Football fever: Qatar gears up for AFC Asian Cup, other key events in Q1 2024

Following the success of the FIFA World Cup 2022 tournament, Qatar is gearing up to welcome the world once more with the AFC Asian Cup from January 12 – February 10.

Saad Bin Ali Al-Kharji, chairman of Qatar Tourism, said: “We are pleased to host the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 this year, with its events extending from 12th January to 10th February. Visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy exciting times and explore many tourist attractions in Qatar. Qatar Tourism will offer a rich array of exciting events and festivals that will amuse our visitors from across the GCC.

“The kickoff of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 coincides with the organisation of various festivals and events, including Shop Qatar, Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition (DJWE), Qatar International Food Festival (QIFF), Qatar Kite Festival, and International Horticultural Doha Expo 2023, which continues until late March. Additionally, there will be a series of musical and entertainment events that together form an unforgettable and exceptional experience.”

He added, “Over the past years, Qatar has successfully become a distinguished sports tourism destination, due to its advanced infrastructure, sports facilities, and medical facilities. This is in addition to the diversity of sports events it hosts, especially FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

“Qatar has demonstrated to the world its hospitality, exceptional organisation, complemented by the presence of luxurious tourist facilities and the picturesque landscapes that characterise the destination.”

Heading to Qatar, book your tickets to enjoy the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023.

Qatar will be abuzz with some of the biggest events of the year during the AFC Asian Cup 2023, providing visitors from the GCC with a packed itinerary of things to do and see pre- and post-matches.

World Aquatics Championships

The World Aquatics Championships 2024 is taking place from February 2 – 18, at the Aspire Dome, Old Doha Port, and Hamad Aquatic Center.

This tournament will be hosting 2, 600 top athletes, from over 190 countries, for 75 medal events, with an opportunity for athletes to qualify for Olympic Games Paris 2024. Sports include swimming (including open water and artistic), diving and high diving, and water polo. Visitors can witness top-class aquatic performances from athletes from all over the world.

Key cultural events taking place in Qatar

Shop Qatar 2024: Shop Qatar will be running from January 1 to 27, 2024, with incredible discounts in stores, raffle draws, and entertainment spread out in malls. There are a total of 13 malls and shopping districts participating, which visitors can explore, with 100s of shops featuring different offers and entertainment.

Qatar International Food Festival 2024: The Qatar International Food Festival (QIFF), is set to return on February 7 – 17 at Family Zone Expo at Al Bidda Park this time.

Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition 2024 (DJWE): DJWE will be held at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center from February 5 to 11, with stunning displays and collections.

Doha Expo 2023: One of the main events of 2023 continuing into 2024 is the Doha Expo 2023, which will run until March 28. Doha Expo 2023 has been a platform for people in Qatar to engage with local and international agricultural organisations. It is the first-ever A1 international horticultural exhibition in the MENA region.

Visitors can enjoy several other events at the Expo as well, such as immersing themselves in virtual reality, participating in innovative workshops, exploring the botanic garden, or simply sipping on some coffee in the Cultural Zone.

Museums and exhibitions: The Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art is hosting several exhibitions until March 2024, These include Mehdi Moutashar: Introspection as Resistance, Distilled Lessons: Abstraction in Arab Modernism, Cities Under Quarantine: The Mailbox Project, and De/Constructed Meanings.

Close to Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium is the Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum in Al Samriya. Fans who have some time to spare pre- or post-match can learn about Sheikh Faisal, one of the country’s most prolific businessmen. The museum boasts traditional Syrian craftsmanship, artifacts dating back to the Jurassic age, antique automobiles, and rustic carpets.

Concerts: Qatar is hosting various music artists across three locations in the country. At Hotel Park in West Bay, visitors can enjoy Arab singer Wafeek Habeeb’s music on January 17, electronic music by ‘Swedish House Mafia’ on January 19, performances by the renowned band ‘Backstreet Boys’ on January 26, and pop band ‘OneRepublic’ on February 1.

At the Katara Amphitheater, music lovers can watch performances by Arab singers Modi and Rehab Al Shamrani on January 27, Lebanese artist Najwa Karam on February 1, Moroccan-French performer Amine Boudchar on February 8, and Egyptian singer Amal Maher on February 11.

The Qatar National Convention Centre will be hosting artist Nassif Zeytoun on February 3.

Hello Asia: Lusail Boulevard and Plaza will welcome fans for its  ‘Hello Asia’ festival which will take place from January 10– February 10.

There will be 24 country zones, such as Qatar, China, India, South Korea, and Lebanon to name a few. Fans can show support for the national teams the supporting the parade.

Other attractions in Qatar

Visitors headed to Education City Stadium can get a closer up at the  Qatar National Library, which is structured as a shell made by folding two pieces of paper, or the contemporary design of the Education City Mosque, Minaretein.

Both QNL and Minartein are worth exploring with the library’s café, 3D printing, music studio, and reading nooks, and the mosque’s guided tour.

Abu Manaratain Mosque, at Al Wakrah, features unconventional architecture from the 1940s.

The Meryal Waterpark, which recently opened at Qetaifan Island North, has been designed to reflect the oil and gas industry’s importance to Qatari culture. One of its rides, the Icon Tower is the world’s highest tower of its kind.

The annual Winter Wonderland Lusail is now operating on Al Maha Island, near the Lusail Stadium, with 50 rides which encompass 25 family rides, 15 children’s rides, 10 thrill rides, rollercoaster, and the 150-foot tall Ferris Wheel.

Fans can visit Duhail Night Market, near the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium, to sample finger foods, coffee, and karak chai.

During the weekend, visitors can explore the Torba Farmer’s Market, held every Saturday, in Education City. The market offers local, artisanal products and fresh food for visitors to enjoy. Near Al Janoub Stadium you will find the Souq Al Wakrah, where you can take a stroll by the sea in the serene winter weather, indulge in a range of cuisine, primarily seafood, and explore shops selling traditional Arabian products.

A 20-minute drive away from Ahmed bin Ali Stadium is Al Shahaniya Camel Racetrack, which hosts multiple camel racing events throughout the year.

Al Shaqab, near Education City Stadium, is also a popular destination for equestrian fans to watch horseback riding events, post-matches. In addition, the Katara International Arabian Horse Festival will run from February 1-11, and will showcase different purebred horses in competition with each other.