Ajyal Film Festival 2026: Films & Katara Events

Planning your November in Doha? Mark your calendar: the Ajyal Film Festival 2026 runs from 19 to 27 November 2026 at Katara Cultural Village, bringing nine days of films, family activities and Katara events to the city. Ajyal is a flagship event in Doha's cultural calendar — a nine-day festival where young jurors vote on international films and families enjoy free outdoor screenings — and most of the family programme is free to enjoy.

Here's your complete guide to the Ajyal Film Festival 2026: films, family activities and Katara events, including the youth jury, registration fees, and the open-air screenings that make the festival a highlight of the Qatar calendar.

Ajyal Film Festival 2026 at a glance

Ajyal is Qatar's annual youth-focused film festival, built around bringing young people together to watch international cinema, debate it, and decide the winners themselves. Alongside the competition there's a full public programme of outdoor screenings, cosplay, gaming tournaments and live music that turns the whole of Katara into a festival ground.

• Dates: 19–27 November 2026
• Venue: Katara Cultural Village, Doha
• Competition: 17 films — five features and 12 shorts
• Who it's for: everyone, with special programmes for ages 8–25
• Cost: family and community events are largely free; jury and club programmes have registration fees

When and where: dates and venue

The festival takes place across the venues of Katara Cultural Village on the Doha coast, between West Bay and The Pearl. It's easy to reach — the nearest Doha Metro station is Katara on the Gold Line, and Karwa taxis and ride-hailing apps drop you right at the cultural village. There's plenty of on-site parking if you're driving, though it fills up fast in the evenings, so arrive early for the popular outdoor screenings.

The 2026 film line-up

This year's competition features 17 films — five feature-length titles and 12 short films — curated for young audiences and selected from international submissions. Among the announced titles are Ben'Imana and Out of School, with the full programme of features and shorts screening across the festival's nine days.

The films span drama, animation and documentary, chosen to spark conversation among the festival's young jurors and the wider public. Expect stories from around the world that tackle big themes in ways children, teens and adults can all connect with.

Ajyal Jury: how young people vote for the awards

The heart of Ajyal is the Ajyal Jury, open to participants aged 16 to 25. Jurors watch a selection of international films, take part in guided discussions, and then vote to decide the festival's awards. It's a genuine chance for young film lovers in Qatar to have their voices heard — not just watching cinema but shaping which films win.

Beyond the screenings and debates, the jury experience is social too: participants meet peers from across Qatar's diverse communities and build their critical-thinking skills along the way.

Ajyal Jury registration and fees

• Standard fee: QAR 500
• Early-bird fee: QAR 250 if you register from 13 September to 3 October 2026
• Sibling rate: QAR 350 using the registration code

Registration opens on 13 September and closes on 8 November 2026, so the early-bird window is the way to save if you're sure you want to take part.

Ajyal Film Club for ages 8–15

Younger cinema fans aren't left out. The Ajyal Film Club welcomes children aged 8 to 15 with age-specific film screenings, creative activities and guided discussions designed to introduce them to the joy of film in a fun, supportive setting. The registration fee is QAR 150.

Mohaq and Hilal programmes

The club is split into two age groups, each running as a dedicated three-day programme:

• Mohaq (ages 8–11): 20–22 November 2026
• Hilal (ages 12–15): 23–25 November 2026

Like the jury, Film Club registration opens on 13 September and closes on 8 November 2026. Spaces are limited, so it's worth signing up early.

Family and community activities at Katara

You don't need to be a registered juror or club member to enjoy Ajyal. The festival's public programme is one of the most family-friendly events in Doha, with something happening across Katara every day:

• Family film screenings suitable for all ages
• Community events bringing Qatar's neighbourhoods together
• Outdoor screenings under the open sky
• Cosplay for fans who love to dress as their favourite characters
• Gaming tournaments for competitive players
• Live music and performances

It's the kind of weekend outing where kids, teens and parents can each find something they love in the same place — and most of it costs nothing.

Free Cinema Under the Stars at MIA Park

A perennial favourite is Cinema Under the Stars, a series of free outdoor family screenings held at MIA Park beside the Museum of Islamic Art. Bring a picnic blanket, settle onto the grass with the Doha skyline glowing across the bay, and enjoy a film for free. Announced titles for 2026 include:

• Butterfly Tale
• The Little Bear Movie
• Babar: King of the Elephants

These screenings are perfect for families with young children — arrive before sunset to grab a good spot, and bring cushions and light layers for the cooler November evening air.

How to plan your visit

Here's how to make the most of Ajyal Film Festival 2026:

• Decide your level of involvement — casual visitor (free public programme), Film Club member (ages 8–15), or Ajyal Juror (ages 16–25).
• Register early if you want the jury or club experience. The early-bird jury window runs 13 September to 3 October 2026; overall registration closes 8 November 2026.
• Plan your transport — take the Doha Metro Gold Line to Katara, or a Karwa taxi. Evening parking fills quickly.
• Dress for the season — November evenings are pleasant but cooler, especially at open-air venues, so pack a light layer.
• Arrive early for Cinema Under the Stars at MIA Park to claim a good patch of grass.

For more events and activities across the city, browse Qatar Living's events and entertainment section, and keep an eye on the festival's official programme for exact screening times as they're confirmed closer to November.

FAQs

When is the Ajyal Film Festival 2026?

The festival runs from 19 to 27 November 2026 at Katara Cultural Village in Doha.

How much does it cost to attend Ajyal?

The family and community programme — including outdoor screenings and live events — is largely free. The Ajyal Jury costs QAR 500 (QAR 250 early-bird, QAR 350 sibling rate), and the Ajyal Film Club costs QAR 150.

Who can join the Ajyal Jury?

The Ajyal Jury is open to young people aged 16 to 25. Jurors watch international films, discuss them in guided sessions, and vote to decide the festival's awards.

What is the Ajyal Film Club?

It's a programme for children aged 8 to 15 with age-specific screenings, creative activities and discussions. The Mohaq group (ages 8–11) runs 20–22 November and the Hilal group (ages 12–15) runs 23–25 November 2026.

Are the MIA Park screenings free?

Yes. Cinema Under the Stars at MIA Park offers free outdoor family screenings, with 2026 titles including Butterfly Tale, The Little Bear Movie and Babar: King of the Elephants.

How do I get to Katara for the festival?

Take the Doha Metro Gold Line to Katara station, grab a Karwa taxi or ride-hailing app, or drive and use the on-site parking — though it fills up fast in the evenings.

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