Qatar's Toy Festival welcomes families for a summer of fun

DOHA: Families in Qatar are in for a magical summer as the third edition of the Qatar Toy Festival (QTF), the nation’s biggest toy-themed extravaganza, swings open its doors at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC). Running until August 4, this year’s festival promises an even bigger, bolder, and more immersive experience, transforming the capital into a wonderland for children and parents alike.

Spanning over 17,000 square meters and divided into five creative zones, the festival is designed to dazzle. From giant inflatables in Hyper Land to whimsical island adventures in Fancy Island and high-energy challenges in Champions Land, each space offers a unique world to explore. The festival also introduces a first-of-its-kind QTF Summer Camp for kids aged 4 to 12, blending learning with play through art, science, and sports activities.

“This year, we focused on creating new immersive and educational experiences to expand family entertainment in Qatar,” said Jassim Al Mahmoud, Director of PR, Communications at Visit Qatar. “We wanted to ensure that every family, no matter their interests or age, finds something memorable and engaging at the festival.”

Highlighting the festival’s growing impact, Jassim Al Mahmoud added: “The Qatar Toy Festival has become a cornerstone of our summer calendar. Each edition builds on the last, introducing innovative attractions and partnerships that set a new benchmark for family entertainment in the region.”

The lineup is as star-studded as it is action-packed. Popular content creator AboFlah makes his festival debut alongside the ALJ Sisters, while celebrated Egyptian educator Al Daheeh joins in the final week for a motivational talk and his animated premiere. Other crowd-pullers include live performances, dance shows, science experiments, and even an Ultimate Horror House inspired by Five Nights at Freddy’s.

Adding to the excitement, the festival features a real-life PUBG Mobile battleground, where visitors can compete to win a Jetour car, and a Sherlock Holmes escape room for puzzle lovers. Meanwhile, families can shop at themed retail outlets such as Build-A-Bear and Mumuso, enjoy culinary delights at a vibrant F&B court, and look forward to special back-to-school promotions.

Last year’s edition drew over 100,000 visitors - a 33 per cent increase from its debut - and this year’s attendance is expected to surpass that milestone.

“We are seeing a strong appetite for large-scale family experiences that combine entertainment with learning,” Jassim Al Mahmoud emphasized. “By offering diverse activities like science workshops, art sessions, and physical challenges, we not only entertain but also inspire children’s curiosity and creativity.”

“Our mission is to reinforce Qatar’s position as a leading family-friendly tourism destination, especially during the summer months,” he continued. “Through world-class programming, global entertainment brands, and immersive environments, we are attracting both local and international visitors, contributing significantly to tourism growth.”

With Ooredoo as the official telecom partner, QTF has solidified its place as a flagship event on Qatar’s summer calendar.

Tickets range from QAR 50 for general entry to QAR 1,500 for the exclusive VVIP experience. As summer winds down, a special ‘Back to School’ week will help families gear up for the academic year with themed entertainment and giveaways.

Beyond the festival, visitors can explore other seasonal attractions such as Scoop by the Sea at West Bay North Beach, the new Meryal Waterpark, Doha Quest, and luxury beach resorts, all part of Visit Qatar’s mission to create a dynamic year-round tourism calendar.

“The festival is more than just fun - it’s about creating lasting memories for families and positioning Qatar as the region’s ultimate summer destination,” Jassim Al Mahmoud concluded. “We look forward to welcoming everyone and sharing this unique celebration of imagination, learning, and joy.”