As summer settles in Qatar, the weekend lineup offers an exciting mix of cultural celebrations, thrilling activities, and family-friendly entertainment that reflect the nation’s vibrant lifestyle. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this weekend is packed with opportunities to explore Qatar’s rich traditions, dynamic art scene, and natural wonders.

With many events scheduled during cooler evening hours, it’s the perfect time to get out and enjoy what the country has to offer. Here’s a detailed overview of the main events happening from June 25 to 28, 2025, to help you plan a memorable weekend.

Bangladeshi Mango Festival

Souq Waqif’s Eastern Square will host the first Bangladesh Mango Festival from June 25 to July 1, 2025, daily between 4:00 PM and 9:00 PM. Organized by Souq Waqif management and the Embassy of Bangladesh in Qatar, this free event invites visitors to enjoy a variety of mangoes directly imported from Bangladesh, known for their exceptional sweetness and aroma. Guests can sample fresh mangoes, purchase different varieties, and explore mango-based products like juices, jams, and desserts.

The festival also features cultural performances, traditional music, and art that showcase Bangladeshi heritage, creating a lively atmosphere for families and food lovers. Set within the historic Souq Waqif, the event blends Qatari charm with Bangladeshi culture, strengthening ties between the two countries.

The festival is easily accessible by public transport and offers free entry, making it an ideal spot for an evening of tasting, shopping, and cultural enjoyment in Doha.

Summer Bazaar 

The Summer Bazaar continues at Hall 5 of the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre from June 25 to July 9. Open daily from 10am to 10pm (with Fridays starting at 3pm), this bustling marketplace features a diverse collection of vendors selling everything from artisanal crafts and fashion to toys and gourmet foods.

Designed to cater to all ages, the bazaar includes dedicated play areas for children and a variety of food stalls offering international flavors. It’s an ideal destination for shoppers and families looking to enjoy a lively and colorful market experience.

Scoop by the Sea 

Running until August 13, “Scoop By The Sea” invites families and visitors to enjoy a range of activities at West Bay North Beach. Operating weekdays from 10am to 6pm and weekends from 8am to 6pm, this event features live performances, water sports, creative play zones, inflatable parks, and wellness sessions. It’s a perfect spot for those seeking a fun-filled day by the sea, combining relaxation with adventure in a scenic beachfront setting.

Lusail Karting

For those craving speed and excitement, the Lusail International Circuit’s Public Karting program is open Wednesdays through Saturdays from 6pm to 11pm, starting June 11. The 900-meter track accommodates up to 15 karts simultaneously, with each session lasting 12 minutes. Both solo racers and groups can book sessions, making it a great option for friends, families, or motorsport enthusiasts. The circuit offers a professional and safe environment, and booking in advance is recommended to guarantee your spot.

Whale Shark Watching

Nature enthusiasts have a unique opportunity to witness the majestic whale sharks during their season, which runs until September 19. Tours depart every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 6am to 2pm at Al Ruwais Port in northern Qatar. Guests board high-speed catamarans to observe these gentle giants feeding near the water’s surface. This rare encounter offers a fascinating glimpse into marine life, with expert guides providing insights to ensure a safe and educational experience suitable for all ages.

Al Jabala Theatre Show

On June 26 and 27, the Al Jabala Theatre Show will be performed at U Venue. This Arabic-language production combines elements of comedy and horror within a compelling narrative, delivering both entertainment and thoughtful storytelling. The show has generated significant interest among theatre fans, and tickets should be secured in advance to avoid disappointment.

Year End Art Show

Art lovers can explore the “Art and Design Now: Year End Show” at M7 Gallery, running until July 5. Open Saturday through Thursday from 11am to 9pm and Fridays from 3:30pm to 9pm, the exhibition features innovative works by graduating students from VCUarts Qatar. Each piece reflects fresh perspectives and creative experimentation, offering visitors a glimpse into the future of Qatar’s art and design scene. Admission is free.

Food and Feasting Exhibition

This major exhibition at the Museum of Islamic Art, open until November 8, explores the rich culinary traditions of the Islamic world from historical times to today. Presented in collaboration with the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), the exhibit features artifacts, stories, and multimedia displays that highlight the cultural, religious, and social significance of food and feasting. Visitors are encouraged to register in advance to experience this immersive journey into Islamic heritage through the lens of cuisine.

Latinoamericano Exhibition

Until July 19, the National Museum of Qatar presents “LatinoAmericano,” the region’s first large-scale exhibition of Latin American art. Featuring over 170 works spanning from 1900 to the present, the exhibition is organized into six thematic sections and draws from the Museum of Latin American Art Buenos Aires (Malba). It offers a rare opportunity to explore Latin America’s rich artistic history and contemporary creativity. Entry is free but requires advance ticket reservation.

Wafa Al-Hamad Retrospective

Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art is hosting a retrospective exhibition honoring Wafa al-Hamad, a trailblazing Qatari artist, educator, and designer. Open until August 9, this exhibition celebrates her 40-year career and her significant contributions to Qatar’s cultural landscape. Visitors can explore a wide range of her works and gain insight into her artistic vision. Admission is free with prior registration.

