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Observer
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Observer
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. Jassim Al Mahmoud, Director of Communications at Visit Qatar 'This year, we focused on creating new immersive and educational experiences to expand family entertainment in Qatar,' said Jassim Al Mahmoud, Director of 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.' Toy Festival in Qatar (6) 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.'
Qatar Tribune
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Qatar Tribune
Visit Qatar announces return of highly anticipated Qatar Toy Festival, launches QTF Summer Camp
DOHA: Visit Qatar has announced the return of the highly successful Qatar Toy Festival (QTF), now in its third edition, taking place from July 6 to August 4 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC), with Ooredoo as telecom partner. As a flagship event on Qatar's summer calendar, this year's festival features new live shows, immersive activations, and, for the first time, a dedicated QTF Summer Camp for children and young teens. Spanning more than 17,000 sqm, the festival will include five zones: Fancy Island for girls, Champions Land for boys and teenagers, Cutie Pie Land for pre-school, Hyper Land for inflatables and a main stage. Families can enjoy more than 10 daily stage shows, including musical performances, science demos, dance acts, competitions, and several celebrity appearances including AboFlah and the ALJ Sisters. The festival will also feature 10 retail outlets, including Build-A-Bear and Mumuso, along with a F&B court offering favourites such as Exit55, Juniors, Belgian Fries, and Pizza Box. Commenting on the festival, Hamad Al Khaja, Manager of Festivals & Events Delivery at Visit Qatar, said: 'We are delighted to announce the return of the Qatar Toy Festival as part of our dynamic summer calendar. This edition marks a new milestone with the launch of the QTF Summer Camp and Back to School programme, offering additional opportunities for children to learn, play, and connect in fun and meaningful ways. From beloved toy brands and live shows to hands-on workshops and character meet-and-greets, the festival promises memorable moments for visitors of all ages.' New activations this year Visitors can look forward to the following experiences being introduced this year: Ultimate Horror House experience with Five Nights at Freddy's special merchandise, an immersive horror house experience that brings your worst nightmares, offering a suspense-filled environment with interactive elements. PUBG Mobile laser guns' real-life experience is an action-packed activation that recreates the popular battle royale game in a physical setting. As part of the PUBG battleground at Qatar Toy Festival, a major competition will be held, with a Jetour car as the grand prize. Sherlock Holmes Escape Room is a themed escape room set in a Victorian-era environment, where participants work in teams to solve puzzles and uncover clues before time runs out. Lilo & Stitch activation is also coming to QTF, bringing island experiences, fun photo opportunities, and interactive experiences for all ages. In addition, Abu Flah will make his first appearance at the festival with a special activation that includes a new animation premiere, an interactive session, and meet and greet. In the final week, as part of the Back-to-School programme, Egyptian educator Al Daheeh will present an animated debut followed by a motivational talk on school life. New retail offerings this year include Labubu and Haribo products. QTF Summer Camp: This edition will see the introduction of the QTF Summer Camp, a dynamic and structured programme tailored to children aged 4 to 12. Operating daily from 8a. to 1pm throughout the duration of the festival, except Fridays, the camp offers a variety of engaging, educational, and recreational experiences. Children enrolled in the camp will enjoy sessions in art and design, science experiments led by Science Street, interactive play with beloved characters, and a range of physical activities such as obstacle courses and movement games. The camp accommodates up to 150 children across different age groups and is priced at QAR 750 per week or QAR 2,000 for the full month. Back to School: This year's edition will also feature a new 'Back to School' programme that will run during the festival's final week, featuring themed shows, competitions, and prize giveaways. Retailers will also highlight Back to School products, offering families a wide selection ahead of the new academic year. Tickets and Timings: Qatar Toy Festival will be open from 2pm until 10pm on weekdays, and 2pm until 11pm on weekends. There are five ticket categories available: Entry Ticket for QR50, Ultimate Fun Ticket for QR80, Fast Track Ticket for QR300, Family Entry for QR200, and VVIP Ticket for QR1,500.
