Qatar is a passionate sporting nation, ranging from one of the oldest sports known to man (falconry) to international spectacles like the FIFA World Cup, the F1® Qatar Grand Prix and the Asian Games.
About Qatar
Qatar Tourism Hotline 24/7 - call +974 44069921 - For more info please Click Here
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Qatar National Sports Day
The second Tuesday in February is a day to promote healthy, active lifestyles.
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Football: Qatar’s national sport
Locals and expats enjoy football at Qatar's World Cup stadiums.
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Love of traditional sport
Heritage Qatar sports like falconry and camel racing date back centuries.
Traditional sports
Qatar’s connection with sports is treasured and ancient. Horse racing, camel racing and falconry have been part of the country’s history for centuries – discover more unique traditions.
Major sports tournaments in Qatar
These global sports have helped shape our identity, placing Qatar firmly on the world sporting map.
Racing fuels energy and excitement
In 2004, Lusail International Circuit was inaugurated with the MotoGP Grand Prix of Qatar and has been hosting this thrilling two-wheel race ever since. In 2021, the first Formula 1® Qatar Grand Prix took place at the circuit, filling the void left by the Australian Grand Prix.
A history of thrilling football events
Qatar’s illustrious football journey began in 1988 with its first AFC Asian Cup, followed by editions in 2011 and 2023. The country stepped onto the global club football stage with the FIFA Club World Cups in 2019 and 2020, and welcomed the FIFA Intercontinental Cup Qatar 2024™. Qatar also hosted the U23 Asian Cup in 2016 and 2024. The pinnacle was the unforgettable FIFA World Cup™ from 20 November to 18 December 2022 — a defining moment in the nation’s sporting history.
Home of tennis greats since 1993
Doha has hosted the ATP Qatar Open, our premier men’s tennis event, since 1993. The WTA Qatar Open, our leading women’s tournament, has taken place at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex since 2001.
The Gulf’s first handball tournament
The 2015 World Men's Handball Championship was held for the first time in Qatar, from 15 January to 1 February 2015. Qatar won their first-ever medal, coming second to France.
Qatar steps up to the global court
Qatar has established itself as a basketball hub, hosting major tournaments including continental championships and global World Cup qualifiers. The 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup will be held in Qatar from 27 August to 12 September 2027 – the first FIBA Basketball World Cup in the Arab world.
Setting the stage for Olympic glory
Qatar also has a strong connection with the Olympic Games, having hosted the 2006 Asian Games and looking ahead to the 2030 Asian Games, scheduled to be held in Doha from 4 to 19 November 2030. Qatar has spectacular sports venues and cutting-edge sports centres to host events of this stature.
Upcoming sporting events in Qatar
Be first in line for adrenaline-pumping Qatar sports events that will have you on the edge of your seat.
Al Shaqab League Second Season
Experience the thrill of elite equestrian competition at the second season of the Al Shaqab League. 🐎
22
May
To
06
Jun
QSF 2 PSA Satellite "Senior" (1K) Squash
Witness exciting squash action at the QSF 2 PSA Satellite “Senior” Championship, where top players compete in thrilling matches.
08
Jun
To
11
Jun
Exhibition of Cultural Olympiad Competition
Explore the creativity of the 321 Cultural Olympiad 2026 winners in a vibrant exhibition celebrating global talent, art, and innovation.
22
Jun
To
31
Aug
World Olympic Day
Celebrate the spirit of sport and unity at Olympic Day, a global event promoting fitness, friendship, and the Olympic values.
23
Jun
2026 MotoGP™ Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar
Experience high-speed MotoGP action in Qatar, where elite riders push limits on a world-class track.
06
Nov
To
08
Nov
Formula 1 Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar 2026
Feel the adrenaline as Formula 1 returns for the Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar.
27
Nov
To
29
Nov
Qatar T100 Triathlon World Championship Final
Get ready to race on a course like no other! Embrace the cultural vibrance of Qatar as you race through one of the world’s premiere sport’s destinations.
11
Dec
To
12
Dec
Doha Marathon by Ooredoo
The 15th edition will be the biggest yet, with over 20,000 attendees and activities for all.
15
Jan
Look back on Qatar sporting history
Qatar has made huge investments in sports infrastructure and played host to exciting landmark tournaments – which you can revisit at our innovative 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum.
2030
Asian Games
The Asian Games, first held in Qatar in 2006, will once again be hosted in Doha in November 2030.
2027
FIBA Basketball World Cup
The first FIBA Basketball World Cup in the Arab world will take place from 27 August to 12 September 2027 in Qatar.
2024
FIFA Intercontinental Cup Qatar 2024™
The FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2024™ showcased epic football action in Qatar, bringing together global champions in a thrilling knockout format.
2022
FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™
Qatar was the first Middle Eastern and Arab country to host football's biggest sporting event.
2021
Qatar Grand Prix
The inaugural F1 racing event took place at the Lusail International Circuit.
2015
World Men’s Handball Championship
Held in Qatar for the first time, 15 January to 1 February.
2004
MotoGP Grand Prix of Qatar
The inaugural MotoGP Grand Prix of Qatar was first hosted in 2004.
2001
WTA Qatar Open
Qatar’s premier women's tennis tournament has been taking place in Doha since 2001.
1993
ATP Qatar Open
The ATP Qatar Open has been hosted in Doha since 1993.
1988
AFC Asian Cup
Qatar first hosted the tournament in 1988, followed by editions in 2011 and 2023.
Highlights from recent sporting events
Everywhere you go, sport takes centre stage, from beach volleyball and football fandom to kite surfing, basketball and electric racing. Here are some recent highlights.
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Things to know before travelling
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Visas
Want to travel visa-free? Check if you qualify here.
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Getting here
Planning your trip to Qatar? Check how to get here.
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Travel tips
Make the most of your visit with our handy travel guide.
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Getting around
From a dhow boat to our world-class metro, here’s how to easily explore Qatar.
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