As temperatures drop around the world, Qatar is just starting to heat up – in all the right ways. Starting from December, the country transforms into one of the region’s most exciting destinations, offering warm weather, global sporting events, and entertainment for the whole family.

Here are the top reasons to book a flight (and a hotel with us) to Qatar:

Perfect Beach Weather in Winter

While much of the world layers up, Qatar’s winter season brings blue skies and sunshine – perfect for the beach. One of the best places to soak it all in is Doha Beach Club, a popular beachfront destination featuring Qatar’s first-ever licensed street food district. Families can relax by the beach, explore global food trucks, take up a workout class with a panoramic view, or play a game of football, basketball, padel, or tennis, all with a breath-taking view of the Doha skyline.

Lusail Winter Wonderland is Back

Al Maha Island’s Lusail Winter Wonderland is a must-visit during the winter season. With over 50 rides and attractions, this one-of-a-kind theme park brings winter magic to Qatar’s generally warm shores. Think carnival games, ice skating, live entertainment, and food stalls. It’s a full day out for the kids, teens, and even adults looking for mega winter fun.

Doha Marathon by Ooredoo: Chase the Finish Line

Set for 16 January 2026, the Doha Marathon by Ooredoo is a World Athletics Gold Lavel event that attracts elite athletes and runners from around the globe. Participants can choose from a full marathon, half marathon, 10 km, 5 km, and children's races, ensuring there's a distance for everyone. With the Corniche being the start line, the run route winds through Doha's iconic streets, offering stunning skyline views and a chance to experience the city like never before. Families and children are welcome, making it a truly inclusive event where runners of all levels can soak up all the positive energy, and enjoy the camaraderie and thrill of running!

Desert Nights & Starry Skies at Brouq 2026

Last winter, Brouq captivated visitors with its blend of desert serenity and festival excitement. Glamping under starlit skies, outdoor dining, and cultural workshops made for a truly unique experience. Running until 17 January 2026, Brouq 2026 promises to build on that legacy, inviting visitors to explore the natural beauty of Zekreet, witness stunning sunsets, and participate in engaging activities that highlight Qatar's desert magic.

It's a Feast of Flavour, Fun, and Surprises

The Qatar International Food Festival (QIFF) is heating its stovetops back up for a 14 - 24 January 2026 return at Stadium 974, and it's going to be bigger, bolder, and free for everyone! Get ready for a non-stop celebration of global flavours, featuring local and international chefs, interactive workshops, and live cooking demos that'll have you salivating. Whether you're there to manifest your inner chef, devour street food masterpieces, or cheer on contestants in the new QIFF Ring, there's no shortage of delicious fun. And with new activities like QIFF Juniors for the little ones, Qatar's biggest food fair is set to be an epic celebration for the whole family this time around.

The Fast & Furious Festival is Coming

FuelFest, the world's biggest automotive event, makes its long-awaited debut in Qatar on 23 January 2026, kicking off the 2026 World Tour! Held at Katara South parking, this high-energy event offers something reminiscent of a scene from the Fast & Furious Cinematic Universe - from sleep supercar displays and live racing and drifting to music and entertainment. Founded by Cody Walker and inspired by the Fast & Furious movies, FuelFest is the perfect day out for car enthusiats, families, and anyone seeking an adrenaline-packed experience!

Kitesurfing Season Takes Off at Fuwairit Kite Beach Resort

Adrenaline junkies are going to be immensely pleased. Qatar’s kitesurfing season is one of the longest in the world – running from November to July – and the place to be is Fuwairit Kite Beach Resort. This sleek, purpose-built destination delivers consistent winds, shallow lagoons, and top-tier gear aside from your own. Add in modern beachfront stays, chilled vibes, and golden sunsets – and you’ve got the kind of winter escape worth writing home about.

Qatar Dining 2.0: Even Hotter, Even Bolder

Qatar has done it again! After the debut of the MICHELIN Guide Doha 2025 put the city on the global foodie map with stars like IDAM by Alain Ducasse and Jiwan last year, the MICHELIN Guide Doha 2026 is taking the city's dining scene to deliciously new heights. Alba joins IDAM and Jamavar as a One MICHELIN Star restaurant, while the Bib Gourmand and MICHELIN Selected lists welcome rising stars and exciting newcomers like Baron, Berenjak Al Maha Island, Fenyal, Carbone Doha, Em Sherif, Mr & Mrs Hawker, Salt Road, Shanghai Me Doha, and YUN. From smoky Persian grills and aromatic Sri Lankan curries to contemporary European dishes with a cheeky twist and inventive Mediterranean fusions, Doha's culinary landscape has been been so diverse (or so irresistible).

