Qatar Calendar 2025–2026: A New Era for Events in Qatar

Visit Qatar has unveiled the Qatar Calendar for 2025–2026, a comprehensive platform designed to showcase the nation’s most exciting events. This initiative was announced at a prominent event attended by H.E. Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani, the Minister of Sports and Youth. The calendar aims to elevate Qatar’s status as a year-round destination for tourism, culture, sports, and entertainment.

A Collaborative Effort

The launch of the Qatar Calendar marks a significant achievement for Visit Qatar and its partners in both the public and private sectors. This collaboration is aimed at enhancing the visitor experience, stimulating economic growth, and highlighting the country’s exceptional infrastructure and diverse offerings.

A Strategic Milestone

In his opening remarks, His Excellency Mr. Saad bin Ali Al Kharji, Chairman of Qatar Tourism and the Board of Directors of Visit Qatar, described the calendar as a “significant milestone” in Qatar’s tourism strategy. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between government and private entities, stating that the calendar aligns with the Third National Development Strategy (2024–2030). This strategy aims to increase tourism’s contribution to the GDP and attract a larger number of international visitors.

Eng. Abdulaziz Ali Al Mawlawi, CEO of Visit Qatar, noted that the calendar serves as the primary reference for upcoming events in the country. “It is a unified platform for all the nation’s events, allowing public and private sector stakeholders to promote their programs to residents and visitors alike,” he explained. This collaborative approach is designed to create rich experiences that showcase the diversity and quality of Qatar’s tourism offerings.

Upcoming Highlights

The launch event featured presentations from various organizations that outlined major upcoming events across sports, culture, and entertainment:

• Football: Mr. Jassim Abdulaziz Al-Jassim, CEO of the Local Organising Committee for Football Events, confirmed that Qatar will host several prestigious tournaments, including the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025, FIFA U-17 World Cup, and FIFA Confederations Cup. The FIFA Intercontinental Cup is also set to be part of this exciting lineup.

• Culture: Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Hamad Al-Thani from the National Museum of Qatar announced the inaugural Art Basel Qatar, further establishing Doha as a global cultural hub.

• Cinema: Ms. Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, CEO of the Doha Film Institute, introduced the first Doha Film Festival, aimed at connecting local talent with the global cinema industry.

• Motorsport: Mr. Abdulaziz Ali Al Mohannadi, CEO of Lusail International Circuit, confirmed the dates for the Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix, along with improvements in hospitality and transport access.

• Music & Performance: Captain Mohammed Ahmed Al-Buainain from the Ministry of Interior shared details about the Doha International Military Music Festival (Doha Tattoo), which will feature international performers and public events.

• Triathlon: Mrs. Fatma Al Ghanim from the Qatar Cycling & Triathlon Federation introduced the T100 Triathlon World Championship Final 2025, which will be hosted in Lusail City for the first time.

A Hub for Entertainment, Culture, and Sports

In his closing remarks, Mr. Ahmed Al Binali, Director of Festivals and Events at Visit Qatar, highlighted that the unified calendar simplifies planning for both residents and visitors. It also enhances the visibility of Qatar’s diverse events portfolio. With 25,000 printed copies distributed monthly and digital access available through the Visit Qatar website, mobile app, and social media channels, the calendar serves as both a practical tool and a marketing platform for the nation’s tourism brand.

Upcoming entertainment includes performances by global comedian Russell Peters as part of his Relax World Tour, along with concerts featuring artists like Wael Kfoury, Angham, and Omar Khairat. Cultural events such as the Qatar International Food Festival and the Throwback Food Festival will take place, alongside ongoing programs at Katara Cultural Village, Souq Waqif, and Al Bidda Park.

On the sports front, Qatar continues to establish itself as a premier international host, with events like the Asian Padel Championship, the World Aquabike Championship, and the Qatar International Golf Series, all promising high-quality experiences for fans and athletes alike.

With the Qatar Calendar 2025–2026, the nation is poised to offer a vibrant array of events that cater to a wide range of interests, reinforcing its commitment to becoming a leading global destination.