Qatar Tribune
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Qatar Tribune
Qatar Toy Festival set to return next week
Visit Qatar has announced the return of the highly successful Qatar Toy Festival (QTF), now in its third edition, taking place from July 6 to August 4 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC), with Ooredoo as telecom partner. As a flagship event on Qatar's summer calendar, this year's festival features new live shows, immersive activations, and, for the first time, a dedicated QTF Summer Camp for children and young teens. Spanning more than 17,000 sqm, the festival will include five zones: Fancy Island for girls, Champions Land for boys and teenagers, Cutie Pie Land for pre-school, Hyper Land for inflatables and a main stage. Families can enjoy more than 10 daily stage shows, including musical performances, science demos, dance acts, competitions, and several celebrity appearances including AboFlah and the ALJ Sisters. The festival will also feature 10 retail outlets, including Build-A-Bear and Mumuso, along with a F&B court offering favourites such as Exit55, Juniors, Belgian Fries, and Pizza Box. (TNN) page 3
Trade Arabia
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Trade Arabia
Dubai Esports & Games Festival kicks off
The Dubai Esports & Games Festival (DEF) 2025, organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), has opened with a citywide celebration of fun, creativity, and pop culture like no other. There's something in store for everyone, with exciting new features, free-to-play experiences, mega prizes worth over AED500,000, and all-round unmissable activities for all ages, interests, and abilities. Friends, families, and fans are guaranteed truly unforgettable experiences throughout the 17 action-packed days of the festival till May 11. Everyone has the chance to take part, play, and win - especially during DEF's eagerly awaited flagship event, GameExpo, that will once again take over Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from May 9 to 11, this year in Zabeel Halls 2 and 3. Tickets are on sale for the weekend-long event, which returns bigger, bolder, and more immersive than ever before. Friends and families will be able to discover an exciting line-up of non-stop gaming, fresh new activations, next-level entertainment, immersive activities, and exciting prizes spread across eight interactive zones - with every experience completely free to play. Adding to the excitement, epic influencer showdowns will take centre stage as part of Play Beyond on May 10 and 11, featuring the region's top gaming influencers and esports pros like Abo Flah. The final day of GameExpo on May 11 will set the stage for the thrilling Dubai Cosplay Championship, with registration open until May 7 for cosplayers of all levels and abilities to showcase their creativity for a chance to win prizes worth up to AED30,000 - judged by top cosplayers from the region. -
Zawya
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Zawya
Dubai Esports & Games Festival 2025 kicks off today
RELATED TOPICS LEISURE RELATED COMPANIES Rove Hotels Microsoft Tiktok Virgin Radio Asi Red Bull Unreal Engine Dubai, United Arab Emirates: The wait is over! Dubai Esports & Games Festival (DEF) 2025, organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), officially kicks off today 25 April and runs until 11 May with a citywide celebration of fun, creativity, and pop culture like no other. There's something in store for everyone, with exciting new features, free-to-play experiences, mega prizes worth over AED 500,000, and all-round unmissable activities for all ages, interests, and abilities. Friends, families, and fans are guaranteed truly unforgettable experiences throughout the 17 action-packed days of the festival. Everyone has the chance to take part, play, and win - especially during DEF's eagerly awaited flagship event, GameExpo, that will once again take over Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from 9 to 11 May, this year in Zabeel Halls 2 and 3. Tickets are on sale for the weekend-long event, which returns bigger, bolder, and more immersive than ever before. Friends and families will be able to discover an exciting line-up of non-stop gaming, fresh new activations, next-level entertainment, immersive activities, and exciting prizes spread across eight interactive zones - with every experience completely free to play. Adding to the excitement, epic influencer showdowns will take centre stage as part of Play Beyond on 10 and 11 May, featuring the region's top gaming influencers and esports pros like Abo Flah. The final day of GameExpo on 11 May will set the stage for the thrilling Dubai Cosplay Championship, with registration open until 7 May for cosplayers of all levels and abilities to showcase their creativity for a chance to win prizes worth up to AED 30,000 - judged by top cosplayers from the region. Here are the top highlights to look out for this week: DEF Educational Engagement Programme Date: Until 8 May Location: Citywide and online About: The DEF Educational Engagement Programme has been inspiring the next generation of young gamers for years - and this year, it's back, bigger and fresher than ever. Packed with brand-new experiences, the citywide programme gives school students and educators a unique chance to dive into the dynamic world of esports and gaming, and compete for incredible prizes worth an astounding AED 50,000 across tournaments and challenges. On 8 May, students also have the chance to visit DEF's flagship GameExpo event on a school trip, offering them an immersive experience in the world of gaming innovation. Alongside all the action on the day, students and educators can take part in expert-led presentations and exclusive interactive workshops delivered by senior educators from Microsoft and Unreal Engine, designed to offer valuable insights into game design, AI integration and Teacher takeaways. Power Up Parade Week Date: 28 April to 2 May Location: Citywide About: As part of the DEF Educational Engagement Programme, the Power Up Parade Week invites students, teachers, and parents to dress up as their favourite