Fireworks, feasts and festivals: Doha’s NYE 2026

Welcome to Al-Monitor Doha.

Doha transforms into a celebration of beginnings. As the countdown to 2026 reaches its final moments, the city offers every conceivable way to ring in the new year—from the spectacle of fireworks over Lusail to intimate dinners in hotel restaurants to live music pulsing through the night. Meanwhile, the season of cultural renewal continues with heritage festivals honoring what came before, sneaker exhibitions exploring how culture shapes fashion, and evenings of Arabic music that remind us why some traditions endure. It’s a week where past and future collide, where you can chase the energy of thousands or find quiet moments under the stars.

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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: New Year in Qatar

People gather to watch a fireworks and drone display during New Year's Eve celebrations in Doha early on Jan. 1, 2025. (KARIM JAAFAR/AFP via Getty Images)

The countdown to 2026 is already underway, and Qatar is gearing up to deliver an unforgettable night. Whether you’re drawn to fireworks lighting up the Lusail skyline, the promise of fine dining under the stars, or a live concert pulsing with energy, this year’s New Year celebrations offer something for every vision of how you want to ring in the year.

Lusail Boulevard remains the epicenter of public celebration. The sprawling waterfront transforms into a gathering place where thousands congregate to watch synchronized drone displays and fireworks paint the night sky. It’s free, it’s electric, and it’s where the city collectively holds its breath before midnight. Arrive early if you’re planning to stake out a spot, though the energy that builds as the evening progresses makes the wait worthwhile.

If you prefer your countdown behind closed doors, Doha’s luxury hotels have orchestrated celebrations designed for every mood and appetite. Some lean into theatrical excess—think Parisian galas at The Ritz-Carlton or Brazilian samba rhythms at SUSHISAMBA. Others keep it intimate, offering refined tasting menus accompanied by live musicians. The St. Regis is channeling Havana with Caribbean flavors and island vibes, while Mandarin Oriental has built an entire evening around choosing your perfect night across multiple restaurants and rooftop lounges. Many of these venues require reservations, so if fine dining feels like your lane, this is a reminder to book.

For those seeking an outdoor music experience, Zamna Soundsystem at Doha Golf Club presents an alternative to the traditional hotel celebration. Set within the city’s largest outdoor New Year’s Eve setting, the event features the Zamna Soundsystem on stage alongside warm-up DJs including AGAINSTCELEBRITIES, SONIC, and ANGELINA. The energy promises to be electric, with explosive beats and an unforgettable countdown as midnight approaches. The event runs from 8 PM onwards on December 31st, offering a festival-like atmosphere that blends music, community, and celebration.

The other side of this equation is the family-friendly approach. If you’re traveling with kids or prefer a more relaxed vibe, Souq Waqif and Katara Cultural Village offer festive evening atmosphere without the formal dress code or the three-figure price tags.

Perhaps the most important detail: plan your transport ahead of time. The metro runs extended hours on New Year’s Eve (typically until 1 or 2 AM), which is infinitely preferable to fighting traffic or securing a ride-share when the entire city moves at once.

Date: Dec. 31

Location: Doha, Qatar

More information here.

2. Word on the street: Baraha Cinema

 Visitors gather at Barahat Msheireb during Baraha Cinema Msheireb 2024. (Photo courtesy of Msheireb Properties website)

There’s something timeless about settling into a seat under the stars with a bucket of popcorn and the glow of a big screen in front of you. Msheireb Properties is banking on that feeling with the third edition of Baraha Cinema, bringing back the open-air movie experience that’s quickly becoming a winter staple in Doha.

Baraha Cinema transforms Barahat Msheireb into more than just a screening venue. The 10-day program features a curated lineup of beloved family films and modern animated favorites designed to spark joy and nostalgia. But the real magic happens when you pair the cinema experience with what Msheireb is calling the “Taste Cinema Experience,” a gourmet culinary program that serves meals on custom movie-themed plates. It’s the kind of immersive detail that transforms a casual movie night into something genuinely memorable.

The area carries its own cinematic history too. Msheireb was home to Qatar’s first open-air cinema more than 50 years ago, so this revival feels like more than just a winter event—it’s a cultural homecoming that respects the past while delivering something fresh for today’s audiences.

Whether you’re a movie buff, a parent looking for family entertainment, or simply someone who appreciates the charm of outdoor cinema paired with good food and good company, Baraha Cinema delivers an accessible, immersive experience in the heart of Downtown Doha.

Date: Dec. 25 to Jan. 3

Location: Barahat Msheireb, Msheireb Downtown Doha

More details here. 

3. Doha diary

A sneaker displayed as part of the “Sneakers Unboxed: Studio to Street exhibition.” (Photo courtesy of 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum)

• ‘Sneakers Unboxed: Studio to Street Exhibition’

What started as pure athletic engineering has evolved into a global obsession that blends art, culture and identity. The Design Museum London’s touring exhibition “Sneakers Unboxed” explores exactly how that happened, tracing the journey from sportswear innovation to the streetwear phenomenon that now defines how millions of people dress and express themselves.

Date: Until March 7, 2026

Location: 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum

More information here.

• Qatari Heritage Festival

As the National Day celebrations continue into the new year, the Qatari Heritage Festival at Ain Mohammed Heritage Village extends the spirit of commemoration and connection. Running through Jan. 6, the festival brings memories back to life with traditional cuisine, live arts and performances, and heritage activities designed to honor the past while celebrating what makes Qatar’s identity timeless.

Date: Until Jan. 6, 2026

Location: Ain Mohammed Heritage Village

More information here.

• Saad El Fahed & Abdulaziz Al Duwaihi

Two generations of Arabic music excellence converge at Katara Cultural Village on Dec. 25. Saad El Fahed, the Kuwaiti-Qatari singer known for expressive renditions of classics like “Yahi Gawiya” and “Habibi La,” performs alongside Abdulaziz Al Duwaihi, one of Kuwait’s most respected artists, whose voice carries the weight and sincerity of traditional Arabic song. Together they create an intimate evening rooted in Arabic musical tradition.

Date: Dec. 25

Location: Katara Cultural Village, Southern Plaza

More information here.

• Oumaima Taleb

One night later, Katara’s Southern Plaza transforms with the voice of Tunisian singer Oumaima Taleb. Known for her rise through Arab talent shows including “X-Factor" and “Star Academy," her staying power comes from her ability to convey emotion with both power and grace. Songs like “Olt Mosh Hatsebni” and “Bterjaa” showcase her refined artistic expression and elegant style.

Date: Dec. 26

Location: Katara Cultural Village, Southern Plaza

More information here.