AL-Monitor Doha: Qatar National Sports Day
This week in Doha a series of exciting events awaits, from National Sports Day festivities to AgriteQ 2025’s sustainable agriculture showcase.
You're reading AL-Monitor City Pulse — Doha, the latest from Doha’s culture and lifestyle scene and the influence of Qatari history on the city’s expanding arts landscape. To get this newsletter in your inbox each week, sign up for free here.
Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast, an agricultural innovator or simply looking for engaging cultural experiences, we’ve got you covered. With the bustling bazaars in preparation for Ramadan, it's a perfect time to immerse yourself in Doha's vibrant atmosphere before the holy month begins.
Leading the week: Qatar National Sports Day
National Sports Day 2025 is just around the corner. Starting Feb. 11, the city will host a variety of activities in Msheireb, Lusail and Education City. Whether you want to challenge your limits, enjoy time with family or try something new, there's something for everyone at this year’s event.
Msheireb: Fitness and wellness at the Heart of Doha
Outdoor fitness activities will take place in Msheireb and include:
- Fun walks and runs through the vibrant streets of Msheireb.
- Open-air fitness classes like tai chi, pilates and yoga, hosted by the renowned Zulal Wellness Resort.
- Women-only and all-inclusive fitness challenges throughout the day, including exclusive cycling sessions and wellness classes.
Find more information here.
Lusail: Qatar Olympic Committee Half Marathon
The Qatar Olympic Committee Half Marathon will take place at Lusail Boulevard and feature four race categories:
- 21K race
- 10K race
- 5K race
- 1K fun run
With cash prizes up for grabs, the event aims to inspire a love for physical activity and promote a healthier lifestyle.
Education City: Qatar’s premier sporting hub
Education City will host several activities for athletes of all types:
- Education City Run: A race for runners of all levels from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.
- Education City Triathlon: A combined challenge of swimming, cycling and running from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
- Women’s Fitness Challenge: A fitness competition for women from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Mountain biking: Races for biking enthusiasts will take place along the Education City Mountain Bike Trail from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Family-friendly events, including tug-of-war, soccer and fun games, are set to take place throughout the day.
This year’s National Sports Day will see a car-free Education City, making it easy for participants to walk, bike and explore all the events planned for the day.
Find more information here.
Word on the street: AgriteQ 2025
A worker picks fresh red peppers grown in a green house of Al Wabra Farm in the municipality of Al Shahania, 40 kilometers north-west of the Qatari capital Doha. (MUSTAFA MOUNES/AFP via Getty Images)
The AgriteQ 2025 exhibition kicked off on Feb. 4 at Katara Cultural Village, spotlighting sustainability and innovation in agriculture. With over 300 exhibitors from 29 countries, the event focuses on food security, climate-resilient farming and cutting-edge technologies in the agricultural sector.
This five-day event is a must for farmers, agribusiness professionals and sustainability advocates. Whether you're looking to network, invest or simply gain insight into the future of food production, AgriteQ 2025 is the perfect platform for that.
Date: Feb. 4-8
Location: Katara Cultural Village
Find more information here.
Doha diary
Myriam Fares performs on stage during MDLBEAST SOUNDSTORM 2021 on Dec. 17, 2021 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images for MDLBEAST SOUNDSTORM )
Myriam Fares Live in Qatar
Lebanese pop star Myriam Fares is set to dazzle Doha with an electrifying live performance. Don’t miss an unforgettable night of music, dance and spectacular stage presence.
Date: Feb. 6
Location: Al Mayassa Theater, QNCC
More details here.
Iraqi Cultural Week at Darb Al Saai
Experience Iraq’s rich heritage with live performances, art exhibitions and traditional crafts. This event celebrates cultural exchange between Qatar and Iraq, offering a glimpse into authentic Iraqi traditions.
Date: Feb. 6-9
Location: Darb Al Saai, Umm Salal
More details here.
Souq Waqif International Honey Exhibition
Explore a world of flavors at the Souq Waqif Honey Exhibition, featuring top-quality honey from around the globe. A paradise for honey lovers and a great spot to discover unique flavors.
Date: Until Feb. 8
Location: Eastern Square, Souq Waqif
More details here.
The Pearl Food Festival
Indulge in a culinary adventure at the Pearl Food Festival, showcasing diverse flavors and gourmet experiences. Enjoy live cooking stations, tastings and entertainment.
Date: Until Feb. 8
Location: La Croisette, Porto Arabia, The Pearl Island
More details here.
Ramadan Bazaar at Heenat Salma Farm
Shop for Ramadan essentials at this charming bazaar featuring traditional crafts, clothing and delicious treats. A perfect spot to enjoy the festive spirit with family and friends.
Date: Jan. 29 - Feb. 8
Location: Heenat Salma Farm
More Details here.
Book of the week: “The Corsair”
“The Corsair” by Abdulaziz Al-Mahmoud takes readers on a thrilling journey through the Arabian Gulf in the early 19th century, where piracy, political intrigue and shifting alliances shape the region. Blending historical events with gripping fiction, the novel follows the notorious corsair Erhama bin Jaber as he disrupts British plans to secure trade routes and counter Wahhabi expansion. A stolen Indian sword, a crucial diplomatic gift, sets off a chain of betrayals, power struggles and an unlikely friendship between a rebellious pirate’s son and a British officer. Rich in adventure and historical depth, “The Corsair” is a compelling tale of conflict, ambition and survival on the high seas.
By the numbers
Here are some of the Guinness World Records achieved by Qatar in 2024:
- The largest underground car park at Msheireb Downtown Doha, spanning six levels and a capacity of 10,017 vehicles.
- The tallest waterslide at Meryal Waterpark, with The Rig 1938 standing at 76,309 meters.
- The largest outdoor air-conditioned mall at Gewan Island’s Crystal Walkway, covering 7,360 square miles of cool, open-air shopping space.
