A striking celestial event will light up the night sky over Qatar and neighbouring countries shortly after midnight and into the early hours of January 11.
Credits – Photography by Alamy, Nat Geo
Spica (Alpha Virginis), often called the “lonely star”, will appear in conjunction with the Moon, creating a beautiful sight visible to the naked eye.
Head of the Qatar Astronomical Center, Sheikh Salman bin Jabor Al-Thani, said:
“Tonight, the lonely Spica star will be in conjunction with the Moon, in a beautiful sight visible to the naked eye after midnight.”
Spica is one of the brightest stars in the constellation Virgo and is among the ancient navigational stars known for its intense brightness. The star is located around 250 light-years from Earth.
Skywatchers are advised to look towards the eastern horizon after midnight for the best view.
الليلة يقترن نجم السماك الأعزل مع القمر، في منظر جميل يرى بالعين المجردة من بعد منتصف الليل. السماك الأعزل من نجوم كوكبة العذراء ومن نجوم الملاحة المعروفة منذ القدم لشدة لمعانه، ويبعد عنا 250 سنة ضوئية. pic.twitter.com/rSuxdkrwnN
The Hope film screening 2025–2026 in Doha, Qatar invites families, students, and film lovers to experience a powerful short animated film at the National Museum of Qatar. Running from November 2025 until January 2026,Hope at NMoQ in Doha tells the moving story of a young sea turtle overcoming challenges and human impact, delivering a strong message about environmental awareness.
The Hope film screening in Doha, Qatar is free to attend and takes place daily at the NMoQ Auditorium. It is one of the most meaningful events in Qatar this season and a great choice for families looking for educational and inspiring things to do in Doha.
Event Overview
Hope is a six-minute animated short film developed under the Doha Film Institute Fall Grants programme.
Written and directed by Qatari filmmaker Abdulla Al Janahi, the film follows Aqua, a newborn sea turtle born with a smaller fin, as he journeys from his nest to the sea while facing pollution and environmental threats.
The film blends comedy and drama to deliver a powerful message about protecting marine life and the planet.
Dates, Timings & Location
Dates: 14 November 2025 to 30 January 2026 Venue: NMoQ Auditorium, National Museum of Qatar, Doha
Screening Times Saturday to Thursday: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm Friday: 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Last entry is 45 minutes before closing time.
Tickets & Booking Information
General Public: Free entry, no registration required School Groups: Free entry, registration required
Tickets are available on arrival. Visitors may also reserve tickets in advance to select a preferred time slot.
Group bookings of 25 or more visitors should be arranged in advance.
What Makes This Special
Hope stands out as one of the most meaningful family film screenings in Doha.
Key highlights include:
Short animated film suitable for all ages
Strong environmental and conservation message
Developed by Doha Film Institute
Created by a Qatari filmmaker
Free public access
Hosted inside the iconic National Museum of Qatar
The film is ideal for children, students, and families.
Who Should Attend
This screening is perfect for:
Families with children
School groups
Students and young learners
Film lovers
Visitors exploring cultural activities in Doha
It is suitable for all age groups.
Why This Event Matters in Qatar
Hope reflects Qatar’s growing commitment to film, education, and environmental awareness.
Supported by the Doha Film Institute and hosted at the National Museum of Qatar, the screening highlights the role of storytelling in promoting sustainability and social responsibility.
It also supports Qatar’s vision of building a strong creative and cultural ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Hope film about?
Hope is an animated short film about a young sea turtle named Aqua who overcomes challenges and pollution on his journey to the sea.
Where is the Hope film screening in Doha?
The film is screened at the NMoQ Auditorium inside the National Museum of Qatar.
Is the Hope film screening free?
Yes. Entry is free for the general public. School groups must register in advance.
A second meteorite fragment has been discovered in Al Khor following four months of intensive search efforts, according to Sheikh Salman bin Jabor Al Thani, Head of the Qatar Astronomical Centre.
Announcing the find on social media, Sheikh Salman confirmed that laboratory analysis identified the newly recovered piece as an iron meteorite. The discovery followed extensive fieldwork using drone surveillance and long desert expeditions along a projected impact path stretching over 10 kilometres.