gaming characters. Schools can showcase creativity and win amazing prizes by posting the best costumes on social media and tagging @DubaiFestivals with the hashtag #DEFPowerUp to enter the official contest. Game Changers Date: Deadline to submit - 30 April Location: Online and at GameExpo, Dubai World Trade Centre Zabeel Halls 2 and 3 About: Adding to the excitement of the DEF Educational Engagement Programme, the Game Changers initiative invites student teams to dream big and develop bold ideas that harness the power of gaming to reshape education, ignite innovation, or drive social good. Individuals or teams are invited to submit proposals exploring how gaming can inspire innovation, support education, or drive social impact. Submissions can include ideas for new game concepts, gaming in education or tackling real-world issues through gaming. The top five submissions, selected by industry judges, will be invited to present live at DEF's GameExpo on 8 May. Finalists receive prizes from sponsors and be recognised as DEF's most forward-thinking young talents. ENBD Fortnite Quest Date: Until 8 May Location: Online and at GameExpo, Dubai World Trade Centre Zabeel Halls 2 and 3 About: A recurring highlight of the DEF Educational Engagement Programme, the ENBD Fortnite Quest has returned bigger than ever this year, continuing its mission to find and crown the best Fortnite player in the UAE. This nationwide esports competition provides an opportunity for students to showcase their skills in a high-energy, high-stakes environment. School and online qualifiers are currently ongoing until 26 April, culminating in a live final on 8 May at DEF's GameExpo on 8 May. For an added level of excitement, this year's finals will feature a custom Dubai-themed Fortnite map, allowing players to compete in a uniquely immersive gaming environment for a chance to take home winning trophies and prizes worth AED 20,000. GameOn with HP Gaming Garage Date: Until 8 May Location: Online and at GameExpo, Dubai World Trade Centre Zabeel Halls 2 and 3 About: Adding even more depth to DEF Educational Engagement Programme is GameOn with HP Gaming Garage, an online hackathon that runs until 8 May. Students aged 13 years or older have the chance to work in teams of 2–3 to create Dubai-inspired game prototypes. Participants receive guidance during and after the hackathon, ensuring their concepts become polished prototypes ready for gaming platforms. Finalists have the opportunity to present their prototypes live at GameExpo on 8 May. JPEX Entertainment Exhibition Date: 25 to 27 April Location: Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC), Expo City Dubai, Hall South 2A About: Calling all anime lovers, manga fans, cosplay enthusiasts and culture buffs. JPEX Entertainment Exhibition is landing at the Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City Dubai from 25 to 27 April. It's the ultimate celebration of Japanese culture, creativity, and pop fandom, proudly showcasing the world of anime, live performances, creative workshops, and more. From traditional heritage to cutting-edge entertainment, JPEX will see vibrant stories come alive. Yalla Ludo Challenge Date: 29 April to 6 May Location: Online About: DEF's exclusive Yalla Ludo Challenge brings casual and competitive gamers together in a mobile-first competition, for the chance to earn exclusive in-game rewards, collectibles, and top-tier bragging rights by climbing the leaderboard. Running across the UAE, this event delivers bite-sized thrills and in-game glory as part of DEF 2025's diverse online tournaments. Rove Hotels Exclusive Offer Date: Until 12 May Location: Rove Downtown, Rove Trade Centre, Rove City Walk, and Rove Dubai Marina About: Attendees of GameExpo, GameExpo Summit, and Gaming Matters can enjoy an exclusive 25 per cent discount on stays at Rove Downtown, Rove Trade Centre, Rove City Walk, and Rove Dubai Marina. Perfect for those looking to stay close to the action or out-of-town visitors, the offer is valid for bookings made before 8 May for stays between 20 April and 12 May. The discount can be redeemed by entering the code Esports when booking through the Rove Hotels website. With a power-packed line-up of one-of-a-kind citywide events, there is something for everyone to explore, experience, and enjoy throughout DEF 2025. The festival brings together the best of entertainment and innovation in a dynamic, welcoming atmosphere for all ages and interests, offering a true celebration of community, creativity, and play. Dubai Esports and Games Festival (DEF) 2025 is supported by Strategic Partners which include: Amazon, du, Dubai Police, Dubai Sports Council, Emirates NBD, Red Bull, Rove, Roxy Cinemas, talabat, and Virgin Radio. For more information and to register for ticket updates on Dubai Esports and Games Festival 2025, please visit the DEF 2025 website and follow @DubaiFestivals on Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn. About Dubai Esports and Games Festival Organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), Dubai Esports and Games Festival (DEF 2025) takes place from 25 April to 11 May. Launched in 2022, the annual festival returns to the Dubai World Trade Centre once again this year. The festival aims to set and influence trends across both the global and regional gaming industry, and bolster Dubai's position as a global hub for esports and interactive tech-driven entertainment, and as a global city at the forefront of innovation. DEF 2025 features a combination of events including a lively GameExpo, esports tournaments, and influencer challenges, alongside GameExpo Summit, a thought-provoking and business stimulating conference and B2B networking event that connects companies from around the world. About Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), an agency of Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), is responsible for developing Dubai's retail and festival sectors and supporting the positioning of Dubai as a world-class tourism destination with year-round family entertainment, shopping and events. For further information, please contact: Dubai Economy and Tourism mediarelations@
