Building on a memorable year where Qatar successfully hosted a range of global events and welcomed over four million tourists, 2024 sustains this momentum as the country continues to open its doors to the world.

Tourism remains one of Qatar’s key policy pillars, with the goal to attract six million tourists annually by 2030. The first quarter of 2024 will see Qatar host several high-profile events, including the AFC Asian Cup and Web Summit Qatar, as part of the country’s ambitious long-term tourism strategy to boost visitor numbers.

AFC Asian Cup (12 January – 10 February)

Qatar aims to defend its title as champion in the upcoming 2023 AFC Asian Cup – a tournament Qatar has hosted three times in the past. The tournament will bring together 24 nations competing in 51 matches, with the opening match taking place between Qatar and Lebanon in Lusail Stadium. Matches will take place in seven of the stadiums used during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, highlighting Qatar’s commitment to a lasting tournament legacy.

World Aquatics Championships (2 – 18 February)

From February 2 to 18, Qatar will host the World Aquatics Championships. Anticipated to attract over 2,500 athletes from more than 190 countries, the event will feature 75 medal events encompassing disciplines such as water polo, artistic swimming, and high diving. The competition not only offers athletes a chance to compete on the global stage but also serves as a crucial opportunity to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition (5 – 11 February 2024)

Having run for 20 years, the Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition brings together local, regional, and international brands under one roof in a display of exquisite craftsmanship and design. On the sidelines, visitors can see craftsmen employing traditional practices to create pearl jewellery, showcasing Qatar’s heritage as a major pearl exporter.

Qatar International Food Festival (7 – 17 February 2024)

The Qatar International Food Festival (QIFF) is a Qatar Tourism initiative celebrating the country’s diverse food, beverage, and hospitality offerings. QIFF is the country’s biggest culinary celebration and includes workshops, live cooking classes by award-winning chefs, and daily entertainment.

Qatar TotalEnergies Open (11 – 17 February) & Qatar ExxonMobil Open (19 – 29 February)

Tennis pros will once again flock to Doha for the Qatar TotalEnergies Open and the Qatar ExxonMobil Open. Both tournaments have taken place annually in Qatar for over 20 years and see some of the world’s best tennis athletes compete.

Web Summit Qatar (26 – 29 February)

Web Summit Qatar will bring together more than 7,500 individuals in the field of technology at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC). As part of a series of international events organised by Web Summit, the Doha edition connects attendees with over 300 investors and 400 startups. Featuring speakers like Sachin Dev Duggal, founder and Chief Wizard of Builder.ai, and Aspa Lekka, Co-Founder and Executive in Residence of Alpine Investors, the conference gathers innovators, journalists, and investors in the fast-growing tech hub of the Middle East.

MotoGP (8 – 10 March)

The MotoGP returns to Qatar with the best drivers converging at the Lusail International Circuit. Following renovations last year, 2024 reinstates the track as the opening race of the MotoGP season for the Qatar Airways Grand Prix.  The circuit is notable for hosting the only night race on the MotoGP calendar, while Qatar is the only Middle Eastern country to host a round of the competition.

Expo 2023 Doha (2 October 2023 – 28 March 2024)

In 2024, Expo continues its six-month run focusing on modern agriculture, technology, innovation, environmental awareness, and sustainability – concluding on 28 March. With over 80 countries and international organisations participating in the first A1 International Horticultural Exhibition in the Middle East and North Africa, Expo provides a platform to showcase projects and investment opportunities addressing challenges of food security and sustainability.