Upcoming Events in Qatar 2026–2027
August 13, 2026 | 12:54 PM
Qatar’s events calendar is set to be packed with exciting experiences throughout 2026 and 2027. From major sporting events and cultural festivals to family-friendly activities, exhibitions and seasonal celebrations, there will be plenty to look forward to across the country. Keep this guide saved as a handy reference for upcoming events and watch this space as more details are announced.
Upcoming Events in Qatar 2026 - 2027 at a Glance
Doha International Book Fair 2027
The Doha International Book Fair is one of the oldest and largest international book fairs in the region. It enjoys a prestigious reputation due to the high demand from participating Arab, Gulf, and foreign countries. Since its inauguration in 1972, the fair has gained international acclaim, succeeding in attracting the world’s largest and most important publishing houses.
Qatar International Food Festival 2027
Qatar’s most exciting food festival brings together world-class cuisine, top chefs, and unforgettable experiences. Enjoy live entertainment, interactive workshops, and signature attractions like QIFF Ring and QIFF Juniors, alongside unique dining experiences and plenty of surprises for food lovers of all ages.
Qatar Balloon Festival 2026
The 7th edition of Qatar Balloon Festival runs across ten days, from 10 to 19 December 2026. Mornings bring free-flight balloon launches over Doha. Evenings open up into a full festival: a field of glowing balloons, family activities, food, live entertainment, and a different kind of view of Qatar after dark. The timing sits inside the country’s busiest winter season and the National Day period. The sunrise launches are always a magical experience, and this year will be no different!
Start your morning with the breathtaking sight of dozens of balloons rising gently into the dawn skies of Qatar – a perfect photo opportunity and a moment of awe you won’t forget. As night falls over the festival grounds, the balloons return to the spotlight in a mesmerizing nightglow show.
Watch as the balloons light up in sync with music, creating a spectacular display of color and light for all ages to enjoy.
MotoGP™ Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar 2026
Experience the 2026 MotoGP™ World Championship at the iconic Lusail International Circuit from November 6 to 8, where the MotoGP™ Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar continues a legacy that began in 2004, delivering over two decades of world-class, high-octane racing. Witness the spectacle of night racing under the lights as speed, skill, and strategy collide. Lineup of off-track entertainment keeps the atmosphere electric throughout the weekend. With 22 riders on the grid, featuring world champions and rising stars, this is your chance to experience the drama, intensity, and excitement of MotoGP™ up close.
Formula 1 Qatar Airways Grand Prix Qatar 2026
Experience Formula 1® as it returns to Lusail International Circuit (LIC) for the FORMULA 1® QATAR AIRWAYS QATAR GRAND PRIX 2026, taking place from 27–29 November. Held under the circuit’s iconic floodlights, this penultimate round will feature 22 drivers representing 11 teams. The 2026 season marks the introduction of new cars, revised regulations, and new teams, bringing a fresh competitive dynamic to the championship. Fans can enjoy competitive racing, a dedicated Fanzone, live music, and a range of entertainment experiences, as teams compete on one of the region’s most established circuits.
Doha Jewellery and Watch Exhibition
The Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition returns this year with a refreshed design and elevated layout. Experience a modern, immersive environment where luxury meets elegance, connecting affluent collectors, regional buyers, and international visitors with the finest jewelry and watches.
Qatar National Day 2026
The Qatar National Day is a momentous occasion, celebrated every year on December 18. This special day of great significance honors the country’s history.
- Date
18 December 2026
- Location
Multiple Locations
Ramadan Festivals and Garangao
Ramadan in Qatar features vibrant community festivals and cultural hubs, highlighted by Garangao, a beloved children’s festival celebrated on the 14th night of the holy month. Dressed in traditional attire, children roam neighborhoods and public cultural spaces chanting folk songs to collect bags of sweets and nuts. Garangao is a traditional children’s festival celebrated on the 14th night of Ramadan across the Gulf region, including Qatar. It rewards children for fasting the first half of the holy month, featuring colorful clothes, folk songs, and collecting sweets and nuts.
- Date
February 2027
- Location
Multiple Locations
FIBA BasketBall World Cup 2027
The 20th FIBA Basketball World Cup will take place in Doha, Qatar, from August 27 to September 12, 2027. Featuring 32 national teams, it will be uniquely hosted entirely within a single city, with the final showdown scheduled at the iconic Lusail Arena.
Katara Traditional Dhow Festival
The Katara Traditional Dhow Festival is an annual cultural event held at the Katara Cultural Village southern beach in Doha, Qatar. It celebrates rich Gulf maritime histories, featuring regional dhow displays, pearl-diving exhibitions, marine competitions, live handicraft workshops, and folk art performances with international participation.
Qatar International Art Festival (QIAF 2026)
The Qatar International Art Festival stands as a beacon of cultural exchange, bringing together artists from across the globe to celebrate creativity, innovation, and the universal language of art. For seven editions, we’ve fostered dialogue between cultures through the transformative power of artistic expression.
S'hail Katara Hunting and Falcon Exhibition 2026
The landmark 10th-anniversary event serves as a premier global platform for hunting and falconry culture, drawing breeders, collectors, and outdoor enthusiasts from across the Gulf region and worldwide.
Qatar Boat Show 2026
Qatar Boat Show 2026 is set to reach new heights, further strengthening Qatar’s position as a global yachting destination. Held under the patronage of HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister & Minister of Foreign Affairs, QBS delivered its most impressive edition yet — surpassing the success of its inaugural year with a larger showcase, more global brands and an elevated visitor experience. Set against the iconic backdrop of Old Doha Port, the show brought together world class superyachts, breakthrough innovations and unmatched industry networking.
FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026
AI Mode conversation: FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026™
FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026™
The FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026™ will take place from 19 November to 13 December 2026 in Qatar. This tournament represents the 21st edition of the global youth showpiece and is the second of five consecutive annual editions hosted by Qatar through 2029.
Art Basel Qatar 2027
Art Basel Qatar offers an unparalleled gateway for outstanding artistic talent from the Global South and beyond. Rooted in Qatar’s vibrant cultural landscape, the show serves as a long-term platform for artistic exchange, institutional collaboration, and market development across the MENASA region.
