From Formula 1 to Art Basel Qatar, the 2026/2027 programme will offer travellers new reasons to visit the country, discover its attractions and extend their stay.
Sport, art and gastronomy will set the agenda in Qatar over the coming months. With more than 560 events scheduled for 2026 and 2027, the country will roll out a programme featuring major international events such as Formula 1, the FIFA U-17 World Cup and Art Basel Qatar, alongside festivals, shows and outdoor activities. The calendar, presented by Visit Qatar under the theme A World of Events in Qatar, will enable travellers to experience these events and make the most of their stay to explore other attractions the destination has to offer, from Doha’s museums and galleries to its culinary scene and desert landscapes.
Sport and culture take centre stage in the calendar’s major events
Sport will feature prominently in Qatar’s programme over the coming months, with the return of Formula 1 to the Lusail International Circuit (27–29 November) and the hosting of the FIFA U-17 World Cup (19 November–13 December), which will once again bring international football to the country. These competitions will be joined by major tennis and padel tournaments, which will attract leading athletes and fans alike. Furthermore, the cultural calendar will also play a leading role with Art Basel Qatar (28–30 January), alongside an extensive programme of exhibitions, concerts, festivals and live performances.
The range of events is complemented by the tourist attractions in Doha and the surrounding area, which allow visitors to enjoy a variety of experiences in a single day. Thus, those travelling to attend a sporting competition can make the most of their stay by visiting the capital’s museums and galleries, discovering its culinary offerings or exploring the desert landscapes. Abdulaziz Ali Al-Mawlawi, Chief Executive of Visit Qatar, says: “Qatar’s strength as a leading tourist destination lies not only in the diversity of experiences it offers, but also in its exceptional ability to bring together world-class events, strategic partnerships and seamlessly integrated experiences”.
Cuisine, heritage and nature: experiences beyond Doha
The events calendar will extend beyond the capital, with offerings that invite visitors to explore different regions of the country and discover its heritage, cuisine and natural landscapes. Among the main new additions is the Qatar International Food Festival, which will be held for the first time in the city of Lusail and will form part of a programme bringing together culinary, cultural and entertainment experiences. In the north, Al Shamal will showcase its maritime heritage, whilst Brouq will highlight the uniqueness of its natural landscape. Meanwhile, Doha Outdoors will emphasise the opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities during the cooler months, expanding the range of experiences for those wishing to discover other facets of the destination.
Winter, one of the busiest times of year for exploring Qatar
Winter is one of the busiest periods in Qatar’s events calendar, thanks to more moderate temperatures that are ideal for both hosting events and enjoying outdoor activities. During these months, visitors can make the most of the beaches, terraces and desert camps, as well as attend sporting competitions, shows and open-air entertainment.
A platform for discovering the country’s upcoming events
With the aim of making the programme more accessible and helping travellers organise their visits in advance, Qatar Calendar brings together the country’s events via Visit Qatar’s digital platforms. The app has surpassed 230,000 users in 2026, compared to approximately 105,000 registered in 2025, and continues to incorporate new features to improve event search functionality. Among these is a new widget, initially available to Apple users, which allows direct access to information on upcoming events without needing to open the full app.
These new features will be complemented by a unified digital ticketing platform, scheduled for launch in the fourth quarter of 2026, which will simplify both the search for events and access to tickets.
With these tools, Visit Qatar aims to make it easier to organise trips and offer visitors a programme that combines major international events with cultural, culinary and leisure experiences, thereby strengthening Qatar’s year-round tourism offering.
About VISIT QATAR
Visit Qatar is the main operational arm of Qatar Tourism. Its mission is to promote and develop tourism in Qatar by showcasing its culture, developing new attractions, strengthening the events calendar, consolidating Qatar’s position as a leading MICE destination in the region, and diversifying luxury events and experiences. Visit Qatar is committed to excellence in service, strengthening the entire tourism value chain and increasing both local and international demand. Through its network of international offices in priority markets, advanced digital platforms and marketing campaigns, Visit Qatar drives Qatar’s global profile and the growth of its tourism sector.
Source: NEWLINK SPAIN