The announcement comes after an earlier discovery in September 2025, when the first fragment was found by chance along Al Khor beach. That piece was later identified as a tektite, a rare form of natural glass created by meteorite impacts.
Sheikh Salman said the Qatar Astronomical Centre has now documented more than 30 meteorite discoveries across Qatar, adding that further fragments may still be present in the Al Khor area.
He emphasised that such discoveries play a vital role in advancing astronomical research and scientific studies in Qatar and the region.
الحمد لله تم العثور على ثاني قطعة من نيزك الخور بعد أربعة اشهر من البحث. وبعد اختبار النيزك، اتضح انه نيزك حديدي. البحث كان على المسار الي تم التعرف عليه بأستخدم لدرون والمشي مسافات في الصحراء. مبدئيا طول المسار الي تم تحديده أكثر من 10 كم. pic.twitter.com/dNXi8WZtqa
Popular Qatari restaurant chain Poori & Karak has announced a temporary suspension of cash payments across all its branches following what it described as the largest internal theft incident the company faced in 2025.
In an official statement, the company revealed that the embezzlement involved some employees and was carried out through cash transactions, resulting in significant financial losses – the highest recorded by the company during the year.
“In the interest of protecting the company’s assets, enhancing transparency, and ensuring the integrity of financial operations, management has decided to completely discontinue cash payments and adopt bank card payments only as a temporary measure,”
the company said.
Poori & Karak emphasised that the decision is precautionary while it strengthens its financial control and monitoring systems. The company also reaffirmed its confidence in its current workforce and praised their continued cooperation.
Customers have been thanked for their understanding and ongoing support as the company transitions to a fully cashless payment system for the time being.
The State of Qatar expresses its deep regret over the damage sustained by its embassy building in Ukraine as a result of the shelling of the capital, Kyiv, last night. It confirms that none of its diplomats or embassy staff were harmed.
In this context, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs underscores the necessity of protecting embassies, diplomatic missions, headquarters of international organizations, and civilian facilities from the consequences of crises, and of ensuring the safety of their personnel in accordance with international law.
The Ministry reiterates the State of Qatar’s firm position calling for a resolution to the Russian-Ukrainian crisis through dialogue and peaceful means, in accordance with the principles of international law and the Charter of the United Nations, and reaffirms its full support for all international efforts aimed at de-escalation. MoFAQatar_En | MofaQatar | MofaQatar | www.mofa.gov.qa
Statement | Qatar Expresses Deep Regret Over Damage to Its Embassy Building in Ukraine Following Shelling of Kyiv#MOFAQatarpic.twitter.com/B1Rygf0b2V
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Qatar (@MofaQatar_EN) January 9, 2026
TheQatar Museums January 2026 events in Doha, Qatar bring a full month of creative, educational, and family-friendly experiences across the country’s leading museums and cultural hubs. From hands-on design workshops and heritage crafts to public lectures, film screenings, and children’s activities, this programme is one of the most diverse events in Qatar this winter.
The Qatar Museums January 2026 calendar in Doha features activities at M7, the National Museum of Qatar, Museum of Islamic Art, Al Riwaq Gallery, Liwan Design Studios, Lusail Museum, and Dadu Gardens. Whether you are looking for cultural experiences, family activities, or creative workshops, this guide covers the best things to do in Doha this January.
Event Overview
Qatar Museums welcomes 2026 with a dynamic calendar of public workshops, exhibitions, lectures, and family activities.
The programme is curated across multiple venues and focuses on creativity, heritage, sustainability, film, architecture, and design. Activities are suitable for children, students, families, and adults.
