Visit Qatar will return as presenting partner of the 2026 Qatar Goodwood Festival, continuing its partnership with one of the most prominent events in the British flat-racing calendar.
The five-day festival will be held from July 28 to August 1, 2026, at Goodwood Racecourse in West Sussex, United Kingdom. This will be Visit Qatar’s second edition as presenting partner following the start of the renewed arrangement in 2025.
Qatar Goodwood Festival to feature five days of racing
Commonly known as “Glorious Goodwood”, the Qatar Goodwood Festival attracts leading horses, jockeys, trainers and racing enthusiasts from around the world.
The 2026 programme will include 13 Group races and three Group 1 contests across five days of competition.
Visit Qatar will hold naming rights to six races during the festival:
- Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup — July 28
- Visit Qatar Sussex Stakes — July 29
- Qatar International Stakes — July 29
- Qatar Nassau Stakes — July 30
- King George Qatar Stakes — July 31
- Qatar Lillie Langtry Stakes — August 1
The races place Qatar’s name across several of the festival’s highest-profile fixtures.
Visit Qatar Sussex Stakes prize money increased
One of the main developments for 2026 is the increase in prize money for the Visit Qatar Sussex Stakes.
The one-mile Group 1 race will offer £1.5 million, making it the most valuable one-mile flat race in Europe.
The race is one of the festival’s headline events and is expected to attract leading international horses and jockeys.
Visit Qatar Pavilion to showcase Qatari culture
Visit Qatar’s presence will extend beyond the racecourse branding.
A dedicated Visit Qatar Pavilion will return to the Richmond Enclosure, offering visitors immersive experiences inspired by Qatar’s heritage, culture and hospitality.
Guests will also be able to sample Qatari cuisine through a culinary pop-up led by Qatari chef Salman Al Jaidah.
A Visit Qatar Lounge will provide a space for meetings and engagement with tourism partners and other international stakeholders.
Partnership promotes Qatar to international audiences
Visit Qatar’s involvement forms part of its broader strategy to increase Qatar’s visibility in key global markets.
By partnering with internationally recognised sporting and cultural events, Visit Qatar aims to reach new audiences, strengthen relationships with tourism and sports organisations and promote the country as a premium travel destination.
The partnership also builds on Qatar’s long-standing relationship with Goodwood Racecourse. Qatar’s sponsorship of the festival began in 2015 through the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club, before the renewed multi-year partnership involving Visit Qatar commenced in 2025.
Qatar Goodwood Festival dates
The Qatar Goodwood Festival presented by Visit Qatar will run from Tuesday, July 28, until Saturday, August 1, 2026.
The event will combine elite horse racing with fashion, hospitality and cultural activities, while presenting Qatar’s tourism offering to visitors and international audiences throughout the festival.
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