Qatar enters 2026 with a packed calendar of major sporting events, cultural festivals and high-level business and policy forums, underscoring its growing role as a regional and global convening hub.
As the new year begins, Qatar stands poised to deliver an unparalleled slate of events in 2026, welcoming residents, visitors and global audiences to a dynamic mix of sporting shows, cultural celebrations, business summits and family-friendly festivals.
Qatar’s 2026 calendar is set to showcase the country’s continuing evolution, featuring not only major international competitions, but also niche cultural marathons and innovation-driven conferences.
Major sports events:
Amir Cup — Preliminary Knockout Stage
Date: 10 January 2026 / 5:30–6:30 p.m.
Location: Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium, Thani bin Jassim Stadium, Hamad bin Khalifa Stadium, Hamad Al Kabeer Stadium.
Date: 13-17 January 2026
Location: Qatar Racing Club, Doha
A premier annual automotive and drag-racing showcase featuring custom car builds, drift displays and motorsport culture exhibitions.
Date: 24 January 2026
Location: Southern Qatar
One of Qatar’s toughest endurance challenges, the Samla Race tests athletes’ physical and mental strength across challenging desert terrain.
Date: 30 January 2026
Location: Ahmad bin Ali Stadium
A high-profile charity football match bringing together global football legends, content creators and celebrities to raise funds for humanitarian causes.
Date: 10 February 2026
Location: Lusail Boulevard
A community road race held as part of Qatar National Sport Day celebrations, welcoming runners of all ages and abilities.
Date: 8–14 February 2026
Location: Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex
An elite WTA 1000 women’s tennis tournament featuring top-ranked international players.
H.H. The Amir’s Sword International Equestrian Festival 2026
Date: 11–14 February 2026
Location: Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club, Furousiya Street
A prestigious equestrian festival featuring leading international horses and riders competing in top-level showjumping events.
Date: 16–21 February 2026
Location: Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex
A leading ATP 500 men’s tennis tournament attracting some of the world’s top professional players.
Finalissima 2026 – Spain vs Argentina
Date: 27 March 2026
Location: Lusail Stadium
European and South American champions face off in a blockbuster international football showdown.
Qatar 1812 KM – FIA World Endurance Championship 2026
Date: 26–28 March 2026
Location: Lusail International Circuit
Qatar hosts a flagship endurance race on the FIA World Endurance Championship calendar, featuring hypercars and international racing teams.
MotoGP™ Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar
Date: 10–12 April 2026
Location: Lusail International Circuit
The MotoGP season returns to Doha with a dramatic night-time race under floodlights, drawing global motorsport fans.
Date: 11–22 May 2026
Location: Doha
Qatar hosts the fourth edition of the Gulf Cooperation Council Games, featuring athletes from across the region competing in multiple sports.
2026 FIVB Volleyball Boys’ U17 World Championship
Date: 19–29 August 2026
Location: Doha
An international youth volleyball championship bringing together 24 national teams from across five continents.
Formula 1 Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix 2026
Date: 29 November 2026
Location: Lusail International Circuit
A major highlight of the Formula 1 calendar, the Qatar Grand Prix returns as a night race showcasing elite motorsport under floodlights.
Culture, Arts, Community & Entertainment
Date: 9–10 January 2026
Location: Mawater Sealine Circuit Sports Club
A high-energy live motorsport entertainment show featuring world-famous monster trucks, freestyle stunts and family-friendly action.
Date: 16 January 2026
Location: Doha
The 14th edition of the Doha Marathon is expected to be the largest yet, drawing more than 20,000 participants and offering a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere.
Date: 9–30 January 2026
Location: Sealine, Mesaieed
A seasonal outdoor programme featuring desert camping, dune bashing, cultural activities and family-friendly entertainment at one of Qatar’s most popular winter destinations.
Qatar International Food Festival (QIFF) 2026
Date: 14 – 24 January 2026
Location: 974 Stadium precinct
One of Qatar’s flagship lifestyle events, the festival brings together local and international chefs, pop-up dining concepts and live entertainment.
Date: 5–7 February 2026
Location: M7 and Doha Design District
Qatar makes history by hosting its first Art Basel, bringing leading global galleries, collectors and contemporary artists to Doha.
Date: Every Friday and Saturday until April 2026/Fridays: 4–10 p.m., Saturdays: 2–9 p.m.
Location: Zone 1, Museum of Islamic Art Park, Doha
A weekly outdoor market offering artisan goods, local food, crafts and cultural activities, free for all visitors.
Business, Technology, Innovation & Politics
DIMDEX 2026 (Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference)
Date: 19–22 January 2026
Location: Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC), Doha
A major international defence and maritime security exhibition bringing together global military, security and industry leaders.
Qatar Plastica Conference 2026
Date: 14-17 January 2026 (TBC)
Location: Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC)
A specialised trade exhibition showcasing innovations in plastics, petrochemicals, printing and industrial manufacturing.
Date: 1–4 February 2026
Location: Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC)
One of the region’s largest technology conferences, gathering global tech leaders, startups, investors and policymakers.
Qatar Economic Forum, Powered by Bloomberg 2026
Date: 12-14 May 2026
Location: Doha
A high-level global forum bringing together heads of state, CEOs and policymakers to discuss economic growth, geopolitics and innovation.
Date: 9 – 11 June 2026
Location: Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC)
An international construction and building materials exhibition highlighting infrastructure development and sustainability.
Date: December 2026 (TBC)
Location: Doha
A global platform for dialogue, bringing together world leaders, policymakers, and experts to discuss international affairs, economics, and regional developments.
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