Pictures: Hana Ramadan / The Peninsula
Doha, Qatar: Drawing hundreds of visitors, Nostalgia Nights emerged as one of the highlights of the Qatar Toy Festival, bringing together audiences of all ages to revisit cherished childhood memories through iconic cartoon theme songs, live performances and appearances by the voices behind some of the Arab world’s most beloved animated characters.
Held at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC), the event celebrated some of the Arab world’s most beloved cartoons through live music, stage performances and appearances by the voices behind well-known animated characters. Visitors of different generations gathered to sing along to familiar theme songs and revisit memories associated with the programmes they grew up watching.
Among the highlights was the appearance of renowned voice actress Amal Saad El Din, best known as the Arabic voice of Detective Conan. She performed a live scene on stage using the character’s voice, receiving enthusiastic applause from the audience.
She was joined by veteran voice actor Marwan Farhat, known for voicing Kogoro Mouri (Togomori) in the Arabic version of Detective Conan. Farhat also performed a scene alongside Amal Saad El Din and is widely recognised for voicing Batman and numerous other animated characters in Arabic.
Singer Emy Hetari also took to the stage to perform the Arabic theme song of Detective Conan, with visitors singing along throughout the performance, creating one of the evening’s most interactive moments.
The programme also featured a live DJ performance by stage producer Mohammad Hashim, who blended classic cartoon theme songs with modern rhythms, encouraging audience participation throughout the event.
The Peninsula spoke to several visitors to find out which cartoons had remained closest to their childhood memories. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Detective Conan and Let’s & Go were among the titles most frequently mentioned by attendees. Visitors also reflected on the lessons they learned from the cartoons they watched while growing up. Many said the programmes taught them values such as friendship, perseverance and honesty, while others recalled memorable phrases including “We think, we succeed” and “Truth will always prevail.” Nostalgia Nights offers visitors an opportunity to relive classic childhood memories through music, live performances and appearances.
Qatar Toy Festival, being held at DECC since July 1, will conclude today, August 4, 2026.
