This week is loaded. Doha International Book Fair is in full swing, the 4th GCC Games are mid-tournament, and Eritrean culture takes over Doha for a long weekend. Add a brand-new DFI film at VOX, plus your usual karting and running favourites, and there’s no reason to stay in.
Here’s everything happening in Qatar from May 17 to 21, 2026, with all the booking links, locations, and Instagram handles you’ll need.
1. Doha International Book Fair 2026 at DECC
The 35th edition is here, and this year’s fair brings 515 publishing houses from 36 countries across 910 booths. Expect Arabic and English titles, signing sessions, panel discussions, kids’ workshops, and the kind of book-deal energy you’ll only find here. Free entry, and easily a full-day visit.
- Running until: May 23, 2026
- Location: Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC)
- Time: 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM (Friday: 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM)
- Entry: Free
- Website: dohabookfair.qa
- Instagram: @dibookfair
2. 4th GCC Games Doha 2026
Over 1,000 athletes from across the six GCC nations are competing in 17 sports right now, including swimming, athletics, padel, fencing, taekwondo, and 3×3 basketball. Events are spread across 10 venues including Aspire Dome, Hamad Aquatic Centre, Lusail Shooting Range, and Qatar Sports Club. Most events are open to spectators, and the slogan this year is ‘One Gulf, One Heart’.
- Running until: May 22, 2026
- Locations: Aspire Dome, Hamad Aquatic Centre, Qatar Sports Club, Al Gharafa Sports Club, Lusail Shooting Range, Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club, Duhail Sports Hall, and more
- Schedule and tickets: gccgames.qa
- Instagram: @gccgames2026
3. DFI at VOX Cinema: Hijra
The Doha Film Institute is screening ‘Hijra’, a moving Arabic-language film about a 12-year-old girl who sets off for Mecca with her grandmother and rebellious older sister. When the sister vanishes mid-journey, what begins as a Hajj turns into a search across Saudi Arabia that uncovers long-buried family secrets. One night only.
- Date: Wednesday, May 20, 2026
- Location: VOX Cinemas, Doha Festival City
- Language: Arabic (with English subtitles)
- Booking: VOX Cinemas
- Instagram: @dohafilm
4. Eritrean Cultural Festival 2026
A three-day celebration of Eritrean heritage with traditional artifacts, music, dance, ethnic costumes, and a curated exhibition of the country’s cultural diversity and natural landscapes. A great way to experience a culture you don’t see represented often in Doha.
- Dates: May 20 to 22, 2026
- Location: Eritrean Cultural Centre, Doha
- Entry: Free
- Instagram: Check @visitqatar for updates
5. The Fontana Show at Hyatt Plaza
Last two weeks of the most photographed show in Doha. Cirque du Liban’s first travelling water circus in the Middle East combines aerialists, acrobatics, and a musical dancing fountain. If you’ve been putting it off, this is your final stretch.
- Running until: May 31, 2026
- Location: Circus Tent, Hyatt Plaza
- Tickets: QAR 95 (Green) to QAR 360 (Gold)
- Booking: Platinumlist
- Website: cirqueduliban.com
6. Tuesday Running Program at Mina Park
Fit Island Qatar’s three-month structured running program. Every Tuesday evening at Mina Park’s waterfront. Pacing, consistency, personal goals. Less intense than a competitive club, more focused than a casual jog.
- 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 the same track that hosts Formula 1 and MotoGP. 900m of circuit, 12-minute sessions, 270cc karts that hit 50 to 60 km/h. Online booking only, and weekend slots fill up fast.
- 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. Mall of Qatar Just Got a Lot Sweeter: The Fluffy Fantasia Show (May 21 to 30, 2026)
Picture a wonderland of sugar-spun sets, gummy bear castles, and performers in candy-couture costumes. It’s a fully immersive family stage show with mind-bending acrobatics, mesmerizing dance numbers, and stunning illusions, all wrapped in a pink-purple fantasy world. Think Nutcracker meets Willy Wonka, with a bit of cirque magic thrown in.
Free to attend, no tickets needed, and perfect for kids who light up at glitter, bubbles, and oversized lollipops.
Showtimes
- May 21 to 25: 4:30 PM, 6:30 PM, and 8:00 PM
- May 27 to 30: 6:30 PM and 8:00 PM
- Day of Arafah: No shows
Quick Details
- Dates: May 21 to 30, 2026
- Location: Oasis Stage, Mall of Qatar
- Entry: Free
- Website: mallofqatar.com.qa
- Instagram: @mallofqatar
Quick Picks for the Week
- Sports fan? Catch a GCC Games match. Padel, swimming, and athletics are the best spectator picks.
- Family weekend? Book Fair on Friday afternoon, Fontana Show on Saturday.
- Date night? Hijra at VOX, then a slow drive through Lusail.
- Solo and creative? Eritrean Festival in the evening.
That’s your week. For more weekly roundups, things to do in Qatar, and Doha lifestyle guides, follow People and Qatar on Instagram @peopleandqatar.
