drones creating patterns and images above the festival grounds. Fireworks displays light up the waterfront, along with paramotor fireworks and outdoor movie screenings.

Getting there

Stadium 974 is located along Doha's waterfront. The Ras Bu Abboud station on theGold Line of the Doha Metro is the nearest metro station to the stadium. If you're driving, expect parking to fill up quickly during peak evening hours. Many visitors opt for taxis or ride-sharing services.

If you're visiting Qatar specifically for QIFF, consider looking into visitors’ insurance during your trip.

What to bring

Cash and cards both work, though having some cash handy helps at smaller stalls. Comfortable walking shoes are essential — you'll be on your feet exploring various food stations. The weather in Qatar in January is pleasant, but evenings can get cool, so a light jacket isn't a bad idea.

When to go

With 11 days of festivities, you don't need to experience everything in one visit. Weekday afternoons tend to be less crowded than weekend evenings. If you want to avoid the biggest crowds, arrive early rather than during prime dinner hours (typically 7-10 PM). Check the full schedule here or follow @qiff.qa for daily event schedules and special programming as they're announced.

Making the most of QIFF 2026

Start with lighter dishes and pace yourself. With over 100 food kiosks to choose from, you'll want to save room for multiple tastings. Create a rough plan of must-try items, but stay flexible — some of the best discoveries happen when you follow an interesting aroma to an unexpected stall.

Don't skip the traditional Qatari dishes. While international options are exciting, QIFF offers a genuine opportunity to explore local flavors prepared by skilled chefs who know these recipes inside out.