Qatar is not only actively engaging in hosting world class sporting events like 2022 FIFA World Cup, but is also encouraging it population to participate in more sporting activities by conceiving events like National Sports Day and the Sport for Life campaign and by creating more venues and opportunities for a sports culture to flourish.

The annual Qatar National Sports Day occurs on the first Tuesday of February, to promote and encourage a healthy lifestyle among all Qatar’s residents. Qatar is one of the few nations that has dedicated a national holiday for sports. Events take place in most public spaces, and sports clubs across the entire country.

Doha Golf Club has an 18-hole championship course as well as a 9-hole floodlit academy course, putting and chipping greens, with world class practice facilities and group or individual coaching available.

Open daily: 6:15am-9:30pm

Call: 4496 0755

dohagolfclub.com

Commercial Bank Qatar Masters

Held at Doha Golf Club this annual event attracts professionals from the international golf circuit.

Event details: qatar-masters.comordohagolfclub.com

Motor sports are hugely popular in the region, with competitive drag and drift racing, SuperBike Championships, track events and the Qatar National Rally. There is no shortage of events for any devoted petrol heads.

Losail International Circui

qmmf.com

Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF

qmmf.com

Qatar Racing Clu

qrc.qa

Commercial Bank Grand Prix of Qatar

Held at Losail International Circuit. The opening race is at night under huge floodlights and is followed by support races Qatar International Road Racing Championship and Losail Asian Road Racing Championship.

Event details: qmmf.com

National Street Drag Championship

Powerfully tuned street cars and bikes compete at Qatar Racing Club.

Event details: qrc.qa

Qatar Mil

Held on an airport runway this is the biggest speed festival in the country, designed specifically to allow drivers to reach maximum speed on the track. An assortment of activities around the airstrip make this a fun day out for speed enthusiasts and families alike.

Event details: qrc.qa

Many hotels and clubs have tennis courts, both indoor and outdoor with lessons available. There are also several sports academies offering coaching to children and adults alike.

Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Sports Academy (SFQ

Call: 4486 6293

sfqsporsacademy.com

Evolution Sports Qata

Call: 4407 6772

evosportsqatar.co

Khalifa Tennis & Squash Comple

Call: 4440 9666

qatartennis.orq

Qatar ExxonMobile Open

Held at Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex, this is the first tennis tournament of the ATP Tour and attracts some of the biggest names in men’s tennis

Qatar Total Open (WTA)

This event on the Sony Ericsson WTA usually occurs the following month after the ExxonMobile Open, also held at Khalifa Tennis Complex

Event details: qatartennis.org

With Qatar being the host of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, ‘the beautiful game’ is as popular in Qatar as everywhere else in the world. Qatar has undertaken huge infrastructural plans for the tornament that include nine eco friendly stadiums amidst the debate of whether a summer or winter tournament would be better, Qatar is proceeding with plans to welcome the world.

The domestic football season starts in September with the 18 clubs Qatar Stars League .

There also several clubs that offer amateur league games and lessons

Evolution Sports Qata

Extensive football programme from ages 5-16 years

Call: 4407 6772

evosportsqatar.com

Garvey’s European Family Clu

5-a-side football league on grass pitch

Call: 4458 2466

Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Sports Academy (SFQ)&nbsp

Classes for adults and kids. Schedule available online

Call: 4486 6293

sfqsportsacademy.com

The Qatar Cup

The final of the Qatar Stars League played on a knock out format is always a celebration of Qatari football.

Event details: qfa.com.qa or qsl.com.qa

The Emir Cup

Also consisting of Qatar Star League and Second Division teams.

Event Details: qfa.com.qa or qsl.com.qa

Emir GCC Camel Race

Held at Al Shahaniyah camel race track, west of Doha. Local races occur Fridays form November to Feburary and the major races from March to April.

Entrance is free

Call:4487 2028

Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club&nbsp

The racing season runs from October - May, with races held between 4pm-7:30pm Wednesdays and Thursdays. Commentaries are in English and Arabic and entrance is free.

Call: 4482 5703

qrec.gov.qa

Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club Riding Schoo

Lessons are 45 minutes, held three times a week for adults and children

Call: 4480 7413

qrec.gov.org

Al Samariyah Equestrian Centr

Located in Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani’s farm near Al Shaihaniya, this centre offers both group and private bookings and stabling facilities.

Call: 55513 6661

[email protected]

End of Season Day

Held at Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club and featuring the best thoroughbreds and Arabians, on turf and dirt. Tends to be an afternoon event, with best views seen from the grandstands.

Event details: qrec.gov.qa

There is a wide range of water sports available in Qatar, both as spectator and participant. Most of the hotels with beach facilities offer water sport and marine activities so check with them.

Doha Sailing Club&nbsp

Located on Katara beach and supported by the Qatar Sailing and Rowing Federation, there is a cross section of water sport activities available.

Call: 4443 9840

qmsf.com

Entalek&nbsp

With an emphasis on eco-adventures and educational programmes, based on kayaking and paddling, group or individual bookings are available

Call: 3023 3207

entalek.org

Doha Sub Aqua Club (DSAC

Diving offered every weekend or for group bookings

Call: 5589 0819

bsac.com

Sail the Gulf Regatta

Hosted by the Qatar Sailing and Rowing Federation at Doha Sailing Club, this annual event attracts world-class international sailers to compete in individual and team categories.

qatarsailing.orgqmsf.org

Aspire Zone

Aspire Zone is a comprehensive sports complex that not only offers modern fully equipped facilities, but also has a sports academy and sports medical research units all run by sports professionals.

Within this complex there is Khalifa Stadium, Hamad Aquatic Centre, Aspire Park, and the Ladies Sports Hall. Aspire Active Fitness run community based fitness programmes throughout the year.

Call: 4413 6219

aspire.qa

The Aspire Academy for Sports Excellenc

A teaching sports academy that provides applied sports science to assist coaches and student athletes, with extensive training facilities to nurture future sport stars within Qatar.

Call: 4413 6570

aspire.qa

Aspeta

This is the first specialised orthopaedic and sports medicine hospital in the Gulf. Professional sports practitioners and researchers treat sports related injuries.

Call: 4413 2000

aspetar.com