In times past, Qataris used to practice traditional boat racing – a pursuit which is still held annually in Doha – reflecting part of the tradition of the country, alongside camel racing, horse racing, and falconry championships.
Sport plays a major role in the Qatari life. Most sports facilities in Qatar are open to the public in order to encourage residents to adopt a healthy lifestyle through regular exercise.
Countries all over the world have praised Qatar in recent years for hosting many great international sports events including the 15th Asian Games in 2006 the 2011 AFC Asian Football Cup and the Arab Games in 2011.
Qatar also hosts some of the world’s most prestigious annual sporting events, such as: The International Golf Championship, The Exxon Mobil Qatar Tennis Championship (Men), The Sony Ericsson Tennis Championship (women), The Qatar Classic Squash, The World Championship of Motorcycles, Qatar Rally Baja, and The Qatar Open Tennis Championship.
Qatar’s world-class sports facilities – such as those on offer at The Aspire Zone – attract many international athletes in addition to the crowds who flock to Qatar specifically to watch and experience the sporting attractions.
While traditional sports still have a solid following, in recent decades modern sports have seen steady growth and made great progress in the country, where world-class facilities such as the Khalifa International Stadium, International Complex for Tennis and Squash and The Aspire Zone have been established.
National Sports Day:
National Sports Day is an initiative adopted by H.H. The Emir (The former deputy Emir and Heir Apparent) Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. H.H. issued an Emiri Decree in 2011 stating that Tuesday in the second week of February each year is the State’s National Sports Day. All Ministries and Governmental bodies participate with public events and engage employees in sports activities. It is considered a day when all people – citizens and residents of all ages – can participate.
The most eminent sports events:
There is no doubt that the development of modern sports facilities has contributed to enabling Qatar to host some exciting international sporting events, such as Qatar Tennis Championship as well as the Qatar Athletics supervised by the International Federation.
Recent successes include the 2006 Asian Games and the 2011 AFC Asian Cup and, of course, the upcoming 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Qatari Olympic Committee:
The Qatari Olympic Committee (QOC) was established in 1979, to support the participation of national teams and associations in international, regional and local competitions in accordance with the Olympic Charter.
The Committee is currently chaired by His Highness The Emir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani. The Qatari Olympic Committee has established Sports Federations in order to supervise the individual sports. There are now numerous sports activities for both adults and children at all skill levels played within Qatar.
The QOC is also responsible for supervising sports institutions and federations within the country itself.
Additionally, the Committee aims to encourage sport and physical recreation in the country, as well as developing the Olympic initiative and supporting and enhancing athletic performance in the context of the Olympic spirit.
Overall, the QOC seeks to provide the best environment in which Qatari athletes can flourish and record the best results.
Athletic establishments and utilities:
In Qatar, there are 150 athletic establishments and facilities, the most notable are the following:
Khalifa Olympic City:Established in 1976, this facility includes the main Khalifa Stadium with capacity for 50,000 spectators. This is mainly used for football, but there is also a running track and field for athletics events, and a sports hall of 1,800 spectators capacity for basketball, handball, volleyball, tennis and the Centre of Sports Medicine.
Khalifa International Complex for Tennis and Squash:
This was established in 1992. It is a bespoke sports complex for tennis and squash constructed to international standards and specifications. Annual World Championships in both tennis and squash take place here, most notably the Qatar Championship and Exxon Mobil Championship.
Doha Golf Club:
Established in 1997, this club is affiliated to the Qatar National Company for Hotels, where all activities of the Qatari Union for Golf are organized. It is also a stadium of international standards, where The Qatar Masters Championship has been held annually since 1998.
Hamad Aquatic Sports Complex:
This facility is located near the Khalifa International Stadium and is designed according to world and olympic specifications in terms of the latest technologies and standards.
The most important traditional sports in Qatar:
Traditional Boat Racing:
The Traditional Regatta, which is held annually in Doha, reflects a part of the Qatari traditional lifestyle, with traditional boats having always been a vital and essential part of the survival and the presence of a people who once depended on the sea for their livelihood. This race turns this very traditional part of Qatari life into an athletic and enjoyable competition, in an atmosphere of sportsmanship and team spirit.
Camel racing:
Camel racing is popular in several Arab countries and especially in Qatar. Several big camel racing events are held in Qatar such as: The Emir Cup, The Heir Apparent Cup, and The Ministers’ Cup through the course of the season.
Falconry and hunting with falcons:
The sport of falconry is a favorite sport of Qataris. The hunting season usually begins with the onset of winter in the region and continues until spring. There are many festivals dedicated to falcons that are held to display the various breeds and sizes of these noble birds.
Horse racing:
Another traditional favorite, there is a large number of races held during the season offering opportunity to win big prizes!
Football: Football is considered to be the most popular sport in Qatar. The national team has represented the country in many regional, Arab, and international championships, such as the AFC Asian Cup This interest is only likely to increase as the world’s biggest football tournament, the 2022 World Cup, approaches.
The most important and main international, continental and local annual championships are the following:
- The Heir Apparent Football Cup Final-Organised by the Football Associations (local)
- The Qatar Masters Championship of Squash - Organised by the squash Federation (international)
- H.H Emir Volleyball Cup Final - Organised by the Volleyball Federation (local)
- The Qatar Championship for the Grand Prix of Athletics - Organised by the Athletics Federation (international)
- H.H Emir Football Cup Final - Organised by the Football Association (local)
- Qatar International Bowling Championship - Organised by the Bowling Federation (international)
- H.H Emir Basketball Cup Final - organised by the Basketball Association (Local)
- The Qatar Tour of Cycling - Organised by the Cycling Federation (international)
- The Qatar Rally Car Championship - Organised by the Car Union (international)
- Qatar International Sailing - Organised by the Marine Sports Federation (international)
- The Qatar Masters Golf Championship – Organised by the Golf Associations (international)
- Qatar International Festival of Equestrianism – Organised by the Equestrian Federation (international)