Residents of Doha have been awaiting the opening of the Magical Festival Village Doha since news of the complex was first announced. It is seen as an innovative concept combining shopping, entertainment and restaurants in an open air venue.

The aim is to attract more regional visitors to Qatar from neighbouring countries, by having a one-stop outdoors entertainment venue.

After several delays the venue is now in soft opening with many of the activities not yet open to the public. There will be an entrance fee when it opens in March. No indication has yet been given as to how long it will be open but it is expected to be a winter event only.

It is located in the empty parking lot in the shadow of the St Regis Doha. Although there is a car park most visitors were being dropped off. There was a large crowd of visitors inside, including many locals, who entered the venue walking across from Katara’s Halal Festival (which is located in the parking lot next door until 28^th February).

The venue is extensive with a castle and water fountain. It will house Qatar’s first outdoor icing rink, and a go-kart track. There is a trampoline park next to the children’s activity park – it will be Qatar’s first trampoline park and as such we are keen to highlight the importance of safety when using this facility.

There is also an emphasis on XD events with short film showcases and a Virtual Reality Booth. It is expected that the activities may have an individual cost; although pricings for the venue have not yet been confirmed, and currently there is no entrance fee.

Although it is European-styled with Disney elements, there are many traditional products on sale from carpets, abayas, and local and regional honey.

Organisers of the festival, Media Work, have indicated that there are approximately 400 stores within their souk. They will represent products from countries around the world including the Far East and Europe. The variety is extensive from household ornaments to beauty products (including one stall dedicated purely to eyelashes).

Most visitors have been enjoying the central fountain with food area. Food offerings are mainly fast food and snacks from established eateries as well as local Instagram businesses. Although the opening times are not yet confirmed, most stalls were open from 5pm until 10.00pm.

Magical Festival Village is also expected to have an indoors venue from where they can hold varied events, including a fashion week for women. Organisers have also indicated that they will be holding a ‘Qatar Master Chef 2016’ competition to choose the best chef in Qatar from the local four and five star hotels. There will also be a chocolate and cupcake event.

The highlight of the festival for young children is expected to be the ‘Disney-style’ castle and the many Disney characters dotted around the venue. There is also a comprehensive but compact children’s activity play area including ball pit.

Magical Festival Village is located at the following location:

 Pic Credits: QE