Doha, Qatar: The much-anticipated second edition of Qatar Toy Festival opened at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC) yesterday. The largest of its kind festival began with a captivating dropping of balloons and welcomed a large number of families and children.  

The festival, being held under the theme “Fun Starts in Qatar”, aims to attract wide range of visitors including from the GCC region.

The festival, organised by Visit Qatar, features parades, various kinds of stage shows, live mascots, play areas, and performances by influencers till August 14. The festival has returned this year “bigger and better”, bringing Mr Bean Corner and live show; and Barney corner for the first time globally.

“This is the second edition of the Qatar Toy Festival. It’s the largest toy festival in Qatar. It is bigger and better than the first edition held last year. There are over 50 international brands participating this year, including Barbie, Barney, Naruto and much more,” Deena Al Jefairi, a representative of Visit Qatar, told media on the sidelines of the event.

Children thronged the opening of the second edition of Qatar Toy Festival at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center yesterday. 

Al Jefairi said visitors can engage in a variety of activities across 10 zones spanning over 17,000 square metres. “We have three new zones this year, which are anime, movie land and retail zones,” she said, adding that these are in addition to preschool, girls, boys, family, stage, F&B, and theming area.  

According to Al Jefairi, the second edition is being promoted among the GCC countries as part of the summer activities Qatar offers to visitors. She also anticipated the festival to become a permanent annual feature in Visit Qatar’s event calendar. “Every year it’s going to get better and better. We’re going to bring more international brands and more people from across the GCC and even beyond will visit,” Al Jefairi said.

The second edition features more than 50 international brands including, Barbie, Disney Princess, Story Bots, Razor, Mr. Men, Little Miss, Teen Titans, Hot Wheels, Scrabble, Dart Zone, Strawberry Shortcake, WWE, Marvel, LOL, Angry Birds, and Naruto.

It also features five retailers, and 53 mascots. Over 19 stage shows include musical shows and concerts, science shows, dance shows, competitions, influencers’ performances, like Rasha Rizg, the Adnaan family, the Tarfaan family, Fawzi Muzi, Blippi and Masaka Kidz offering endless entertainment for families and children.

The festival welcomes visitors from Sunday to  Wednesday between 2pm and 10pm; and from Thursday to Saturday between 2pm to 11pm.

Tickets can be purchased online at Q-Tickets.com, virginmegastore.com, or in person at the venue.