Qatar ushers in February 2026 with a vibrant month-long lineup of activities spanning technology, culture, sport, and community engagement. The latest edition of Qatar Calendar showcases an array of international conferences, artistic exhibitions, outdoor festivals, live entertainment, and family-friendly experiences that reflect the nation’s dynamic cultural scene and growing status as a global hub for events.

Whether visitors are drawn to world-class equestrian tournaments, music concerts, or cutting-edge business summits, February offers something for everyone across Doha and beyond.

Heritage, culture, and outdoor experiences

Qatar’s natural landscapes and cultural diversity take the spotlight with an eclectic mix of heritage events and lifestyle experiences.

• Brouq 2026 continues in the picturesque desert terrain of Zekreet until February 10, blending luxury glamping, fine dining, art, and adventure for those seeking an escape into Qatar’s rugged beauty. The event offers visitors a chance to unwind under the stars while engaging in curated cultural and environmental activities.

• The Qatar Camel Festival 2026, ongoing at the Qatar Camel Mzayen Club until February 10, gathers camel owners and enthusiasts from across the GCC. It features traditional races, beauty contests, and cultural showcases celebrating the region’s enduring desert heritage.

• Kazakhstan Cultural Week, hosted at Darb Al Saai from February 4 to 7, forms part of the Ministry of Culture’s Cultural Weeks programme that fosters cross-border cultural exchange. The event offers vibrant performances, art exhibitions, and cultural workshops that underscore Qatar’s commitment to international collaboration through culture.

• Food lovers can look forward to the Throwback Food Festival 2026, which opens at Old Doha Port on February 16 and runs until March 19. It offers a nostalgic twist on traditional recipes paired with modern culinary creativity, all within a scenic coastal setting.

• Meanwhile, the 4th Pearl Ramadan Bazaar, running from February 17 to March 23, transforms The Pearl and Gewan Islands into lively cultural hotspots with shopping stalls, food outlets, and family activities, including Garangao celebrations.

• Lagoona Mall Ramadan Nights, held every Thursday to Saturday from February 19 to March 14, animates the North Court Lobby with entertaining cultural showcases, crafts, and live performances between 9 p.m. and 11 p.m.

Business, culture, and major events

Qatar’s reputation as a rising global nexus for innovation and enterprise continues to grow, with several high-profile conferences and exhibitions anchoring the February calendar.

• The global tech community will descend on Doha for Web Summit Qatar 2026, taking place from February 1 to 4 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center. The event brings together entrepreneurs, tech visionaries, and investors to exchange ideas shaping the digital world—from artificial intelligence and fintech to sustainable innovation.

• The 21st International Conference and Exhibition on Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG2026) follows at the Qatar National Convention Center from February 2 to 5, gathering policymakers, industry leaders, and technical experts to discuss the latest developments and future outlook of the LNG sector—an industry integral to Qatar’s economic landscape.

• Art enthusiasts can experience a historic moment with the debut of Art Basel Qatar, held at M7 and the Doha Design District from February 5 to 7. The exhibition brings leading international galleries and contemporary artists under one roof, positioning Doha as a new cultural capital on the global art map.

• The Rouda Almalki Event, running from February 11 to 16 at QNCC, offers a women-centric exhibition spotlighting Ramadan and Eid preparations through fashion, perfumes, design, and luxury dining—creating a one-stop destination for seasonal inspiration.

• From February 12 to 16, AgriteQ 2026: Qatar International Agricultural Exhibition at Katara Cultural Village highlights the nation’s progress in sustainable farming, food security, and agritech innovation, featuring global experts, exhibitors, and investors in the green economy.

Sporting events and international competitions

Qatar’s sporting tradition continues to shine in February with a packed calendar of professional and community events attracting elite athletes and local participants alike.

• The Qatar Masters Golf Championship 2026, now in its 29th year, returns to Doha Golf Club from February 5 to 8 with a lineup of top golfers competing for regional glory and world ranking points.

