A Complete Guide to Qatar Kite Festival 2026

The Qatar Kite Festival 2026 is set to once again transform the skies of Qatar into a vibrant canvas of colour, creativity and joy as kite enthusiasts, families and visitors gather for one of the country’s most beloved winter events. Organised by Visit Qatar, this year’s festival promises an unforgettable celebration of kite artistry, cultural activities, competitions, food and fun across multiple iconic locations.

Dates & Schedule

The Qatar Kite Festival will run from 15th to 24th January 2026, offering 10 days of aerial spectacle and ground-level entertainment for all ages.

Throughout the festival, colourful kites — from traditional designs to imaginative giant shapes — will soar above the Qatari sky during day and night flying displays that captivate spectators.

Venues & Layout

Unlike past editions limited to a single park or beach, the 2026 festival will be spread across multiple fan-favourite locations, including:

• Old Doha Port: A scenic backdrop where families can enjoy the largest open-air shows and evening kite flights.
• Sealine Dunes: The festival’s early days burst to life with dune-side flying and exhibitions.
• Sheraton Hotel Park: A green setting perfect for workshops and free-flying sessions during mid-festival days.

These varied settings provide different atmospheres, from beach breezes to park lawns, ensuring a dynamic experience each day.

Tickets & Entry

General entry to the Qatar Kite Festival is free for most areas, encouraging everyone, locals, expats and tourists, to join in the fun. There’s no mandatory ticket, though some special activities, workshops or premium spectator areas may offer ticketed access depending on the festival’s final programme.

Competition & Kite Highlights

While the full 2026 competition schedule is yet to be released officially, past editions have featured:

• International kite-flying showcases with professional flyers from around the world displaying precision and creativity.
• Day and night kite flying sessions where illuminated kites light up the skyline after sunset.
• Public flying opportunities that let visitors launch and fly their own kites alongside seasoned fliers.

Kite craft competitions, awards for most creative designs and friendly flying challenges often add a spirited competitive edge to the festival atmosphere.

Workshops & Family Fun

Family-friendly activities are a key feature of the festival, with kite-making workshops – often including free kites for children – teaching young visitors how to build and decorate their own flying masterpieces.

In addition to flying fun, the festival grounds typically include:

• Kids’ play zones and entertainment areas
• Face painting and interactive art
• Food carts and local cuisine kiosks
• Carnival-style games and live performances 

These attractions ensure a full day out for families, combining cultural engagement with outdoor enjoyment.

Food, Music & Social Vibes

Scattered throughout the Kite Festival are food stalls serving a variety of local and international bites, perfect for refuelling between kite sightings. Visitors can also enjoy live music, stage acts, parades and roaming performers, creating a lively park-like atmosphere from morning until night.

Why Attend?

The Qatar Kite Festival has grown into a winter staple on the Visit Qatar calendar, drawing thousands of residents and tourists each year. It’s a celebration of:

• Creative expression through kite art
• Family-oriented fun and community engagement
• Free, accessible outdoor entertainment
• Cultural exchange with international participants

With its mix of breathtaking visuals, interactive activities and festive energy, the Qatar Kite Festival 2026 continues to highlight Qatar’s vibrant cultural calendar and offers an unmissable experience for anyone in the region this January.