Hustle, heritage, horizons… Qatar’s got it all, and it never stops evolving. One week it’s a family-friendly escape, the next it’s global sporting showdowns. Whether you’re fresh off the plane or already a souq-and-karak regular, there are always new reasons to get out and explore. Here are our favourite picks, from events to activities, to enjoy as the weather turns cooler.

Arab Pride On The Pitch

Football fever returns to Qatar this winter as the FIFA Arab Cup kicks off for its second edition, running from December 1 to 18. Six of the stadiums that dazzled the world during the 2022 FIFA World Cup once again take centre stage, with the big final taking place at Lusail Stadium on December 18, right in step with Qatar National Day. The tournament brings together 16 nations from across the Arab world promising a festival of rivalry, flair and regional pride. Expect powerhouse clashes between the likes of Egypt, Morocco and Algeria, alongside spirited challenges from Gulf neighbours including Saudi Arabia, the UAE and, of course, hosts Qatar. If you want to catch the region’s passion for the game at full volume, this is December’s unmissable event!
GO: Visit fifa.com for more information.

Camp the Qatari Way

Forget city lights: once October rolls in, the desert becomes the place to be. The Winter Camping Season, running until April 15, 2026, invites families, friends and adventure seekers to swap Doha’s skyline for tents, grills and starry skies. Pick your spot wisely: the central desert around Umm Al-Atham and Zekreet Coastal Reserve delivers that raw, open-space vibe; the south draws you to Sealine and Khor Al Adaid, where dunes crash into the sea; while up north you’ll find quieter family-friendly stretches. This new season comes with a real sustainability push as the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC) has introduced a Sustainable Environmental Camping Award, proof that a tradition deeply rooted in Qatar’s lifestyle is adapting to the times. Registration runs October 1 to 14 via the MoECC website and the Be’ah app, reopening from October 15 to November 15 for any areas still available.
Last season saw nearly 3,000 camps across the country, and this year, it could be your turn. Load up the 4×4, grab your crew, and chase that sunset over the dunes.
GO: Visit mecc.gov.qa for registration.

Chill At The Souq

If you’ve ever braved Souq Waqif in the middle of the day, you’ll know the drill: five minutes of browsing, 10 minutes of fanning yourself in the shade, and another stop for water before you even make it to the spice stalls. Well, good news: those days are officially behind us. The iconic traditional market now has outdoor air-conditioning running through its alleys, meaning you can wander, shop and snack at any hour, without breaking a sweat. Stock up on souvenirs, catch some live music or sit down to a plate of freshly grilled kebabs: Souq Waqif is back on the daytime agenda!
GO: Visit souqwaqif.qa for more information.

Doha On Two Wheels

Doha’s landmarks take on a different vibe when you swap four wheels for two and Discover Qatar’s new cycling tour is the perfect excuse to try. With cooler evenings and just enough breeze to make four hours in the saddle a pleasure rather than a chore, this season is the ideal time to ride. The adventure kicks off at Rasen Sports in Porto Arabia with a gentle spin around the marina before heading to the stunning Gewan Island. From there, it’s on to Lusail Promenade, the striking Katara Towers and Al Maha Island, before looping back through Katara Cultural Village. Expect hills, mosques glinting in the sun, the waterfront, the amphitheatre and even a stop by Galeries Lafayette. It’s exercise, fresh air and a new perspective on Doha, all rolled into one.
GO: Visit discoverqatar.qa for more information.

Farm To Family

About an hour’s drive out of Doha, North Sedra Farm shows off a greener side of Qatar. Open from October to April, it’s the country’s first agritourism project and a seasonal favourite for families. Stroll through sun-dappled fields, fill your basket with freshly picked tomatoes and cucumbers and don’t miss a taste of the golden honey produced right on site. While little ones delight in bumper cars and rides on the mini train, adults can linger over coffee in shaded corners or wander the ‘Qatar Through History’ walk-through, a charming journey that brings the nation’s past to life.
GO: Visit northsedra.qa for more information.

Into The Earth

If you’ve ever wanted to feel like an explorer, start here. About 40km west of Doha, Dahl Al Misfir is Qatar’s deepest accessible cave, formed some 325,000 to 500,000 years ago and plunging 40 metres underground. The walls are made of gypsum, which means that when the light hits just right, the rock almost glows. Getting there takes a bit of adventure: the last stretch is off-road, so a 4×4 is your best bet. Once you arrive, don’t expect tickets or turnstiles, the cave is fenced but free to enter, with marked access. Step inside and the air cools immediately, the silence thickens, until the city feels far away. Bring sturdy shoes, an extra layer and a curious mind, plus someone who doesn’t spook easily. Also keep an eye out for migrating birds circling above.
GO: Visit visitqatar.qa for more information.

Only For The Brave

On January 24, 2026, Qatar’s boldest test of endurance hits the desert once again and, trust us, this one’s on another level. Samla International is a 100km, all-in-one challenge that pushes athletes to swim, cycle, run and kayak their way across the landscape in under 12 punishing hours. The breakdown is brutal: 2km in the water, 49km on foot, 44km by bike, then a 4km kayak sprint to wrap it up. All of this unfolds against sweeping dunes and coastal stretches that are breathtaking to look at and merciless to race through.
The word Samla comes from Qatari heritage, meaning strength and perseverance, which is exactly what you’ll need if you even dream of finishing. Sure, there’s prize money (USD30,000 for winners), but the real win is crossing that line with nothing left in the tank.
GO: Visit samla.com.qa for more information.

