‘Hayyakum Qatar’ promises family fun this winter

The 5th edition of the Qatar Balloon Festival 2023 has a packed schedule of exciting happenings that will keep visitors entertained throughout the festival.
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Updated 03 December 2023
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‘Hayyakum Qatar’ promises family fun this winter

Visit Qatar has launched a new destination campaign that showcases Qatar’s diverse attractions and invites GCC nationals and residents to experience the country this winter season.
The “Hayyakum Qatar” destination campaign has been launched out-of-home and on social media platforms. The campaign highlights four main angles, each of which is reflected by images of specific destinations or events. The campaign humorously tracks a family visiting from the region as they explore what Qatar has to offer and celebrates the experience with the messages: Here’s to Your Joy, Here’s to Your Gatherings, Here’s to Your Laughter, and Here’s to Your Excitement. The video depicts the close bond between GCC countries and the warm, authentic hospitality that Qatar extends to its neighbors.

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Qatar welcomed more than three million visitors by mid-October 2023, led by visitors from Saudi Arabia, while all GCC countries feature in the Top 10.

Abdulaziz Ali Al-Mawlawi, chief marketing and promotion officer at Qatar Tourism, said: “We are thrilled to reveal this special campaign to everyone across the GCC. Qatar demonstrated its hospitality to millions of visitors last year and we are proud to continue welcoming even greater numbers this year from the region and beyond. Our eased travel policies, which include no visa requirements for GCC nationals and simplified processes through the Hayya application, mean that visitors can seamlessly travel to Qatar while choosing to arrive through land, sea or air. Our ‘Hayyakum Qatar’ campaign highlights the exciting experiences we have for visitors and the family-friendly fun that guests can enjoy during our beautiful winter season.”




Abdulaziz Ali Al-Mawlawi, Chief Marketing and Promotion Officer at Qatar Tourism

Qatar welcomed more than three million visitors by mid-October 2023, registering a five-year high. Figures are led by visitors from Saudi Arabia, while all GCC countries feature in the Top 10.
Here’s to Your Joy
Visitors can head to Qatar for a spot of retail therapy. The country’s state-of-the-art retail venues, such as the Parisienne-inspired mall, Place Vendôme, the luxurious Al-Hazm Mall, and the famed 21 High Street in Katara Cultural Village, which comes complete with outdoor cooling, all offer holistic retail, dining and entertainment experiences fit for the whole family. As part of Qatar’s extensive retail offering, visitors can look forward to Shop Qatar — the country’s biggest shopping festival, which is set to make a return this winter season.

Here’s to Your Gatherings
From budget street eats to restaurants by Michelin-starred chefs, Qatar’s food scene is wide-ranging and can be tailored to suit every itinerary. The campaign highlights the joy of gathering over a shared meal at one of the many leading restaurants available in the county. Qatar’s gastronomic largesse is best witnessed at the Qatar International Food Festival, an annual tradition that brings together leading chefs from the region and internationally.

Here’s to Your Laughter
Qatar celebrates fun and thrills with Lusail Winter Wonderland and Meryal Water Park. Located on Al-Maha Island, Lusail Winter Wonderland boasts more than 50 rides and attractions, culinary options, and live entertainment.  

Here’s to Your Excitement
This winter, Qatar promises a lineup of live performances, concerts, and comedy shows, creating the ultimate festive atmosphere. There will also be a number of renowned events including the 5th edition of the Qatar Balloon Festival and maritime experiences at Hamad Port.

 


Dubai Shopping Festival’s sporting events turn city into hub for outdoor action

Updated 31 December 2025
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Dubai Shopping Festival’s sporting events turn city into hub for outdoor action

The Dubai Shopping Festival is raising the bar this winter with a high-impact sporting calendar that runs throughout December and January, transforming the city into a hub for elite competition, community fitness and outdoor action. 

From professional basketball to baseball games, polo tournaments, half marathons, and horse racing, the festival brings together athletes, families and spectators for a dynamic winter season of sport. The diverse lineup of events strengthens DSF’s role in supporting Dubai’s active lifestyle, showcasing world-class sporting venues and encouraging community engagement during the city’s peak outdoor season. 

Key sporting events taking place during DSF: 

Dubai Racing Carnival 

  • Race days: Jan. 2, Jan. 9 and ongoing dates until March 13. 
  • Location: Meydan Racecourse 

The flagship winter racing season features international horses and top jockeys. 

More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/dubai-racing-carnivaland https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/dubai-racing-carnival-festive-friday 

Silver Cup 

  • Date: Jan. 10-Jan.24 
  • Location: Al-Habtoor Polo Resort and Club 

Silver Cup, part of Dubai’s prestigious polo calendar, sees six of the world’s best teams go head-to-head in a 20-goal handicap. 

  • More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/silver-cup 

Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge — Build-Up Ride 4 

  • Date: Jan. 4 
  • Location: Al-Qudra Cycle Track 

The last of the Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge Build-Up Rides is designed to help cyclists build their stamina ahead of the ultimate challenge. 

  • More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/spinneys-dubai-92-cycle-challenge-build-up-ride-4 

Hood to Coast Dubai 2026 

  • Date: Jan. 10 
  • Location: Al-Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve 

Hood to Coast Dubai challenges teams to conquer a series of relay segments through expansive desert trails, with each runner taking on their leg before passing the baton. 

  • More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/hood-to-coast 

Skechers Performance Run — Race 4 (16k/10k/5k/3k) 

  • Date: Jan. 10 
  • Location: Meydan 

Enjoy a fun day out for the whole family at this popular community race offering various distances, where participants can run along the traffic-free roads of Meydan. 

  • More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/skechers-performance-run 

Marina Home Dubai Creek Striders Half Marathon 2026 

  • Date: Jan. 11 
  • Location: Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club 

One of the largest races of its kind in the UAE and the Middle East, this half marathon will mark its 23rd edition in 2026. 

  • More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/dubai-creek-striders-half-marathon 

A citywide sporting season 

With events spanning elite international fixtures, community runs, polo tournaments, multi-distance races, trail challenges and recurring racing nights at Meydan, DSF strengthens Dubai’s winter season for sport, well-being and outdoor experiences.