Introduced in 2012 as a public holiday, Qatar National Sports Day is celebrated each year on the second Tuesday of February.  It promotes fitness and the overall well-being of residents, with dozens of group activities and championships organized for all ages. This year, Sports Day falls on February 10, and visitors can expect more than 250 events in public parks, sports venues, and gardens around Qatar.

Just like every year, in 2026, tens of thousands of attendees will participate in runs, fitness training, yoga practices, team games and activities, as well as cycling and family training. Events will be distributed across different locations, including Doha Corniche, Lusail, Katara Cultural Village, Education City, and the Pearl. 

This year’s Sports Day motto is “I Chose Sports”. According to Abdulrahman bin Muslim Al Dosari, President of the Qatar Sports for All Federation (QSFA) and Chairman of the 2026 National Sports Day Committee, the slogan highlights personal responsibility for making a conscious decision to improve the quality of life and contribute to an active, productive society.

The Qatar Olympic Committee is hosting an annual half-marathon on Sports Day. It takes place along the Lusail Boulevard and features a full-day event with races for different age groups, so you can participate with your whole family. Kids aged 6 to 14 can run a 1 km race, while teens aged 15 to 17 can run the 5 km race. Adults can choose from 5 km, 10 km, or 21 km. 

Football plays a significant role in Qatar’s sports culture, so it comes as no surprise that impromptu games are happening all around Doha on the official sports day.

Moreover, while the Qatar Football Association hasn’t made any official announcements, if last year is any indication, they will host official events in the Katara Cultural Village and the Lusail area. Therefore, in case you’re looking for better-organized football games, head to either Katara or Lusail on February 10.

The picturesque coastline in Qatar is a good location for water sports. Visit the MIA Park or the Doha Marine Sports Club and try kayaking, paddleboarding, or traditional rowing. Not something you do every day, but it’s a great way to honor the Sports Day while avoiding larger crowds. And, you can enjoy waterfront views the whole time!

Cycling is one of the most popular sports on the National Sports Day. Some neighborhoods, such as Education City, go completely car-free during that day, so bikes and feet are the only means of transportation. While there’s no info on this year’s activities regarding bikes, you can be almost certain you’ll find fellow cyclers along the Corniche and in Education City. 

For the first time ever, The Running Club of Education City will organize a fitness event for women aged 17 and above. Participants will be grouped into teams of two and will take on an obstacle course that tests their agility, coordination, balance, strength, and teamwork. Every team is given a tracking device, ensuring fairness and accuracy of the results. The top three teams will receive prizes. 

You can sign up by filling out the form — registration is free! 

While this day is best spent outside, nobody says you can’t take a break and honor sports culture in a different way. The 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum hosts a couple of interesting exhibitions you can check out. 

The first one is Esports | A Game Changer, which features historical data, interactive displays, and immersive activities that showcase the history and importance of esports. The second one is Sneakers Unboxed: Studio to Street — a fun, globally famous interactive show. Entry is free for residents and QAR 50 for non-residents.

And, if last year is any indication, after your exhibit, you can head to Aspire Park for some activities organized by the museum. 

Between 7 AM and 3 PM on February 10, Education City will host its annual run. This year, it carries the name Color Run and will feature bursts of colorful powder and vibrant music. Participants won’t have to sprint, as jogging and walking are also acceptable. There are multiple tracks to choose from: 2.5 km, 5 km, and 10 km for adults, and an 800 m race for kids. 

Entry fees start from QAR 125, and everybody who finishes the race gets a medal. The top three contestants will also receive prizes. 

Another interesting sport to get familiar with on the Qatar Sports Day! The Education City will organize a full beginners' course introducing basic footwork, simple exercises, and blade handling, all while wearing official fencing equipment. 

This course is open to women only and will be divided into three categories: girls aged 8–11, teens aged 12–15, and anybody between the ages of 16 and 40. The event starts at 8 AM, and you’ll be able to register for it on the Education City website. 

Those who want to try something new can step into the desert, away from the crowds, and experience a traditional Qatari sport: camel racing. Available in group and private sessions, the adventure includes a trip to the Al Shahaniya Racetrack, light refreshments, and a day filled with hanging out with camels. 

A group tour is typically around QAR 200, but it’s not available every day. In case you want a private ride, you’ll be paying about QAR 1,000. 

Almost every neighborhood will organize something for the Qatar Sports Day. Therefore, if you’re not into any particular sport, walk around your area and check what is happening there. Who knows, you might like a group activity and try something you’ve never done before!