As temperatures drop around the world, Qatar is just starting to heat up – in all the right ways. Starting from December, the country transforms into one of the region’s most exciting destinations, offering warm weather, global sporting events, and entertainment for the whole family.
Here are the top reasons to book a flight (and a hotel with us) to Qatar:
Perfect beach weather in winter
While much of the world layers up, Qatar’s winter season brings blue skies and sunshine – perfect for the beach. One of the best places to soak it all in is Doha Beach Club, a popular beachfront destination featuring Qatar’s first-ever licensed street food district. Families can relax by the beach, explore global food trucks, take up a workout class with a panoramic view, or play a game of football, basketball, padel, or tennis, all with a breath-taking view of the Doha skyline.
Lusail Winter Wonderland is back
Al Maha Island’s Lusail Winter Wonderland is a must-visit during the winter season. With over 50 rides and attractions, this one-of-a-kind theme park brings winter magic to Qatar’s generally warm shores. Think carnival games, ice skating, live entertainment, and food stalls. It’s a full day out for the kids, teens and even adults looking for mega winter fun.
Desert nights & starry skies at Brouq 2026
Last winter, Brouq captivated visitors with its blend of desert serenity and festival excitement. Glamping under starlit skies, outdoor dining, and cultural workshops made for a truly unique experience. Running until 17 January 2026, Brouq 2026 promises to build on that legacy, inviting visitors to explore the natural beauty of Zekreet, witness stunning sunsets, and participate in engaging activities that highlight Qatar's desert magic.
FIFA’s on a flight back to Qatar
From 01-18 December 2025, the FIFA Arab Cup 2025™ and FIFA Intercontinental Cup™ 2025 takes over Qatar, and these sporting spectacles are ones to look out for.
On the one hand, reigning champions Algeria are out to defend their crown, but heavyweights Morocco, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, and hosts Qatar are all coming in hot. The rivalries are real, the world-class stadiums will be packed, and the energy is going to be next level.
On the other, Cruz Azul from Mexico, Pyramids FC from Egypt, and the CONMEBOL Club Champion, yet to be decided, will face off at the FIFA Derby of the Americas™ 2025 and the FIFA Challenger Cup™ 2025, setting the stage for edge-of-your-seat action against the reigning European champions, Paris Saint-Germain, at the FIFA Intercontinental Cup™ 2025.
Football’s a sport, but this is going to be pride, passion, and pure regional fire on the pitches of Qatar.
Kitesurfing season takes off at Fuwairit Kite Beach Resort
Adrenaline junkies are going to be immensely pleased. Qatar’s kitesurfing season is one of the longest in the world – running from November to July – and the place to be is Fuwairit Kite Beach Resort. This sleek, purpose-built destination delivers consistent winds, shallow lagoons, and top-tier gear aside from your own. Add in modern beachfront stays, chilled vibes, and golden sunsets – and you’ve got the kind of winter escape worth writing home about.
Qatar’s culinary scene is on fire
Qatar isn’t just feeding its guests, it’s wowing them! The debut of the Michelin Guide Doha 2025 back in December 2024 has highlighted a wave of culinary creativity, with restaurants like IDAM by Alain Ducasse and Jiwan redefining modern Middle Eastern dining. But it doesn’t stop there – head to Mina District for harbour-side bites, trendy cafes, the MICHELIN-Selected Baron, and one of the city’s most photogenic food scenes. And when the sun sets, rooftops are where it’s at, with sleek lounges and skyline views turning casual evenings into full-on experiences. It’s official, Doha’s on the global foodie map now.
Wellness, reimagined
Forget one-size-fits-all spa days, Qatar is redefining wellness, and it’s anything but boring. Start at Al Messila Resort & Spa, where a luxe ladies-only wellness retreat, complete with hydrotherapy pools and fitness spaces, offers serious self-care in incredibly serene surroundings. Want something even more immersive? Head to Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som, the region’s flagship wellness retreat and the first in the world to integrate Traditional Arabic & Islamic Medicine (TAIM) into its healing philosophy. Think personalised wellness journeys, desert-meets-sea serenity, and treatments inspired by centuries of regional wisdom – all set against a peaceful, private beachfront.
The treasure hunt is on
Torba Market has become a must-visit winter destination in Qatar! All previous editions have drawn massive crowds eager to explore artisanal crafts, street eats, and eco-friendly finds. Until 28 February 2026, the 2025/26 edition is expected to be bigger, better, and just as exciting! With a lively community experience on full display, you can look forward to browsing through fresh produce and homemade goods and discovering the latest in culinary and craft creativity.
Legends & charity are set to collide once again
Last year's Match for Hope wowed fans worldwide. The charity match brought together football legends like Thierry Henry, Andrés Iniesta, Alessandro Del Piero, David Silva, and Andrea Pirlo alongside the names in online entertainment, including creators such as KSI, IShowSpeed, Chunkz, AboFlah, Miniminter, and more. It was a rollercoaster of emotions. The match included lots of funny twists, last-minute goals, and unforgettable moments that made it more than just a football game. With that in mind, anticipation is already building for the next edition, taking place on 30 January 2026!
Chase the finish line
Set for 16 January 2026, the Doha Marathon by Ooredoo is a World Athletics Gold Lavel event that attracts elite athletes and runners from around the globe. Participants can choose from a full marathon, half marathon, 10 km, 5 km, and children's races, ensuring there's a distance for everyone. With the Corniche being the start line, the run route winds through Doha's iconic streets, offering stunning skyline views and a chance to experience the city like never before. Families and children are welcome, making it a truly inclusive event where runners of all levels can soak up all the positive energy, and enjoy the camaraderie and thrill of running!
Serve, smash, match point
From 8 - 21 February, Doha will once again be the centre of tennis as the Qatar TotalEnergies Open and the Qatar ExxonMobil Open are both coming back! On the women's side, stars such as Iga Świątek, Elena Rybakina, Coco Gauff, Ons Jabeur, and Jelena Ostapenko have lit up the Doha courts in previous editions. On the men's side, past draws have featured Novak Djokovic, Andrey Rublev, Jannik Sinner, Daniil Medvedev, Alex de Minaur, and Stefanos Tsitsipas, creating a stacked field that promises fireworks.
With such lineup depth potential when it comes to serving powerhouses, baseline artists, and Grand Slam champions, expectations for this next edition are higher than ever!
With such lineup depth potential when it comes to serving powerhouses, baseline artists, and Grand Slam champions, expectations for this next edition are higher than ever!
It's galloping time
The HH The Amir's Sword International Equestrian Festival has long drawn top riders and magnificent horses from around the globe, delivering a heart-pounding spectacle of skill, speed, and tradition. From 11 - 14 February, fans can witness breath-taking showjumping, masterful horsemanship, and unforgettable performances that celebrate Qatar's rich equestrian heritage. With high-level competition and electrifying moments all throughout, this edition promises to raise the bar and continue the legacy of one of the most prestigious equestrian events in the world.
Safe, seamless, and stress-free
Land in the world’s best airport – Hamad International Airport – and explore Doha’s spotless streets, smooth transport, ultra-modern venues, the best hotel chains in the mall all in one place, and people all around you speaking your language. It’s a huge melting pot of cultures and people. Planning to explore with kids? No problem. Everything from theme parks to stadiums and malls is designed with families (and you) in mind. In short, Qatar keeps it safe, simple, and seriously enjoyable.