• The 8th Al Adaid Desert Challenge takes place on February 6 in Sealine, testing endurance across sand dunes with mountain bike, duathlon, and trail-running categories for amateur and professional athletes.

• On February 7, the QTRI Meryal Waterpark Aquathlon kicks off the Qatari Islands Aquathlon Series at Qetaifan Island North, combining swimming and running in a race set against a striking coastal backdrop.

• Tennis fans can expect exciting matches at the Qatar TotalEnergies Open 2026, running from February 8 to 14 at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex. The WTA 1000 tournament welcomes some of the world’s leading women’s players for a week of top-tier competition.

• On February 10, the capital will pulse with energy during Education City Run: Color Edition and the QOC Half Marathon 2026, encouraging community participation in fitness at Education City Stadium and Lusail Boulevard, respectively.

• Qatar’s annual National Sport Day celebrations, also on February 10, will feature family-friendly sporting events at Aspire Park—as well as walkathons, fitness zones, and recreational activities throughout The Pearl and Gewan Islands.

• The prestigious HH The Amir’s Sword International Equestrian Festival 2026, held from February 11 to 14 at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club, welcomes top riders and horses for one of the region’s most esteemed equestrian competitions.

• CHI Al Shaqab Presented by Longines, from February 19 to 21, continues the momentum with show-jumping, dressage, and para-equestrian disciplines that attract world champions and showcase Doha’s leadership in the global equestrian arena.

• Rounding off the month’s athletic highlights, the Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2026 takes place from February 16 to 21 at Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex, uniting top-tier ATP players for thrilling men’s singles and doubles action.

Concerts, live shows, and entertainment

February in Doha also delivers a full schedule of entertainment, blending classical performances, modern theatre, and international tours.

• The theatrical production “Warth Obona” runs at U Venue Theatre from February 5 to 6, captivating audiences with a blend of suspense, humor, and youthful energy.

• On February 7, the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra presents Beethoven’s Eroica Symphony under the baton of Maestro Pablo Mielgo at the Opera House in Katara Cultural Village. The concert also includes works by Brahms and Strauss, delivering a night of timeless classics.

• The improv comedy show “3a Ka3ba”, taking place on February 12 at La Cigale Hotel’s Wajba Ballroom, invites laughter and audience participation with spontaneous, unscripted sketches.

• Classical Arabesque, another performance by the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra on February 14, celebrates Arab musical heritage with elegant orchestrations at Katara’s Opera House.

• Also on February 14, music lovers can enjoy Cup of Joe’s Stardust International World Tour 2026 live at the Qatar National Convention Center, marking the Filipino pop band’s first-ever concert in Doha.

Spanning art, sport, business, and leisure, February’s Qatar Calendar cements the country’s place as a destination where global creativity meets local culture, offering memorable experiences under its winter skies.

India and Pakistan have maintained mutual restrictions on each other’s airspace since April 2025, a situation that continues to affect commercial aviation across the region. While international airlines are still permitted to use the airspace of both countries, carriers from India and Pakistan remain barred from crossing into each other’s territory.

The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) confirmed on Wednesday that its airspace will remain closed to all Indian-registered aircraft, including those operated, owned, or leased by Indian airlines, as well as military flights, until early April 24. The restriction was first imposed on April 24, 2025, following Indian missile strikes linked to Operation Sindhoor.

Subsequently, Pakistan extended the closure to international traffic on May 7, 2025, before reopening its skies a day later for non-Indian airlines. Since then, both nations have continued issuing monthly Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) to reaffirm the ongoing restrictions.

The impact of these measures has been uneven. Indian carriers, particularly those operating from northern hubs such as New Delhi, have been forced to reroute flights to avoid Pakistani airspace. These detours have significantly increased operational costs and flight durations.

The situation has been further complicated by regional instability, including conflict in Iran, which has pushed Indian airlines to adopt longer routes over Africa for Europe-bound flights. In many cases, this has extended travel times by up to two hours.

Long-haul services have also been affected. For example, flights from New Delhi to New York operated by Air India now often include a stopover in Europe, stretching total journey times to approximately 22 hours. By comparison, US-based carriers that can traverse Pakistani airspace complete similar routes in around 16 hours.

