Qatar Winter Events 2026: Nov-Dec Calendar

Qatar's winter calendar is packed with major events, including the Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix, FIFA U-17 World Cup, MotoGP, UFC Fight Night, Trevor Noah, Hans Zimmer and more throughout November and December 2026.

This guide to November and December 2026 events in Qatar brings together major sporting competitions, concerts, festivals, family experiences and exhibitions, organised by month so residents and visitors can plan ahead.

From elite motorsport at Lusail to international football, triathlon, comedy, live music and cultural exhibitions, the action spreads across Lusail, Aspire Zone, the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex, The Pearl, QNCC and DECC.

Here's what to mark in your diary, including confirmed dates, venues and available ticket information.

Why winter is Qatar's busiest season

From November onwards, temperatures gradually become more comfortable for outdoor activities. November can still be warm during the day, while December typically brings cooler daytime temperatures and pleasant evenings.

The winter months are among Qatar's busiest periods for international sport, entertainment and outdoor experiences.

New to Doha? Many major venues can be reached using the Doha Metro, while event-specific shuttle services may be introduced for large sporting fixtures. Always check the organiser's transport instructions before travelling.

Tickets for major concerts and sporting events are also available well in advance, making early planning particularly useful.

November 2026 events in Qatar

Sport in November

• FIP World Cup Qatar 2026 — 2 to 7 November 2026 at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex. The international padel championship brings together 32 national teams, including 16 men's and 16 women's teams, competing for world titles. The opening ceremony and tournament draws are scheduled for 1 November.
• MotoGP Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar 2026 — 6 to 8 November 2026 at Lusail International Circuit. The three-day event features practice sessions on Friday, qualifying and the Sprint Race on Saturday, and the main race on Sunday. A three-day adult general admission ticket costs QAR 200, with free admission for children under 12 subject to the organiser's ticketing conditions.
• FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026 — 19 November to 13 December 2026, with matches at the Aspire Zone Competition Complex and the final at Khalifa International Stadium. The tournament features 48 national teams playing 104 matches. FIFA has announced Day Passes starting from QAR 20, with general ticket sales beginning on 26 October following the Visa cardholder presale.
• UFC Fight Night in Doha — 21 November 2026 at Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena (ABHA Arena). The event marks UFC's return to Qatar, with Jiří Procházka and Navajo Stirling among the fighters announced for the card. Tickets went on sale on 9 October, and booking information is available through the official UFC and Visit Qatar channels.
• Formula 1 Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix 2026 — 27 to 29 November 2026 at Lusail International Circuit. The three-day race weekend includes practice sessions on Friday, qualifying on Saturday and the main Grand Prix on Sunday, 29 November at 7pm Qatar time. Grandstand, general admission and hospitality options are available through official ticketing channels.

Exhibitions and family fun

• Qatar Boat Show 2026 — 4 to 7 November 2026 at Old Doha Port. The maritime exhibition brings together yachts, boats, marine brands and waterfront lifestyle experiences, offering visitors an opportunity to explore the latest in boating and marine leisure.
• Design Doha Biennial 2026 — Opening 5 November 2026, with exhibitions continuing until 31 January 2027. The second edition features exhibitions, design commissions, talks and installations across venues including Fereej Al Asmakh and Msheireb Downtown Doha. Opening activities take place from 5 to 7 November.
• Hans Zimmer Live in Doha — 6 November 2026 at the 974 Stadium Precinct. The award-winning composer brings his cinematic concert experience to Qatar, featuring orchestral performances, live musicians and immersive visuals. Visit Qatar currently lists the event as sold out.
• Kids Expo 2026 — 17 to 21 November 2026 at Qatar National Convention Centre. The exhibition focuses on children's education, health, development, products and entertainment, bringing together educational institutions, childcare specialists and family-oriented businesses. The organiser confirms these dates, although an older Visit Qatar calendar listing begins on 16 November.
• Qatar Classic Cars Contest and Exhibition — 17 to 22 November 2026 at Medina Centrale, The Pearl. Vintage and collector cars will be showcased as part of an exhibition and competition celebrating classic automobiles. Published event listings indicate free visitor admission.
• Doha Film Festival 2026 — 19 to 27 November 2026, across festival venues in Doha. Organised by the Doha Film Institute, the festival features international and regional films, screenings, discussions and opportunities to engage with filmmakers and creative professionals.

December 2026 events in Qatar

Motorsport and endurance

• Qatar T100 Triathlon World Championship Final — 10 to 12 December 2026 in Lusail City. The three-day programme begins with community running events on 10 December, followed by the women's professional World Championship Final on 11 December and the men's final and age-group competitions on 12 December. The signature 100km race combines a 2km swim, 80km cycle and 18km run, with routes around Lusail's waterfront, streets and boulevard.

Concerts and live shows

• Trevor Noah live comedy show — 4 December 2026 at Qatar National Convention Centre, Halls 3 and 4. The former host of The Daily Show performs his new stand-up show in Doha. Doors open at 6:30pm, with the show beginning at 8pm. Tickets are available through Platinumlist, with advertised prices starting from QAR 275. The event is restricted to guests aged 16 and above.
• Saint Levant — 11 December 2026 at 900 Park, Legtaifiya. The Palestinian singer-songwriter and rapper performs live in Doha, bringing his blend of Arabic, French and English music to the stage. Doors open at 5pm, with tickets currently listed from QAR 325 through the event organiser. Age restrictions vary by ticket zone.
• Cairokee Live in Qatar — 17 December 2026 at QNCC Conference Hall. The Egyptian rock band performs in Doha as part of its SuperNova album tour. Doors open at 6pm, with DJ Raff opening the evening before Cairokee takes the stage at 9:30pm. Tickets are currently advertised from QAR 245 on Platinumlist.

