LuLu Brings Spanish Culinary Heritage to Qatar With Festival of Spain 2026

LuLu Hypermarket, one of the region’s leading retail chains, has launched the ‘Festival of Spain 2026’, offering shoppers across Qatar an opportunity to explore Spain’s rich culinary heritage through a wide selection of authentic Spanish products, live cooking demonstrations and tasting sessions.

The week-long festival is being held across all LuLu Hypermarket outlets in Qatar until October 14, following its official inauguration at LuLu Hypermarket Giardino at The Pearl-Qatar on October 8.

The inauguration was attended by HE Dr Alvaro Renedo Zalba, Ambassador of Spain to Qatar, representatives of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Qatar and other distinguished guests. The event transformed the hypermarket into a showcase of Spanish culture, with themed decorations and product displays inspired by the country’s iconic landmarks and culinary traditions.

The festival features an extensive range of Spanish products, including premium cheeses, artisanal breads, fresh produce and gourmet specialities, highlighting the diversity, quality and authenticity of Spanish cuisine. Live cooking demonstrations by students of SEK International School Qatar and tasting sessions are also part of the programme, allowing visitors to discover traditional recipes and experience the distinctive flavours of Spain.

Speaking at the inauguration, Ambassador Dr Alvaro Renedo Zalba said gastronomy played an important role in strengthening the longstanding ties between Spain and Qatar.

“The Festival of Spain at LuLu Hypermarket aims to build a gastronomic bridge between Spain and Qatar, bringing our two countries closer through food. It has a very positive impact here in Qatar, where people appreciate the exceptional quality and remarkable diversity of Spanish gastronomy,” he said.

The ambassador also highlighted the historical and cultural connections between Spanish and Arab culinary traditions, pointing to shared ingredients such as saffron and olive oil, as well as traditional sweets such as turron, which has historical links to Arab culinary influences.

“Through this festival, we are showcasing the quality and variety of Spanish products while bringing our cultures closer together,” he said.

He praised LuLu Group’s diverse international product portfolio, noting that the retailer enables consumers to explore food and products from different parts of the world, including Asia, Southeast Asia and Europe.

“It is wonderful to see how people can appreciate and enjoy products from cultures different from their own,” the ambassador added.

A LuLu Group spokesperson said the annual festival reflected the retailer’s continued commitment to promoting international food cultures while ensuring product quality, authenticity and transparency in sourcing.

“LuLu Group has consistently celebrated Spain’s rich culinary heritage through our annual Spanish Festival. This year, we have further expanded our selection, bringing customers an even wider range of authentic products sourced directly from Spain. Our aim is to make the best of Spanish cuisine and food culture more accessible to shoppers in Qatar, while ensuring the quality and authenticity they expect from LuLu,” the spokesperson said.

The initiative is supported by LuLu’s logistics and warehousing facility in Madrid, operated by Y International, which plays a key role in sourcing and distributing Spanish products to LuLu stores across the region.

The Madrid facility is part of the group’s wider network of export distribution centres spanning 22 countries, strengthening its international sourcing and supply chain capabilities and helping ensure a consistent supply of quality products across its markets.

The Festival of Spain 2026 underscores LuLu Group’s role in introducing international food products and culinary traditions to consumers in Qatar. By bringing Spanish producers and products closer to local shoppers, the initiative also provides a platform for cultural exchange and supports stronger commercial and cultural connections between Spain and Qatar.

Shoppers can visit the festival at LuLu Hypermarket outlets across Qatar until October 14 to discover the flavours, ingredients and culinary traditions of Spain.