Children having fun at Qatar Toy Festival. Photo by Hana Ramadan/The Peninsula
Doha, Qatar: The curtain fell on the Qatar Toy Festival 2026 with a colourful closing ceremony yesterday at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC), bringing to an end more than a month of celebration of imagination, creativity and family entertainment that attracted thousands of visitors from across Qatar and beyond.
Held under the theme, “More to Imagine, A Whole World of Fun,” this year’s festival was the biggest edition to date, transforming more than 22,000 square metres across four halls into an immersive playground featuring globally recognised characters, interactive experiences, live performances, retail attractions and educational activities.
The festival formed a key part of Visit Qatar’s Hala Summer campaign, aimed at enhancing the country’s position as a leading family tourism destination.
The closing ceremony featured spectacular stage performances, appearances by beloved mascots and family entertainers, interactive games and prize presentations, providing a memorable finale for children and parents who had visited the festival throughout July. The celebrations reflected the event’s continued success in combining entertainment with learning, while creating lasting memories for families during the summer holidays.
Speaking to The Peninsula, Fatima Ahmad, who attended the event with her children, said, “The festival offered something for every member of the family. My children enjoyed the interactive games, live performances and creative workshops, while we appreciated the safe and comfortable indoor environment. It has become one of the highlights of our summer holidays, and we will certainly return next year.”
Over the course of 35 days, visitors explored themed entertainment zones inspired by popular international franchises, participated in creative workshops, science demonstrations and gaming experiences, and enjoyed a packed schedule of live concerts, competitions and celebrity appearances.
The festival also introduced several new attractions, including expanded immersive zones, an Influencers Zone and exclusive merchandise, broadening its appeal to children, teenagers and collectors alike.
“This was my family’s first visit to the Qatar Toy Festival, and it exceeded all our expectations. The variety of activities, live shows and interactive zones kept the children entertained for hours, while the organisation and facilities made it a very comfortable experience for parents. It is wonderful to see Qatar hosting events of this quality, and we are already looking forward to next year’s edition,” Farouk Hassan, a festival attendee, told The Peninsula.
One of the festival’s highlights was its emphasis on interactive learning through play. Children were encouraged to develop creativity, teamwork and problem-solving skills while engaging in hands-on activities designed to entertain and educate. Parents also welcomed the safe indoor environment, particularly during Qatar’s peak summer season, making the event one of the country’s most popular family destinations.
The festival complemented the wider Hala Summer programme.