This weekend in Qatar offers a vibrant mix of experiences—from savoring exotic mangoes and racing on a professional karting track to exploring world-class art and encountering magnificent marine life. Whether you’re seeking cultural enrichment, outdoor adventure, or family fun, the country’s diverse events promise something memorable for everyone.

In a landmark move to simplify travel and enhance bilateral relations, Kuwaiti citizens can now apply for Indian e-visas entirely online beginning Monday, July 14, 2025. The announcement was made by Dr. Adarsh Swaika, India’s Ambassador to Kuwait, who described the launch as a “qualitative shift” in India-Kuwait engagement.

The new digital platform covers five visa categories: tourism, business, medical, conference, and AYUSH (alternative medicine including yoga and Ayurveda). Applicants no longer need to visit visa centers; all steps including application submission, document upload, and payment are completed online.

Key features of the e-visa system include:

Tourist visas valid for up to five years at a fee of $80
Other visa fees range from $40 to $80 depending on type and duration
Biometric data collection upon arrival at Indian airports
Typical processing time of three to four days, with minor technical issues possible during rollout

Ambassador Swaika emphasized that this initiative responds to a long-standing request from Kuwaiti citizens and reflects the deep historic and cultural ties between the two nations. The move also aligns with India’s broader efforts to modernize consular services and strengthen diplomatic and people-to-people connections in the Gulf region.

The e-visa allows for a variety of short-term activities such as tourism, business meetings, medical treatment (including under Indian traditional medicine systems), attending conferences, and participation in yoga or Ayurveda programs.

Applicants must hold a passport valid for at least six months and possess a return or onward ticket. The Indian Consulate in Kuwait will continue to accept paper visa applications for those who prefer traditional processing.

This digital visa rollout is expected to boost travel, trade, and cultural exchange between India and Kuwait, supporting the growing interest among Kuwaitis in Indian tourism, healthcare, and business opportunities.
For more information and to apply, Kuwaiti citizens can access the official Indian e-visa portal, which provides guidance in both English and Arabic.

This development marks a significant step forward in facilitating seamless cross-border travel and enhancing the longstanding friendship between India and Kuwait.

Riyadh Air is ramping up preparations to finally launch its long-awaited Boeing 787 flights, following an extended period on the sidelines. As the calendar moves past the midpoint of 2025, the new Saudi Arabian carrier remains optimistic that it will take to the skies before the year concludes.

If current plans hold, Riyadh Air aims to inaugurate service to two European cities by the end of 2025. This marks the start of a broader expansion strategy, with more global destinations expected to be added as additional 787s and other aircraft join the fleet.

The journey to launch has been anything but smooth for Riyadh Air. Securing an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the General Authority of Civil Aviation in April 2025 was a major milestone, following a rigorous six-month testing campaign. However, the celebration was short-lived: just days after receiving the AOC, the airline announced another postponement, pushing the anticipated first flight to the fourth quarter of 2025.

This latest delay scrapped earlier plans for a Q3 debut. In fact, Riyadh Air’s inaugural flight was originally expected much sooner, but a series of setbacks have kept the airline grounded.

A significant factor behind the repeated delays has been Boeing’s well-publicized delivery challenges. Riyadh Air, like many other airlines worldwide, has struggled to receive new aircraft on schedule. These industry-wide setbacks have forced airlines to reconsider fleet plans, delay retirements of older jets, and, in Riyadh Air’s case, postpone the launch of scheduled passenger operations.

Despite the hurdles, Riyadh Air remains committed to its vision of becoming a major player in international aviation. With regulatory approval secured and preparations underway, the airline is poised to make its long-anticipated debut—pending timely aircraft deliveries and the resolution of industry supply chain issues.
As the end of 2025 approaches, all eyes are on Riyadh Air to see if it can finally turn plans into reality and begin connecting Saudi Arabia to the world.

Qatar Airways has introduced Privilege Club Pro, a new subscription service within its loyalty programme that enables members to earn additional Avios and Qpoints each month. This marks the first time a loyalty programme using Avios has launched a subscription model allowing members to collect status points, setting a new standard for boosting rewards and advancing tier status.

Developed in partnership with Points, a Plusgrade company specializing in ancillary revenue solutions, Privilege Club Pro allows members to accelerate their Avios balances. Subscribers can enjoy a range of rewards, such as bidding on exclusive experiences through Privilege Club Collection, booking award seat flights, shopping at Qatar Duty Free, and accessing hundreds of partners worldwide.

Christophe Guittard, Senior Vice President Business-to-Consumer at Qatar Airways, commented, “As a lifestyle loyalty programme, Privilege Club continues to expand the way members engage with their everyday transactions by ensuring steady, predictable progress toward meaningful rewards. Our latest addition, Privilege Club Pro, is a flexible subscription offering that brings members closer to their goals.