Wellness, Reimagined

Forget one-size-fits-all spa days, Qatar is redefining wellness, and it’s anything but boring. Start at Al Messila Resort & Spa, where a luxe ladies-only wellness retreat, complete with hydrotherapy pools and fitness spaces, offers serious self-care in incredibly serene surroundings. Want something even more immersive? Head to Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som, the region’s flagship wellness retreat and the first in the world to integrate Traditional Arabic & Islamic Medicine (TAIM) into its healing philosophy. Think personalised wellness journeys, desert-meets-sea serenity, and treatments inspired by centuries of regional wisdom – all set against a peaceful, private beachfront.

25N51E: The Ultimate Music Festival is Back

It’s time to dance, dance, dance because 25N51E is making its return to Qatar on 30 January 2026 after a very successful (and entertaining) debut last year in Zekreet desert. Now taking place at the iconic 974 stadium, the festival is bringing in massive names like Afrojack, Calvin Harris, and Alesso on the 25N stage and Ben Bohmer and NTO on the 51E stage. Named after Qatar’s geographical coordinates, this music festival is the perfect way to kick off a year of electrifying energy, unforgettable performances, and, of course, the best beats you won’t want to miss.

Match for Hope: Legends & Charity are Set to Collide Once Again

Last year's Match for Hope wowed fans worldwide. The charity match brought together football legends like Thierry Henry, Andrés Iniesta, Alessandro Del Piero, David Silva, and Andrea Pirlo alongside the names in online entertainment, including creators such as KSI, IShowSpeed, Chunkz, AboFlah, Miniminter, and more. It was a rollercoaster of emotions. The match included lots of funny twists, last-minute goals, and unforgettable moments that made it more than just a football game. With that in mind, anticipation is already building for the next edition, taking place on 30 January 2026!

Art Basel Qatar: A New Chapter in Art Begins

Ready for something incredible? The world-renowned art fair, Art Basel, is heading to Qatar and the MENA region for the very first time – and it’s a game-changer for Qatar’s status as a creative global hub. From 5 - 7 February 2026, this art extravaganza will take over the M7 Creative Hub, Doha Design District, and Barahat Msheireb, bringing together over 87 top galleries and 84 artists from 31 countries. It’s more than just an exhibition; it’s a full-on immersion into the world of contemporary art from all four corners of the Arab world.

Torba Market: The Treasure Hunt is On

Torba Market has become a must-visit winter destination in Qatar! All previous editions have drawn massive crowds eager to explore artisanal crafts, street eats, and eco-friendly finds. Until 28 February 2026, the 2025/26 edition is expected to be bigger, better, and just as exciting! With a lively community experience on full display, you can look forward to browsing through fresh produce and homemade goods and discovering the latest in culinary and craft creativity.

Qatar Tennis 2026: Serve, Smash, Match Point

From 8 - 21 February 2026, Doha will once again be the centre of tennis as the Qatar TotalEnergies Open and the Qatar ExxonMobil Open are both coming back! On the women's side, stars such as Iga Świątek, Elena Rybakina, Coco Gauff, Ons Jabeur, and Jelena Ostapenko have lit up the Doha courts in previous editions. On the men's side, past draws have featured Novak Djokovic, Andrey Rublev, Jannik Sinner, Daniil Medvedev, Alex de Minaur, and Stefanos Tsitsipas, creating a stacked field that promises fireworks.

With such lineup depth potential when it comes to serving powerhouses, baseline artists, and Grand Slam champions, expectations for this next edition are higher than ever!

Qatar's Newest Immersive Experience is Here

Step into a world of glowing lanterns and colourful cultural performances at the Qatar Lantern Festival, taking place in Al Bidda Park until 28 March 2026. This enchanting event blends ancient Asian traditions with modern art, creating a dazzling experience for all ages. With interactive displays, family-friendly activities, and a magical celebration of light and creativity, it's the perfect outdoor outing for the whole family!

Qatar Equestrian Tour 2026: It's Galloping Time

The Annual Qatar Equestrian Tour has long drawn top riders and magnificent horses from around the globe, delivering a heart-pounding spectacle of skill, speed, and tradition. From 11 February - 04 April 2026, fans can witness breath-taking showjumping, masterful horsemanship, and unforgettable performances that celebrate Qatar's rich equestrian heritage. With high-level competition and electrifying moments all throughout, this edition promises to raise the bar and continue the legacy of one of the most prestigious equestrian events in the world.