Visit Qatar, along with partners from across different sectors, unveiled the Qatar Calendar 2025–26 during a glittering launch event on Sunday.

Attended by Qatar’s Minister of Sports and Youth HE Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani, the event highlighted each partner’s flagship contributions to the year’s line-up.

The announcement of the unified national events calendar represents a strategic step towards consolidating efforts under one framework, highlighting the collaborative efforts between local and international partners in strengthening Qatar’s tourism ecosystem and enhancing the visitor experience.

It allows residents and visitors from around the world to plan ahead for Qatar’s dynamic line-up of events, while underscoring the country’s position as a destination with a diverse offering designed to stimulate economic activity and support the growth of the hospitality and retail sectors.

In his opening remarks, Qatar Tourism Chairman Saad bin Ali Al Kharji, who is also Chair of the Board of Directors of Visit Qatar, said: “The Qatar Calendar 2025-26 represents a significant milestone in advancing our tourism sector. It reflects the strength of our national institutions and the value of collaboration between government and private sector partners, reaffirming our commitment to delivering an exceptional and integrated experience for residents and visitors alike,” he said.

“The breadth of events — spanning sport, culture, entertainment and family activities — demonstrates Qatar’s ambition to diversify its tourism offerings. It also highlights our capacity to host world-class events that reinforce the nation’s global standing and contribute to the objectives of the Third National Development Strategy (2024–30), by expanding tourism’s share of GDP and attracting an increasing number of visitors,” he added.

Visit Qatar’s Chief Executive Officer Abdulaziz Ali Al Mawlawi said: “Qatar Calendar is the primary reference point for events hosted by the country and is the result of close cooperation with partners in both the government and private sectors. It’s a unified platform for all the nation’s events, allowing public and private sector stakeholders to promote their programmes to residents and visitors alike.

“This collaboration enables us to curate rich experiences for visitors and residents, reflecting the diversity and quality of Qatar’s tourism offering. Qatar is distinguished by its accessibility, safety and world-class infrastructure, complemented by a diverse programme of events that make the tourism experience truly engaging,” he added.

The event featured speeches and presentations by representatives showcasing their flagship contributions to the events calendar.

Jassim Abdulaziz Al Jassim, CEO of Local Organsing Committee for Football Events, outlined upcoming FIFA tournaments including the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025, The FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 and 2025 FIFA Confederations Cup, highlighting stadium readiness and fan experiences, and announced the 2025 FIFA Intercontinental Cup.

Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Hamad Al Thani, Director of the National Museum of Qatar, outlined upcoming cultural programmes, including preparations for the first edition of ‘Art Basel Qatar,’ which will solidify Doha as a global cultural hub.

Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, Festival Director and Chief Executive Officer at the Doha Film Institute, introduced the inaugural Doha Film Festival, designed as a platform to connect local talent with the global cinema industry.

Abdulaziz Ali Al Mohannadi, CEO of Lusail International Circuit, confirmed dates for the Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix, alongside hospitality packages, fan experiences and transport arrangements to ensure smooth access.

Captain Mohammed Ahmed Al Buainain, Spokesperson of Doha Tattoo Festival Committee at the Ministry of Interior, shared details of the upcoming Doha International Military Music Festival (Doha Tattoo), including international participation and public activities.

Fatma Al Ghanim, Board Member & Assistant Secretary General of Qatar Cycling & Triathlon Federation, highlighted the 2025 T100 Triathlon World Championship Final in Doha, including details of its inaugural edition in Lusail City.

In his closing remarks, Ahmed Al Binali, Director of Festivals and Events at Visit Qatar, emphasised that the unified calendar reflects the country’s vision for tourism as a strategic tool that simplifies access, streamlines planning, and ensures visibility for Qatar’s events portfolio.

Continuously updated to capture the nation’s rich diversity across entertainment, culture, and sport, the Qatar Calendar serves as both a practical resource and a platform for showcasing Qatar’s global appeal.

He highlighted its wide reach through 25,000 printed copies distributed monthly, a digital version available via the Visit Qatar website, mobile application and verified social media channels, as well as an interactive pavilion that engages audiences at major events across the country.

Al Binali further noted that the entertainment programme features a diversity of entertaining experiences, including a performance by international star Russell Peters as part of his Relax world tour, alongside concerts by leading Arab artists such as Wael Kfoury, Angham, and Omar Khairat.

On the cultural front, key highlights include the Sealine 2026 Season in Ras Brouq, the Qatar International Food Festival, which is the nation’s largest culinary celebration, and the Throwback Food Festival, which revives the heritage of Qatari eateries with a modern spirit.

These are complemented by ongoing artistic and cultural events at Katara Cultural Village, Souq Waqif, and Al Bidda, further enriching Qatar’s cultural landscape.

In the realm of sport, Qatar continues to strengthen its position as a premier international destination by hosting major tournaments, including the Asian Padel Championship, the World Aquabike Championship, and the Qatar International Golf Series, offering both residents and visitors world-class sporting experiences throughout the year.

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