 By boosting their monthly Avios and Qpoints balance, members can now plan ahead for their dream trip or elevate their journey with upgrades and exclusive moments at Qatar Duty Free home to one of the most expansive collections of luxury brands in any airport, alongside curated boutiques and world-class dining options. It reflects our continued commitment to rewarding loyalty in more personal, relevant, and exciting ways, and we look forward to welcoming members to this new chapter.”

Members can subscribe to Privilege Club Pro via qatarairways.com or the Qatar Airways app, choosing from monthly or yearly plans across four tiers:

• Access: 2,500 Avios per month; USD 50/month or USD 500/year
• Select: 7,500 Avios per month; USD 130/month or USD 1,300/year
• Exclusive: 15,000 Avios per month; USD 240/month or USD 2,400/year
• Ultimate: 20,000 Avios and five Qpoints per month; USD 350/month or USD 3,500/year

The Ultimate tier includes Qpoints, which help members maintain or upgrade their loyalty status. The required Qpoints for tier upgrades are as follows: Burgundy to Silver – 150 Qpoints, Silver to Gold – 300 Qpoints, and Gold to Platinum – 600 Qpoints.

Privilege Club members can spend Avios on curated sports, entertainment, lifestyle, and culture packages through Privilege Club Collection, including access to global events like the FIFA World Cup 2026, Formula 1, and UEFA Champions League. Travelers passing through Hamad International Airport recently named the ‘Best Airport in the Middle East’ by Skytrax in 2025 can also redeem Avios at Qatar Duty Free, which features over 200 outlets offering luxury shopping, unique dining, and convenient express shops.

ge Club Pro offers members a flexible and rewarding way to accelerate their travel benefits, providing more opportunities to enjoy exclusive experiences and elevate their loyalty status.

Air Arabia Abu Dhabi is set to launch a new direct flight service connecting Zayed International Airport and Sialkot International Airport in Pakistan, starting July 17, 2025. This exciting development will see the airline operate three weekly flights, enhancing connectivity between the UAE capital and one of Pakistan’s key industrial hubs.

The new route will operate on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, with flight 3L 311 departing Abu Dhabi at 1:35 a.m. and arriving in Sialkot at 6:00 a.m. The return flight, 3L 312, will leave Sialkot at 6:50 a.m., landing in Abu Dhabi at 9:20 a.m. This schedule is designed to cater to the growing demand from business travelers and the large expatriate community linking the two regions.

Sialkot, located in the northeast of Punjab province near the Kashmir hills and Chenab River, is renowned as a vital industrial and export center in Pakistan. The new service will expand Air Arabia Abu Dhabi’s footprint in Pakistan beyond its existing routes to Faisalabad and Multan, providing passengers with more options for direct and affordable travel.

Air Arabia Abu Dhabi operates a modern fleet of 12 Airbus A320 aircraft, known for their efficiency and passenger comfort. The airline offers value-added services such as free in-flight streaming through ‘SkyTime’ and affordable onboard catering with ‘SkyCafe.’ Additionally, travelers can benefit from the ‘Air Rewards’ loyalty program, allowing them to earn and redeem points.

Tickets for the new Abu Dhabi–Sialkot flights are now available for booking via Air Arabia’s website, call center, and authorized travel agencies, marking a significant boost in air connectivity between the UAE and Pakistan’s thriving industrial regions.

Air Arabia, one of the UAE’s leading low-cost carriers, is set to launch a new direct route from Sharjah International Airport to Munich, Germany, starting December 15, 2025. This exciting development offers travelers an affordable gateway to one of Europe’s most vibrant cities, with one-way fares starting at just Dhs794 and round-trip tickets from Dhs1,393.

The timing of the launch is perfect for those eager to experience Munich’s famous Christmas markets, historic landmarks, and cultural highlights such as the English Garden, Oktoberfest festivities, and live football matches at the Allianz Arena. Munich, a key economic and cultural hub in southern Germany, is a strategic addition to Air Arabia’s expanding European network, which already includes destinations like Vienna, Athens, Milan Bergamo, Krakow, Warsaw, and Prague.

Air Arabia will operate daily non-stop flights using its modern Airbus A320neo aircraft, known for fuel efficiency and passenger comfort. The airline’s CEO, Adel Al Ali, emphasized that the new route underscores Air Arabia’s commitment to providing affordable, value-driven travel options while supporting long-term growth. He highlighted Munich’s appeal to both business and leisure travelers and expressed enthusiasm about welcoming passengers onboard for a seamless travel experience.

This new service enhances connectivity between the UAE and Germany, complementing existing routes operated by Emirates and Etihad to German cities including Frankfurt, Dusseldorf, and Hamburg. Munich Airport officials have welcomed the route, noting its importance in strengthening ties between the Gulf region and Germany.

Passengers can book their flights through Air Arabia’s website, call center, or travel agencies, and enjoy onboard amenities such as the free SkyTime streaming service and the SkyCafe buy-on-board menu. The launch of the Sharjah–Munich route not only broadens travel choices but also supports tourism, business, and cultural exchange between the two regions, marking a significant milestone in Air Arabia’s European expansion strategy.