Fireworks display at the closing ceremony. Pic: Salim Matramkot / The Peninsula
After 11 days of celebrating and showcasing the best the country has to offer in food and beverage, the eighth edition of Qatar International Food Festival (QIFF) came to a close yesterday.
The festival’s increasingly diverse menu of cuisines and culinary experiences included local restaurants and chefs, adding an authentically Qatari flavour to the annual event.
Running over two weekends, from March 29 to April 8, the festivities included a variety of exclusive dining experiences, cultural and edutainment performances, interactive food art and photography workshops as well as health awareness activities.
While the festival has drawn to a close, QIFF continues to spread its passion for exciting culinary experiences through the special QIFF Menu which will continue to run until April 30.
The Menu - a new feature in this year’s festival - allows residents and visitors to enjoy mouth-watering food groupings of at least three menu items at a pre-set price of 59, 99, 139 or 179 Qatari Riyals at participating restaurants and cafes.
Hassan Al Ibrahim, Chief Tourism Development Officer at Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA), commented, “QIFF demonstrates the impact and value tourism events can deliver to various sectors across the economy, particularly when we join hands to create unique experiences. The collaborative spirit shown from the various private and public partners, chefs, nutritionists, and artists was the key ingredient in the cultural and culinary innovations that drew people back to Hotel Park for repeated visits."
Sheikh Nawaf bin Jassim bin Jabor Al Thani, Chairman of Katara Hospitality, who visited QIFF during the week, expressed his pride in this edition of the Festival as well as his appreciation for the tremendous efforts made by QTA to ensure its success.
Hamad Abdulla Al Mulla, Chief Executive Officer at Katara Hospitality, commented, “Katara Hospitality is proud of its involvement in the 8th annual QIFF, which has, over the last 11 days, brought Qataris and visitors alike together to celebrate and share excellent culinary experiences. The QIFF has given Katara Hospitality the opportunity to showcase the impeccable natural landscape of Hotel Park which demonstrates our commitment to social responsibility and sustainability."
In light of the current Somalian drought, QIFF organisers have collaborated with Qatar Charity (QC) to encourage participants to donate 10-20% of their revenue from the Festival to QC’s relief campaign. QC’s efforts focus on providing those affected in villages and rural areas with the necessities that will alleviate their suffering and allow them to withstand the crisis.
Over twenty local restaurants and chefs participated in QIFF this year, providing a local flavor to the annual festival.
