It’s a big weekend in Doha. The Amir Cup Final lands at Khalifa Stadium, the Qatar Philharmonic takes over Katara, and a few longer-running favourites like the Fontana water circus and Zinatha are still going strong.
Here’s everything happening in Qatar from May 7 to 9, 2026, with all the booking links, timings, and locations you need.
1. Amir Cup Final 2026: Al Sadd vs Al Gharafa
The biggest night in Qatari football. Al Sadd take on Al Gharafa in the 54th edition of the Amir Cup, with a fan zone, live entertainment, and a prize draw featuring cars, iPhones, travel packages and more. Tickets start at just QAR 10, so this is genuinely the most affordable big-stadium experience you’ll find this year.
- Date: Saturday, May 9, 2026
- Time: Gates open 2:30 PM | Kick-off 5:30 PM
- Location: Khalifa International Stadium, Aspire Zone
- Tickets: QAR 10, QAR 30, QAR 50 (Accessibility QAR 10)
- Booking: qfa.qa (delivered via the Road to Qatar app from May 7)
- Instagram: @qfa | @roadtoqatar
- Getting there: Doha Metro Gold Line to Sport City Station
2. Sound of Excellence at Katara Opera House
The Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra teams up with the Qatar Music Academy for a one-night-only concert featuring young soloists and the Qatar Youth Orchestra performing alongside professional musicians, conducted by Maestro David Navarro-Turres. A rare chance to hear Qatar’s emerging classical talent on the country’s most prestigious stage.
- Date: Friday, May 8, 2026
- Time: 7:00 PM onwards
- Location: Katara Cultural Village, Opera House
- Age: 6 years and above
- Booking: Q-Tickets
- Instagram: @qatarphilharmonic | @kataraqatar
3. Drawing for Adults at the Museum of Islamic Art
If “learn to draw” has been on your list for a while, this is the nudge you need. A four-day workshop at MIA covering the basics of drawing, shading, and working with light and shadow, all under expert guidance. Beginners welcome.
- Dates: May 10 to 13, 2026
- Time: 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
- Location: Education Centre, Museum of Islamic Art (MIA)
- Booking: mia.org.qa
- Instagram: @miaqatar
4. The Fontana Show at Hyatt Plaza
Cirque du Liban’s first travelling water circus in the Middle East. Aerialists, acrobatics, and a musical dancing fountain inside a purpose-built circus tent. It’s the most photographed show in Doha right now, and very much worth the hype.
- Running until: May 31, 2026
- Location: Circus Tent, Hyatt Plaza
- Tickets: QAR 95 (Green) to QAR 360 (Gold)
- Booking: Platinumlist
- Website: cirqueduliban.com
5. Zinatha 8th Edition at Al Hazm
The Eid prep destination for fashion, beauty, bridal wear, and accessories from Arab and Khaleeji designers. Set inside the marble Galleria, it’s as much a shopping trip as it is an aesthetic one.
- Running until: May 13, 2026
- Location: Galleria Al Hazm, Al Markhiya Street
- Time: 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- Entry: Free
- Website: alhazm.com
- Instagram: @alhazmqa
6. Tuesday Running Program at Mina Park
Fit Island Qatar’s three-month structured running program, every Tuesday evening. Built around pacing, consistency and personal goals, so it’s more focused than a casual group run but less intense than a competitive club. Mina Park’s waterfront makes a beautiful backdrop, especially at sunset.
- Running until: June 30, 2026 (every Tuesday)
- Location: Mina Park, behind The Terminal, Old Doha Port
- Booking: WhatsApp +974 6000 5499
- Instagram: @fit.island.qa
7. Lusail Karting at Lusail International Circuit
Drive on a track that hosts Formula 1 and MotoGP. The 900m karting circuit runs 12-minute sessions in 270cc karts that hit 50 to 60 km/h. Online booking only and weekend slots fill up days ahead.
- Running until: November 30, 2026
- Days: Wednesday to Saturday
- Time: 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Price: QAR 125 per 12-minute session
- Age: 13 and above (minimum height 153cm)
- Booking: lcsc.qa
- Instagram: @lusailcircuit
8. Thai Food Festival at Saffron, Banyan Tree Doha
Last few days to catch this. Part of the citywide ‘Together at the Table: Thailand & Qatar’ celebration, Saffron sits on the 24th floor with city views and a Thai menu that’s worth the trip up alone.
- Running until: May 9, 2026
Location: Saffron, 24th floor, Banyan Tree Doha (La Cigale Mushaireb) - Reservations: Call +974 4410 3310 or WhatsApp +974 3992 0505
- Website: banyantree.com/qatar/doha
- Instagram: @saffrondoha
Quick Picks for the Weekend
- Saturday night football fan? Amir Cup Final, hands down.
- Date night? Sound of Excellence, then dinner at Saffron.
- Family weekend? Fontana Show on Friday, karting on Saturday.
- Solo and creative? MIA’s drawing workshop, then a long walk through Zinatha.
That’s your full weekend, sorted. For more weekly roundups, things to do in Qatar, and Doha lifestyle guides, follow People and Qatar on Instagram @peopleandqatar.
