QAR 400 Million Upgrade Coming to Doha Festival City

Doha Festival City has announced that it plans to invest up to QAR 400 million, in partnership with its tenants, on what it describes as the largest renovation since it opened, in a statement on Sunday 2 August 2026.

The project includes extensive refurbishments, improvements to customer comfort and accessibility, and a broad range of new retailers, including Primark’s first outlet in Qatar, US beauty chain Ulta Beauty and an enlarged Zara store, in addition to several other international and regional brands, the statement said.

A revamp of the mall’s food and beverage offerings is also underway, with plans for new casual dining outlets, cafés and premium restaurants intended to function as social hubs to increase dwell time.

Technology and service enhancements

In addition to the physical renovation, the mall will introduce a series of artificial intelligence-powered solutions including an AI concierge, AI-enhanced facilities management, environmental monitoring systems and a smart parking system providing live directions to motorists.

The owner will also introduce Festival Touch, a customer experience initiative that is focused on individualized guest engagement.

Hayssam Hajjar, Executive Director of Malls and Retail Assets at Al-Futtaim Real Estate, which operates the mall, said that the investment “goes well beyond a renovation program” and indicated that it demonstrates commitment to the Qatari economy and the growth of the retail and tourism industries, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.

The project follows a successful period for the mall. It welcomed 20 million visitors in 2025 and was named Premier Shopping Mall Experience for the second time at the Qatar Tourism Awards, the statement added.

The statement did not specify when the renovation is due for completion or when the new tenants will open.