Doha, Qatar – The Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) has unveiled its comprehensive sports events calendar for 2026, featuring a robust lineup of competitions designed to showcase the nation’s growing prominence as a global sporting hub. The calendar includes 83 championships encompassing international, world, Asian, GCC, and domestic events, promising a year filled with athletic achievement. This detailed schedule reflects Qatar’s continued investment in sport and its ambition to host world-class events.
The packed year of competitions kicks off in January and continues through December, offering a diverse range of sports for athletes and fans alike. The schedule includes highlights like the Diamond League athletics meeting, GCC Games, and several World Championships, as well as numerous qualifying events for international competitions. According to the QOC, the calendar prioritizes organizational precision and collaboration with national federations.
A Diverse Calendar of Sports Events in Qatar for 2026
The 2026 calendar is exceptionally diverse, spanning disciplines from equestrianism and golf to basketball, volleyball, and padel. Specifically, 39 international events are scheduled, including 16 world championships and 10 Asian tournaments. This broad range aims to attract a wide international audience and support the development of sport at all levels within Qatar. Key facilities like the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex will host 17 major events throughout the year.
Key Events and Scheduling
January and February see a strong focus on equestrian and racquet sports. The First and Second Tours of H H the Father Amir Equestrian Prix lead the January schedule, followed by prestigious golf tournaments like the Qatar Masters. February will feature the Qatar TotalEnergies Open, a significant event on the women’s tennis tour, alongside the H H the Amir’s Sword International Equestrian Festival.
As the year progresses, March brings the Finalissima match between Argentina and Spain, and a series of FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Qualifiers. April is positioned as one of the busiest months, incorporating the Ooredoo Qatar Major Premier Padel Tournament and several other championship finals across multiple sports. May sees the spotlight turn to the 4th GCC Games, welcoming athletes from across the Gulf region to compete in 18 different sports.
Later in the year, Qatar will host the Asian Men’s Volleyball Championship in June and July, alongside Olympic Day celebrations. August will feature the FIVB U17 World Volleyball Championship, demonstrating Qatar’s commitment to youth development in volleyball. September will see the FIBA Asia U18 Cup take place, further elevating the country’s position as a key location for youth basketball.
November is set to be another highlight month with the World Padel Championship and the ISSF World Shooting Championship. The culmination of the year in December includes ITF Men’s Tennis Championships and the GCC Golf Championship for Juniors, bringing a close to a year of intense sporting activity. The event schedule represents a significant boost to sports tourism in Qatar.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Khalid Al Thani, QOC Sports Sector Director, emphasized that the calendar is the result of integrated institutional planning. He stated that the schedule was prepared with precise organizational and technical standards, ensuring coordination with national federations and optimizing the utilization of sports facilities. This detailed planning reflects Qatar’s commitment to efficient event management and fostering a thriving sporting ecosystem.
Looking ahead, the QOC will focus on the successful execution of this ambitious calendar. Coordination with international federations and local stakeholders will be critical, as will ongoing venue preparations. The impact of this comprehensive sports calendar on Qatar’s international sporting reputation and economic diversification will be closely monitored throughout 2026 and beyond. Further details on specific event logistics and ticketing will be released by the respective national federations in the coming months.
