Qatar has redefined its offerings for 2026-2027 – from immersive indoor attractions to lively waterfronts, sporting activity, exceptional cuisine, and elegant shopping districts, Doha offers unique experiences for every traveller

There is something wonderfully unexpected about Qatar all through the year… And you discover that promise when you arrive at the Hamad International Airport, at Doha, itself. What follows then is a rollercoaster of fun and entertainment, wherein you are strapped in for thrills and chills.

For many travellers from Oman, the Gulf summer is often associated with staying indoors or planning holidays further afield. Yet Doha challenges that assumption with surprising confidence. It has mastered the art of creating experiences that celebrate the season rather than surrender to it.

Air-conditioned cultural districts, immersive attractions, waterfront promenades that come alive after sunset, world-class dining, and thoughtfully designed public spaces make the city an inviting destination even during the warmest months.

During a three-day visit hosted by Visit Qatar, and managed by Mannai Holidays, I discovered a city that balances heritage with innovation, tradition with entertainment, and quiet elegance with vibrant energy. Every stop revealed another dimension of Qatar’s evolving tourism landscape – one that offers families, and solo travellers an engaging short escape, a short flight from Oman.

Qatar Calendar 2026-2027 launch

In an official ceremony on September 16, Visit Qatar launched Qatar Calendar 2026/2027 showcasing its offering of more than 560 events, festivals and championships across the country. The Calendar brings together a diverse programme of sport, entertainment, culture, family experiences and outdoor activities, giving travellers from across the region more reasons to visit Qatar throughout the upcoming seasons.

GCC visitors remain one of Qatar’s most important tourism markets, with around one million visitors from the GCC recorded to date in 2026, representing more than 40% of total visitors to Qatar. Qatar Calendar builds on this strong regional demand by continuing to strengthen its position as a year-round destination for regional travellers.

The event was formally opened by Saad bin Ali Al Kharji, Chairman of Qatar Tourism and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Visit Qatar, who highlighted the Calendar’s strategic role in coordinating Qatar’s diverse events offering and strengthening the destination’s presence on the international tourism map.

H.E. Saad Ali Al Kharji

Eng Abdulaziz Ali Al Mawlawi, CEO of Visit Qatar, added, “The launch of Qatar’s unified national calendar today represents a strategic step that brings together the efforts of government entities and private-sector organisations under one national umbrella, sustainably strengthening Qatar’s position as a leading tourism destination regionally and internationally.

“Qatar has demonstrated its resilience and stability across various sectors, and through continued investment in the quality of tourism services, events and visitor experiences, we are building an integrated year-round tourism offering that supports the ambitions of Qatar National Vision 2030,” he added.

Speaking to Muscat Daily on the sidelines of the event, Jassim Al Mahmoud, Communications Director – Visit Qatar, said, “One of the ways we are trying to extend awareness of our events to GCC countries is by having collaboration with media outlets to propagate the activities in the calendar of 2026-27. We also conduct roadshows before every big event, which is part of strategy to raise awareness.

About the percentage of visitors from GCC states every year, he said, it was sizable (over 40 per cent), though the bulk of visitors are from Saudi Arabia, besides those from Oman and other gulf states, he added.

Visit Qatar also launched its new winter campaign, ‘A World of Events in Qatar’, inviting GCC audiences to discover Qatar’s winter season through a programme spanning international sporting events, live entertainment, family experiences, desert adventures and outdoor activities. The launch also saw Visit Qatar sign partnership and cooperation agreements with Aspire Zone Foundation, Melt Live (represented by Steve Harvey), Qatar Rail and the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy.

Culinary elegance

A visit to Maha Island in the evening revealed another side of Doha. Known as one of the city’s premium leisure destinations, the waterfront setting creates a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere after sunset. Dining at numerous dining options to suit varied palettes makes the evening an experience to treasure.

Beautiful presentation, aromatic flavours and attentive service complemented views of the illuminated surroundings, creating the perfect conclusion to the first day. Summer evenings in Doha possess a gentle charm of their own. As temperatures become more comfortable, promenades fill with families.

Soul of the Waterfront

A visit to Old Doha Port is yet another interesting stop where the city’s maritime heritage has been thoughtfully transformed into a colourful waterfront destination.

The pastel-coloured buildings, marina views and pedestrian-friendly streets create an inviting atmosphere for leisurely exploration. Fishing traditions, modern cafés, public art and boutique shops coexist naturally, making the district feel authentic rather than manufactured.

There is a refreshing sense of openness here. Visitors can simply wander without an agenda, discovering viewpoints, cafés and charming streets that encourage unhurried exploration. For photographers, every direction presents postcard-worthy frames.

Where civilisations meet

No visit to Doha is complete without spending time at the National Museum of Qatar, designed on the lines of the ‘Desert Rose’ and housing artefacts ranging from ancient meteorites to stuffed mammals. There is a whole collection on display, from flora and fauna to traditional dresses, marine tools, Bedouin accessories, fish, birds, reptiles, utensils, and many other items on display alongside modern interactive digital aides that guide as well as entertain the visitor.

Also, in the Islamic Museum, centuries of artistic achievement unfold through manuscripts, ceramics, jewellery, textiles, scientific instruments and decorative arts collected from across the Islamic world.

What makes this museum particularly engaging is the way it connects diverse cultures through shared artistic traditions. Rather than simply displaying artefacts, it tells the story of innovation, knowledge and creativity across generations.

Other attractions

From centuries-old treasures, the journey shifts effortlessly into pure fun at the Qatar Toy Festival during summer. Designed as an immersive family attraction, the festival transforms familiar toy brands and beloved characters into interactive worlds. Live performances, games, themed activities and creative experiences ensure there is constant excitement throughout the venue.

At Katara Cultural Village, one of the city’s best expressions of art, architecture and community life, one can encounter creativity in varied forms without it being overwhelming. Also, strolls through malls like Al Hazm Mall, West Walk, Vendome Palace, brings one face to face with high end shopping and dining options. For more encounters with traditional goods, however, one should visit Waqif Souq.

Also, few attractions embrace imagination as enthusiastically as Colorverse which is like stepping inside a living canvas where colour becomes an experience rather than simply something to observe.

This venue successfully blends creativity, technology and playful exploration.

Cruising through The Pearl

Later in the day, a leisurely drive through The Pearl Qatar showcased one of the city’s most recognisable developments. Its elegant marinas, Mediterranean-inspired architecture, landscaped boulevards and luxury residences create an atmosphere quite unlike anywhere else in the Gulf.

Each precinct possesses its own personality – from waterfront promenades lined with cafés to stylish shopping districts and picturesque residential canals. Rather than simply representing luxury, The Pearl reflects Doha’s international outlook while maintaining an inviting sense of openness for visitors.

For travellers from Oman, summer/winter is no deterrent. Families will find engaging activities for children, couples can enjoy refined dining, and culture enthusiasts will discover museums/heritage districts of international calibre. Most importantly, Doha never feels like a city trying to impress through scale alone. Instead, it succeeds through thoughtful experiences and genuine hospitality.