Festivals, forums and exhibitions

• Doha Forum 2026 — 5 to 6 December 2026 at the Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel. Held under the theme "Redefining Global Trust," the international policy forum brings together government leaders, experts and policymakers. Additional partner-led activities are scheduled for 7 December at venues across Doha. Attendance is by invitation, with an Expression of Interest process for prospective participants. Main sessions will also be livestreamed.
• Bubble Planet — 6 December 2026 to 6 February 2027 at the Qatar National Convention Centre. This immersive family experience features themed rooms, optical illusions, colourful installations, interactive environments and virtual reality experiences designed for visitors of different ages.
• Qatar Balloon Festival 2026 — Tentatively scheduled for 10 to 19 December 2026. The seventh edition is planned to feature colourful hot-air balloons, special-shaped balloons and evening Night Glow displays. The organisers state that the dates remain subject to approval, with the venue, daily operating hours and visitor access details yet to be confirmed.
• Qatar Beauty and Wellcare 2026 — 14 to 16 December 2026 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC). Running daily from 10am to 6pm, the exhibition brings together beauty, skincare, cosmetics, wellness, spa and personal-care businesses, providing a platform for industry professionals and brands.
• Qatar National Day — 18 December 2026. Qatar's annual national celebration commemorates the country's founding and features cultural, heritage and community activities. Locations such as Darb Al Saai, Doha Corniche and Katara have traditionally hosted celebrations, although the specific 2026 programmes and schedules should be checked through official announcements.

Multi-month events running through winter

Several events stretch across the winter season, giving residents and visitors more flexibility to explore:

• Design Doha Biennial 2026 — 5 November 2026 to 31 January 2027, across venues including Fereej Al Asmakh and Msheireb Downtown Doha. The exhibition programme features contemporary design, public installations, commissioned works and creative discussions involving regional and international designers.
• Bubble Planet — 6 December 2026 to 6 February 2027 at QNCC, offering families an interactive indoor experience throughout much of winter.
• Rubaiya Qatar — 21 November 2026 to 30 April 2027 at multiple venues across Qatar. The country's inaugural contemporary art quadrennial brings together exhibitions, installations, performances and artist commissions, providing another major cultural experience extending beyond the winter months.

Tips for planning your winter outings

• Book major sports events early — Formula 1, MotoGP, FIFA U-17 World Cup and UFC Fight Night have official ticketing information available. Check prices and availability directly with organisers before making plans.
• Use the Doha Metro — Public transport is convenient for reaching many major venues, although some locations require a final taxi, tram or shuttle connection. Verify the transport arrangements for each event.
• Dress for the cooler evenings — November and December bring more comfortable weather, but outdoor events may feel cooler after sunset. A light jacket can be useful.
• Check entry requirements — Not every event is open to all ages or the general public. Trevor Noah has a minimum age requirement, Saint Levant has ticket-zone restrictions, and Doha Forum is invitation-only.
• Check official channels for pricing — Ticket prices, availability, event schedules and venues can change. Events such as the Qatar Balloon Festival still have details awaiting confirmation.

For the latest updates, browse the Qatar Living events page to find upcoming events, concerts, exhibitions and activities happening across Qatar.

FAQs

When is the Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix 2026?

The Formula 1 Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix 2026 takes place from 27 to 29 November at Lusail International Circuit. The main race is scheduled for Sunday, 29 November at 7pm Qatar time.

What's the best time to visit Doha in winter?

November through January is one of the best periods for outdoor activities in Qatar. Temperatures become milder as winter progresses, making it an attractive time for sporting events, festivals and sightseeing. Visitors planning around major events should book accommodation and tickets in advance.

Where is the FIFA U-17 World Cup being played in Qatar?

The tournament runs from 19 November to 13 December 2026, with matches at the Aspire Zone Competition Complex and the final at Khalifa International Stadium. FIFA has announced 48 participating teams and 104 matches.

General ticket sales begin on 26 October 2026, with Day Passes starting from QAR 20.

Are these winter events open to expats and residents?

Many events welcome residents, expatriates and international visitors, subject to ticketing and entry requirements.

However, access varies by event. Some concerts have age restrictions, and Doha Forum is by invitation only. Visitors should review the event's official conditions before booking.

How do I get to Lusail International Circuit for the Grand Prix?

The Doha Metro Red Line serves the Lusail area, but the circuit is not directly next to a Metro station. Event-specific shuttle services or other transport arrangements may be provided. Check the official Lusail International Circuit travel information before attending.

Do I need to book tickets in advance?

Advance booking is recommended for major sporting events and concerts, especially Formula 1, MotoGP, UFC, Trevor Noah and other headline performances.

Some exhibitions offer free entry or visitor registration, while others require paid admission. Always check the official event page for the latest ticket availability and entry requirements.

About Qatar Living:

Since 2005, Qatar Living has been the trusted destination for everything Qatar. As the country's largest online community and marketplace, Qatar Living connects people with opportunities through jobs, property, vehicles, services, classifieds, events, local insights, and breaking news. Trusted by residents, newcomers, visitors, and businesses alike, Qatar Living brings Qatar together in one place.

Instagram - @qatarliving

X - @qatarliving

Facebook - Qatar Living

YouTube - qatarlivingofficial