Race To Lusail

Mark your calendars: from December 10 to 13, Lusail City transforms into a global stage for the Qatar T100 Triathlon World Championship Final. As the season finale of the T100 World Tour, it brings together the world’s top triathletes for a spectacular showdown: a 2km swim in the Arabian Gulf, an 80km cycle through Lusail’s landmark boulevards, and an 18km run across Lusail Plaza with the skyline as the finishline backdrop. Alongside the professionals, the programme opens the course to everyone. The weekend includes the first T100 Age Group World Championships, an open-entry 100km race, a sprint triathlon and even a community 5k/1k fun run to get everyone moving. Add in a buzzing fan village with food, music and entertainment, and Lusail promises an atmosphere as thrilling as the race itself.
GO: Visit t100triathlon.com for more information.

Sail The City

Clear your diaries: from November 5 to 8, Old Doha Port becomes the most glamorous marina in town for the Qatar Boat Show. Back for its second edition, the event gathers almost 500 brands and exhibitors and unveils more than 100 yachts and watercraft, ranging from sleek superyachts to innovative leisure boats. It’s more than hardware, it’s lifestyle: wander the docks to see the latest in design and marine tech, mingle with industry insiders or simply daydream on deck as you imagine your next escape at sea. The setting makes it all the more special: the revamped Old Doha Port offers a cinematic backdrop of heritage and modernity, turning a trade show into a spectacle.
GO: Visit boatshowqatar.com for more information.

Sharp Shooters

Doha is on target to host one of the biggest competitions in shooting sports: the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup Final, running from December 4 to 9. This is where the season’s best of the best gather: rifle, pistol and shotgun athletes who’ve already proved themselves across the year now face off for ultimate bragging rights.
Expect 12 events packed into six intense days: men’s and women’s showdowns in air rifle (10m), rifle three positions (50m), air pistol (10m), rapid fire and pistol (25m), plus the big crowd-pleasers: trap and skeet. Only the top names make it this far, with slots earned through World Cup wins, World Championship medals, ranking points or defending champion status. Prize money sweetens the deal for gold, silver and bronze, but really, it’s about the title: ending the year as the one who held their nerve under the lights. For Doha, it’s also a dress rehearsal as the city will host the ISSF World Championships in 2026.
GO: Visit issf-sports.org for more information.

Slide Into Meryal

Think you’ve ticked off every thrill in Doha? Time to reconsider. Out on Qetaifan Island North, Meryal Waterpark takes things to new heights. At 85 metres high, the record-breaking Icon Tower (Rig 1938) dominates the skyline as the world’s tallest waterslide tower. With 12 chutes launching from its frame, it also holds the Guinness World Record for the most slides on a single structure and leaves you with just one question: how brave are you feeling? We have to tell you, that’s just the teaser. Across the park you’ll find more than 50 rides and attractions, from high-speed plunges and twisting funnels to family-friendly splash zones, lazy rivers and wave pools. There’s even a dry rollercoaster if you’d rather stay on land (though it’s no less hair-raising). The best bit? The park has been cleverly designed so you spend less time climbing stairs and more time sliding, with elevators and conveyors quickly carrying you back to the top. Add in the sea views from the tower’s peak and you’ve got a waterpark experience that’s as spectacular as it’s refreshing.
GO: Visit meryalwaterpark.com for more information.

Track Of Cool

Walking in Doha doesn’t usually come with a breeze, but Rawdat Al Hamama Park has definitely changed the game. Its star attraction is a 1.2-km air-conditioned track, the longest of its kind in the world, so you can run or stroll outdoors without dreading the heat. The park itself is vast and green, with wide lawns, more than a thousand trees from 21 different species and plenty of spots to pause and breathe. Families will love the playgrounds and open spaces, while fitness fans can make the most of dedicated workout areas and a cycling lane. There’s even an amphitheatre for outdoor events, giving the whole place a community feel. Head there for a morning jog, an evening walk or just to see how Qatar does ‘cool’ in the most literal way.

Wings In The Wind

From November 13 to 23, Qatar welcomes elite paratroopers from around the world for the 47th World Military Parachuting Championship, taking place at Umm Shkhout Air Field and organised by the International Military Sports Council (CISM). The competition brings active-duty military athletes, making it one of the most specialised and disciplined sporting events on the calendar. Expect the full package of parachuting skill: precision landings, acrobatic style routines and team jumps creating aerial formations, all under the strict regulations of the CISM. With over 40 editions behind it, the event has become a global showcase of resilience, focus and technical mastery. For Qatar, which already hosted the 44th edition in 2021, it’s another step in cementing its reputation as a stage for world-class sporting events across every discipline. Definitely one to keep an eye on this November.
GO: Visit qatarairsports.qa for more information.

Your Green Escape

Dahl Al Hamam Park is back after a glow-up and it’s seriously worth the visit. Reopened on June 19 after a top-to-bottom renovation, this green gem blends nature and community better than ever. What makes it stand out? The park centrepiece: a natural cave, surrounded by grassy slopes and shaded lawns that practically beg for a picnic. The upgrades have added plenty to explore: four kids’ play areas, a 900-seat open-air theatre, a celebration zone with a multi-purpose hall, plus a 390-metre jogging track, three outdoor fitness zones, three food and beverage kiosks and a basketball court. What was once just a scenic park has become a true community hub, a place to gather, play and relax outdoors all year round.

Zip Another Line

Looking for a thrill with a view? The adventure park at Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara has you covered with Qatar’s longest zipline. Suspended 21m above the water and stretching 275m across the bay, it’s a rush of pure adrenaline as you glide towards the island’s golden sands with the city skyline in the distance. And the experience starts before you even clip in: Banana Island itself is reached by a 30-minute catamaran ride from Al Shyoukh Port, setting the tone for a day that feels like a mini-escape. Whether you’re an adventure junkie or just looking to break out of your weekend routine, this is one Doha experience that definitely makes a splash.
GO: Visit adventureparkdoha.com for more information.