Winter is event season in Qatar: world-class races and matches, festivals and family experiences, in mild weather after the summer heat. The official calendar lists more than 560 events through 2027 (Travel Extra). For anyone living in the Gulf, Doha is an hour's flight or less from most cities, which makes it ideal for a long weekend around one event. This guide gives you the calendar with dates, where to stay for each event, and how to get there.
Events Calendar: November 2026 to February 2027
Dates are from official and media sources at the time of writing. Check the final schedule and ticket availability before you book (Qatar Living, Euronews).
November 2026
- Kids Expo: 17 to 21 November at the Qatar National Convention Centre. Good for families.
- FIFA U-17 World Cup: 19 November to 13 December, with matches at Aspire Zone and the final at Khalifa International Stadium.
- Doha Film Festival: 19 to 27 November at venues across Doha.
- Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix: 27 to 29 November at Lusail International Circuit, with the main race on the 29th.
December 2026
- Bubble Planet: an interactive family experience from 6 December to 6 February at the Qatar National Convention Centre.
- T100 Triathlon World Championship Final: 10 to 12 December in Lusail City.
- Qatar Balloon Festival: provisionally 10 to 19 December, still awaiting confirmation.
- Qatar National Day: 18 December, with celebrations across Doha. The detailed programme is announced closer to the date.
January and February 2027
- Doha Marathon: 15 January 2027.
- Qatar TotalEnergies Open (tennis): 8 to 15 February 2027.
- Design Doha Biennial: design exhibitions running until 31 January 2027.
Entering Qatar from the Gulf
- GCC residents: residents of any profession can apply online for an e-visa through Qatar's official Hayya platform before travelling (Gulf News).
- Visa-free passports: citizens of the UK, EU countries, the US and many others can enter without a visa for a set period, with a passport valid for at least 6 months (Qatar Living).
- GCC citizens: enter without a visa, with a passport or national ID card.
Rules are reviewed regularly, so check Hayya and Qatar's Ministry of Interior before you travel. Apply for Hayya well before event weekends.
Where to Stay for Each Event
Hotel prices rise sharply in Formula 1 week and around National Day, so book as early as you can, and stay near the metro line that serves your event.
- For Formula 1 and the triathlon (Lusail): stay in Lusail to be close to the circuit, or anywhere on the metro Red Line, which ends at Lusail station.
- For the U-17 World Cup and the Doha Marathon (Aspire): Al Waab and Aspire Zone, near Khalifa International Stadium and the Gold Line stations.
- For National Day and Corniche festivities: West Bay, or Msheireb and Souq Waqif, within walking distance of the Corniche.
- For families and a quieter break: The Pearl, with serviced apartments and waterfront restaurants, though a little further from the metro.
Compare Doha hotel prices by area and book early.
Hotels and apartments in Doha
Getting to Lusail Circuit
Lusail Circuit is about 30 kilometres north of central Doha, roughly 30 minutes by car without traffic (GP Destinations).
- Metro: the Red Line to Lusail station, then a free shuttle bus to the circuit. It takes about 20 minutes, and up to 40 at peak times.
- Taxi: metered Karwa taxis are available. When leaving the circuit, use the Karwa taxi rank near the main gate.
- Car: parking is free but limited, so share a car with family or friends.
Tip: the race runs at night, and the exit afterwards is very busy. Plan your way back in advance rather than looking for a ride at the last minute.
What to Do with the Family Between Events
If your trip is built around one event, these nearby places fill the rest of your days.
- Souq Waqif: the traditional market, with restaurants, spice shops and falcons, best in the evening.
- The Corniche: a long seafront promenade with views of the West Bay towers.
- Museum of Islamic Art: a striking building on the water, with a large park that suits children.
- Katara: the cultural village, with its beach, restaurants and open-air amphitheatre.
- Lusail Boulevard: a wide street for walking and dining, close to the circuit.
Book activities and tours in Doha ahead, especially during major event weeks.
Top Activities
Tips for an Event Weekend
- Sometimes book the hotel before the tickets: for big events, rooms near the venue sell out before the tickets do, and a flexible, cancellable booking protects you.
- Buy tickets from the official source: avoid unofficial sellers on social media.
- The metro beats the car: roads around big events are congested, and the metro serves most venues.
- Weather: November and December are mild by day and pleasant in the evening. January and February are a little cooler at night, so bring a light jacket.
Search for flights to Doha (DOH) and compare prices, as fares rise close to event dates.
Find Cheap Flights
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the 2026 Qatar Formula 1 Grand Prix?
From 27 to 29 November 2026 at Lusail International Circuit, with the main race on Sunday 29 November.
Do UAE or Saudi residents need a visa for Qatar?
GCC residents of any profession apply for an e-visa through the Hayya platform. Many passports, including UK, EU and US, can enter visa-free.
Where should I stay for the Formula 1?
In Lusail to be close to the circuit, or anywhere on the metro Red Line, then the free shuttle from Lusail station.
Which Doha events suit children this winter?
The Kids Expo in November, Bubble Planet from December to February, U-17 World Cup matches, and the National Day celebrations.