Visit Qatar has unveiled its most extensive Qatar Calendar to date for the 2025–2026 season, extending an open invitation to travellers across the region to experience a destination alive with sport, culture, entertainment and family experiences.
The calendar now includes more than 550 registered events delivered in partnership with over 220 public and private entities. It serves as a single gateway for residents and visitors to plan their journeys and discover everything taking place across the country throughout the year.
Sports will play a central role in positioning Qatar as a leading tourism destination. This November, the country will host the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) for the first time in the Middle East at Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena. The event is not limited to competition alone but will offer fighter meet-and-greets, media sessions, dedicated fan zones and exclusive travel packages designed specifically for international visitors.
The season also features the Asian Padel Championship, the UIM-ABP Aquabike World Championship at Doha Old Port from October 30 to November 1, the Qatar International Golf Series, the Doha Marathon by Ooredoo, and cultural-sport initiatives by Aspire. Later in the year, Qatar will host the Fifa Arab Cup 2025, the Qatar T100 Triathlon World Championship Finals in partnership with the Professional Triathletes Organisation, and the Qatar Airways Grand Prix Formula 1. Preparations are also well underway to host the Fiba Basketball World Cup in 2027.
For entertainment seekers, the calendar promises a vibrant line-up of international and regional performances. The Steve Harvey Gulf event, the Hot Wheels™ City experience and My Craft will further enhance the entertainment offering with experiences designed for families, young audiences and international visitors alike. Additionally, the Doha Tattoo Festival set to take place from December 16 to 20, 2025 will make its debut in the Middle East, bringing a new artistic dimension to the cultural landscape.
Cultural tourism remains a key pillar of Visit Qatar’s offering. The upcoming season includes the second editions of “Sealine Season” in Sealine and “Brouq Season” in Ras Abrouq, the Qatar International Food Festival from January 14 to 24, 2026, and the Throwback Food Festival from February 17 to March 19, which celebrates the heritage of traditional Qatari eateries with a contemporary approach. These events are complemented by the ongoing cultural activities at Katara Cultural Village, Souq Waqif and Al Bidda Park, which continue to showcase authentic Qatari artistry, craftsmanship and hospitality.
Ahmed Al-Binali, Director of Festivals and Events at Visit Qatar. Photo: Supplied
Through the Qatar Calendar, Visit Qatar aims to deliver a seamless visitor journey by bringing together all events under one central platform, available in both digital and print formats. This collaborative effort, led by Visit Qatar in partnership with national stakeholders, ensures accessibility, coordination and consistency across the destination’s offerings.
With its blend of world-class sport, live entertainment, heritage and family attractions, Visit Qatar extends an invitation to regional travellers to be part of an unforgettable season in a destination where tradition and modernity come together seamlessly.
Quick pearls of wisdom
Focus on gratitude: And do so deeply, he says. “Think of one to three things a day that you’re grateful for. It needs to be specific, too, don’t just say ‘air.’ Really think about it. If you’re grateful for, say, what your parents have done for you, that will motivate you to do more for the world.”
Know how to fight: Shetty married his wife, Radhi, three years ago (he met her in a meditation class before he went off and became a monk). He says they’ve had to learn to respect each other’s “fighting styles” – he’s a talk it-out-immediately person, while she needs space to think. “When you’re having an argument, remember, it’s not you against each other. It’s both of you against the problem. When you win, they lose. If you’re on a team you have to win together.”
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Essentials
The flights Emirates, Etihad and Malaysia Airlines all fly direct from the UAE to Kuala Lumpur and on to Penang from about Dh2,300 return, including taxes.
Where to stay
In Kuala Lumpur,Element is a recently opened, futuristic hotel high up in a Norman Foster-designed skyscraper. Rooms cost from Dh400 per night, including taxes. Hotel Stripes, also in KL, is a great value design hotel, with an infinity rooftop pool. Rooms cost from Dh310, including taxes.
In Penang,Ren i Tang is a boutique b&b in what was once an ancient Chinese Medicine Hall in the centre of Little India. Rooms cost from Dh220, including taxes. 23 Love Lane in Penang is a luxury boutique heritage hotel in a converted mansion, with private tropical gardens. Rooms cost from Dh400, including taxes.
In Langkawi,Temple Tree is a unique architectural villa hotel consisting of antique houses from all across Malaysia. Rooms cost from Dh350, including taxes.
not have been convicted of offences or crimes involving moral turpitude
be free of infectious diseases or psychological and mental disorders
have the ability to support its members and the foster child financially
undertake to treat and raise the child in a proper manner and take care of his or her health and well-being
A single, divorced or widowed Muslim Emirati female, residing in the UAE may apply to foster a child if she is at least 30 years old and able to support the child financially
Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.
The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.
Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.
Name: Thndr Started: 2019 Co-founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr Sector: FinTech Headquarters: Egypt UAE base: Hub71, Abu Dhabi Current number of staff: More than 150 Funds raised: $22 million