Air India has estimated that the restrictions are costing the airline roughly $600 million annually. A company representative recently noted at an international aviation forum in Mumbai that competitors have increasingly captured market share as a result of these operational challenges.

Passenger trends reflect this shift. While international airlines operating direct services between Bengaluru and London have reported growing demand, Air India has not experienced a similar increase, largely due to the longer and less efficient routes it must operate.

Source: Khaleej Times

In a move to bolster regional security, the United Kingdom has confirmed the deployment of four additional Typhoon jets from the Royal Air Force to Qatar. This strategic reinforcement is part of ongoing efforts to support defensive operations in the region, further solidifying the UK’s commitment to regional stability.

The newly dispatched jets will supplement the existing aircraft stationed at the UK-Qatar Joint Typhoon Squadron. These jets were first deployed in January to enhance security measures, protect British nationals, and safeguard the country's interests in the region.

This latest deployment signals the UK's unwavering support for its allies and its determination to take all necessary steps to ensure the protection of its citizens and national assets. The UK government has reiterated that it will continue to work closely with international partners to maintain peace and security in the region.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar, has firmly rejected Iranian claims regarding recent missile strikes, asserting that the attacks were directed at civilian and residential areas within Qatar, contradicting Iran's explanation that they were aimed at American interests.

During a phone call with Dr. Abbas Araghchi, Iran's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed emphasized that the missile strikes, which impacted areas such as the vicinity of Hamad International Airport and key industrial zones, including facilities linked to liquefied natural gas production, violated Qatar’s sovereignty. He stressed that the evidence on the ground clearly disproved Iran’s assertions.

The Prime Minister described the missile attacks as a "flagrant violation" of both Qatar's sovereignty and international law. He further pointed out that these strikes were part of a broader escalation involving drones and aircraft, with the latter being intercepted by Qatar's armed forces as they entered the country’s airspace.

Sheikh Mohammed also condemned Iran's approach as "escalatory" and accused Tehran of attempting to draw neighboring countries into a conflict that does not concern them. He called for an immediate cessation of attacks on states that have sought to remain neutral, urging all parties to focus on the broader interests of regional peace and stability.

While reaffirming Qatar's commitment to dialogue and diplomacy, Sheikh Mohammed made it clear that the country would take necessary measures to protect its sovereignty and security. He pointed to Qatar’s right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter, stressing that such acts of aggression would not go unanswered.

A significant disruption to air travel occurred on Sunday, as over 3,400 flights were canceled across seven major airports in the Middle East. According to flight tracker Flightradar24, the cancellations affected key transportation hubs in Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Bahrain, which experienced widespread airspace closures due to escalating regional tensions.

Airports including Hamad International Airport in Doha, Dubai International Airport, and Bahrain International Airport saw massive operational shutdowns, halting both domestic and international flights. The closures are linked to the ongoing geopolitical developments and airspace restrictions in the region.

This large-scale disruption has left thousands of passengers stranded, with many facing delays and extended waiting times as airlines and authorities work to manage the situation. Travelers are urged to check with airlines for updates on flight statuses, as the closures continue to impact flight schedules.

As the situation evolves, aviation authorities in the affected countries are monitoring the situation closely and providing updates as new information becomes available. Passengers are advised to stay informed through airline websites or customer service hotlines.

This comes as part of ongoing regional developments, which have led to airspace restrictions across several Middle Eastern countries.

Flight operations at Bahrain International Airport (BIA) remain temporarily suspended following the closure of Bahraini airspace. The measure, implemented as part of a precautionary protocol, has led to the temporary suspension of both incoming and outgoing flights.

Airport authorities are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with relevant aviation and government agencies to ensure passenger safety and operational readiness once clearance is granted to resume flights.

Passengers are strongly advised to stay updated through official channels, including the Bahrain International Airport website and their respective airlines’ communication platforms, for the latest information on flight schedules and travel advisories.

Further updates will be issued as new information becomes available.