Qatar's Whale Shark Season is back
Plus: Toy Festival, calligraphy workshops, ice cream at the beach, and more.
Welcome to Al-Monitor Doha.
Qatar’s summer calendar blends nature, nostalgia and family fun. From the serene spectacle of whale shark season to the lively Toy Festival, the coming weeks offer fresh ways to engage with the country’s cultural scene.
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Reve
P.S. Have feedback or tips on Doha's culture scene? Send them my way at contactus@al-monitor.com.
1. Leading the week: Whale Shark Season returns to Qatar’s waters
Installation view of Whale Shark Season, off the coast of Qatar. (Courtesy of Visit Qatar)
Each summer, a natural wonder unfolds beneath the surface of Qatar’s northern waters — one of the world’s largest gatherings of whale sharks. From June to September, these gentle giants rise to feed in the warm, plankton-rich waters of the Al Shaheen Marine Zone, creating an extraordinary spectacle unique to the region.
Operated by Discover Qatar in collaboration with Qatar Tourism, the 2025 Whale Shark Season offers a rare opportunity to observe this phenomenon aboard a premium high-speed catamaran. Led by expert marine biologists, the experience includes educational presentations on whale shark behavior, biology and conservation — all while ensuring minimal impact on their natural environment.
With up to 300 whale sharks visible at peak times, the tour features two designated viewing decks for unobstructed, respectful observation. Since its launch in 2022, the program has welcomed over 1,200 guests and recorded more than 600 sightings during a single trip.
Dates: June 20 - Sept. 19
Location: Al Ruwais Port, Northern Qatar
More details here.
2. Word on the street: Qatar Toy Festival 2025
Installation view of the Strawberry Shortcake activation, Doha Exhibition and Convention Center. (Courtesy of Fever Events)
The Doha Exhibition & Convention Center will host the return of the Qatar Toy Festival, a large-scale celebration of play, imagination and family-friendly entertainment.
Running from July 6 to Aug. 4, the festival brings together more than 40 major toy brands under one roof — from the high-speed thrills of Hot Wheels and the farmyard charm of Shaun the Sheep to immersive worlds inspired by Five Nights at Freddy’s, PUBG and Sherlock Holmes.
Designed as a multigenerational experience, the festival features a mix of branded entertainment, interactive zones, and roaming performances across an expansive indoor space. Highlights include daily stage shows, creative workshops, themed escape rooms and character meet-and-greets with favorites like Bluey, Miraculous Ladybug and Cocomelon.
Location: Doha Exhibition & Convention Center (DECC)
Dates: July 6 - Aug. 4
More details here.
3. Doha diary
Karting Night Race at Lusail Circuit Sports Club, Doha, 2025. (Courtesy of LCSC)
Karting at Lusail Circuit
Ready, set, race! Karting returns to the Lusail International Circuit, giving speed lovers the chance to hit the 900-meter track in high-powered 270cc karts.
Dates: Through Dec. 31
Location: Lusail International Circuit
More information here.
Ruq'ah Calligraphy (beginner)
Dive into the graceful art of Ottoman-era calligraphy at this hands-on workshop led by Hussein Ammar Ahmad. Explore the fluid, practical beauty of ruq‘ah script — known for its clarity and charm — in a session perfect for beginners.
Dates: June 23
Location: Museum of Islamic Art
More information here.
Scoop by the Sea
An ice-cream-themed summer takeover is landing at West Bay Beach! Scoop by the Sea blends sweet treats with wild entertainment — from VR F1 racing and kitesurfing shows to foam parties, carnival games and sandcastle contests.
Date: Through Aug. 13
Location: West Bay Beach, Diplomatic Street
More information here.
- Summer at Msheireb Downtown Doha
Msheireb Downtown Doha has announced a city-wide lineup of immersive summer activities for all ages, making it a top destination this season. From skill-building workshops and splash zones to a dynamic maze and nostalgic back-to-school vibes, this is where creativity, culture and community come together. Expect four themed zones including Skill Fest, Play Zone, Maze Zone and a rooftop Splash Zone — plus a retro Qatari school experience to round off the summer.
Dates: July 15 - Aug. 31
Location: Msheireb Galleria
More information here.
Family Day: Islamic Culinary Traditions
Take your family on a delicious journey through time at the MIA’s family day inspired by A Seat at the Table. Learn about the historic use of herbs, fruits and food culture in the Islamic world through hands-on activities in the museum’s atrium.
Dates: June 21
Location: MIA Atrium
More information here.
4. Book of the week: “The Life Cycle in the Qatari Society Tradition”
This week, we turn the page to a foundational voice in Qatari literature — Kaltham Jaber. A pioneer in her field, Jaber became the first Qatari woman to publish a collection of short stories with her 1978 release “I and the Forest are Exotic and Haunted.” Her 2015 book, “The Life Cycle in the Qatari Society Tradition,” offers a rich sociocultural study of Qatar’s customs — from birth and marriage to community rites and generational shifts. Drawing on oral histories, folklore and first-hand research, the work preserves essential aspects of local heritage at risk of fading in the face of modernity. A must-read for anyone curious about the deeper rhythms that have shaped life in Qatar.
5. View from Doha
Pigeons hover around a sitting camel at the Souq Waqif bazaar in Doha on June 12, 2025. (Photo by Karim JAAFAR / AFP)
6. By the numbers
- Qatar is seeking 4,000 volunteers for the FIFA U-17 World Cup and FIFA Arab Cup 2025, both taking place in November, with applications open for two weeks starting May 27.
- Qatar University leads the Arab region in graduate employability, topping a list of nine Arab universities ranked among the world’s top 250 for 2025, according to HR consulting firm Emerging.