The fifth edition of the Qatar Balloon Festival is returning from December 12 to 21, 2024, featuring over 50 hot air balloons from 21 countries in a 10-day celebration at the southern parking area of Katara Cultural Village.
Organized by Safe Flight Solutions in partnership with Visit Qatar and the Cultural Village Foundation (Katara), this year’s festival is set to be more spectacular than ever, with new attractions and a range of family-friendly activities.
Highlights include an array of unique balloon displays, featuring both special-shaped and traditional round balloons from countries such as Brazil, France, the UK, and Japan. Each morning, weather permitting, balloons will take off from various locations at sunrise, offering a scenic dawn experience. Afternoon and evening activities, from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. daily at Katara, will include tethered balloon displays, nightglow events, laser shows, and more.
For the first time, the festival will showcase on-site balloon construction, where visitors can watch the making of a hot air balloon, culminating in an inflation and test flight. Additionally, the event will host family activities like kite-building workshops, bouncing castles, carnival games, food stalls, and merchandise booths.
Community initiatives include 1,000 subsidized balloon flight tickets at half price (QR499), bookable on Asfary.com starting November 12 through March 31, 2025. A blood donation drive, in collaboration with Aster Hospital and Hamad Medical Corporation, will also be held on December 16 from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.
