FuelFest has made its Middle East debut in Doha, drawing more than 6,000 fans to a high-energy celebration of car culture, music and lifestyle, as Qatar continues to expand its cultural calendar with globally recognised events.
The roar of engines and the pulse of hip-hop merged into a landmark moment for Middle Eastern car culture as FuelFest officially made its regional debut at Katara South Parking. The world-renowned festival, inspired by the Fast & Furious legacy, kicked off its 2026 World Tour in Doha, drawing over 6,000 fans to a spectacle that was as much a lifestyle celebration as it was a motor show.
A Global Phenomenon Lands in Doha
A car culture festival rooted in Los Angeles roared into the Middle East for the first time this week as FuelFest made its debut in Doha, drawing more than 6,000 fans.
Founded by Cody Walker and rooted in the community spirit of his late brother, Paul Walker, FuelFest has built a reputation in the US, Japan, and Europe for blending “cars, culture, and music.” Its arrival in Qatar, in partnership with Visit Qatar and Melt Live Middle East, marks a significant expansion into the Arab world.
“FuelFest Qatar is about more than just entertainment—it’s about building connections and celebrating a shared passion for automotive art,” noted Cody Walker during the event’s opening.
Highlights of the Festival
The event transformed the Katara coastline into a high-energy arena featuring:
Star Power: Fans were treated to appearances and exclusive meet-and-greets with Hollywood stars Jason Statham, Tyrese Gibson, and Cody Walker.
The Show Floor: Over 500 vehicles were on display, ranging from rare hypercars and American muscle to iconic movie cars from the Fast & Furious franchise.
The Drift Zone: Professional drivers pushed tires to the limit in live drifting demonstrations. For the truly brave, “Taxi Drift” ride-alongs allowed fans to experience the G-force firsthand.
A Concert Finale for the History Books
As the sun set over Doha, the festival shifted gears into a massive outdoor concert. In a first for the FuelFest brand, two hip-hop legends—Ludacris and Busta Rhymes—performed back-to-back. The “dual-headliner” finale provided a high-energy conclusion to the day, proving that the festival’s appeal reaches far beyond die-hard “petrolheads.”
Racing for a Cause
True to its roots, a portion of the proceeds from the Qatar debut was donated to Reach Out WorldWide (ROWW). The non-profit, founded by Paul Walker, continues to deploy first responders to disaster-stricken areas globally, ensuring the festival leaves a positive impact long after the tire smoke clears.
| Event Detail | Information |
| Location | Katara South Parking, Doha |
| Debut Date | January 23, 2026 |
| Attendance | 6,260+ fans |
| Key Partners | Visit Qatar, Qatar Racing Club, QMMF |
Looking Ahead
The success of FuelFest’s Middle East debut sets a new benchmark for lifestyle events in the region. With Qatar increasingly positioning itself as a global hub for sports and entertainment, this “automotive Coachella” is expected to become a staple of the winter calendar.