Highlights include:
Creative workshops at M7 and Liwan
Family activities at MIA and Dadu Gardens
Film screenings at the National Museum of Qatar
Public lectures at Lusail Museum
Interactive exhibitions at Al Riwaq Gallery
Dates, Timings & Location
Dates: Throughout January 2026 Locations across Doha:
9 January 2026 | 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm | English Create a candle holder using colourful mosaic pieces on a glass sphere. Learn traditional geometric design techniques in a relaxing creative setting. Registration required – click here
Make Your Own Garangao Tote Bag Punch Needle Workshop 10 January 2026 | 10:30 am to 1:30 pm | English Design a personalised tote bag using punch needle embroidery in a special Garangao edition workshop. Registration required
10, 13, 17 and 20 January 2026 | English A four-day intensive interior design course covering colour theory, lighting, layouts, and professional design planning. Registration required – click here
11 January 2026 | 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm | English Create a macrame and painted artwork on a wooden base using ropes and colour. Suitable for beginners. Registration required – click here
National Museum of Qatar Programmes
National Museum of Qatar Programmes
From Me to NMoQ with Qatar Post 10, 17, 24 and 31 January 2026 | 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm | English and Arabic Take Polaroid photos, write messages on Qatar Post cards, and contribute to a growing community display. No registration required.
Ancestral Registry Youth Oral History Workshop 10 and 14 January 2026 | 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm | English and Arabic Record family stories and explore Qatari heritage through oral history. Registration required- click here
Fabricated Horizon Textile Sculpture Workshop 12 and 17 January 2026 | 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm | English and Arabic Create textile sculptures inspired by Qatari heritage and sustainability. Registration required via [email protected]
Film Screenings: Hope and Turtle Odyssey Throughout January 2026 Saturday to Thursday: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm Friday: 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm Educational marine life films for families and children. No registration required.
Museum of Islamic Art Activities
International Children’s Day at MIA 10 January 2026 | 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm | English and Arabic Outdoor family activities inspired by Islamic art and I. M. Pei architecture. No registration required.
Architects Build Your Own Modern Monument
Architects Build Your Own Modern Monument
20 January 2026 | 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm | English Children aged 8 to 12 design modern monuments inspired by I. M. Pei. Registration required – click here
Flowers of the Past Workshop
Flowers of the Past Workshop
26 to 27 January 2026 | 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm | English and Arabic Young artists explore Islamic artefacts and create vase designs. Registration required – click here
Opens 9 January 2026 Friday from 1:30 pm Saturday to Thursday from 9:00 am An interactive exhibition exploring Qatar’s international mediation and peacebuilding efforts. Free registration – click here
Lusail Museum Public Lectures
Princes, Patrons, and Painters: The Ottoman Palace and Modernity
Princes, Patrons, and Painters: The Ottoman Palace and Modernity
13 January 2026 | 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm | English A lecture by Edhem Eldem on Ottoman palace culture and art. Registration required – click here
At the Empire’s Edge: Art, Authority, and Reform in Tunisia 27 January 2026 | 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm | English A lecture exploring political imagery and reform in nineteenth-century Tunisia.
12 to 15 January 2026 | 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm | English Learn how to transform scripts into visual storyboards with filmmaker Vincent Bal. Registration required – click here
From Script to Stitch Costume Design Workshop 14 to 18 January 2026 | 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm | English Explore character development through costume design with Mohammed Simba Elmur. Registration required – click here
The Craft of the Foley Artist 19 to 21 January 2026 | 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm | English Create sound effects for film using professional foley techniques. Registration required – click here
Dadu Gardens Family Programme
Dadu Gardens Outdoor Play Experience
Dadu Gardens Outdoor Play Experience
Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday until April 2026 An outdoor learning and play space for children under 12 and their families. Booking required – click here
Who Should Attend
These events are ideal for:
Families with children
Students and young creatives
Art and design enthusiasts
Film and architecture fans
Visitors exploring Doha’s cultural scene
The calendar includes activities for all age groups.
Why This Event Matters in Qatar
Qatar Museums plays a central role in shaping the country’s cultural ecosystem. The January 2026 programme reflects Qatar’s commitment to creative education, heritage preservation, and public engagement.
With venues across Doha, the programme supports Qatar’s vision of becoming a global hub for art, culture, and creativity while offering residents and visitors meaningful cultural experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main Qatar Museums events in January 2026?
The programme includes workshops, exhibitions, film screenings, public lectures, and family activities across Doha’s major museums and creative hubs.
Are Qatar Museums January 2026 events free?
Some events are free while others require paid registration. Prices start from QAR 180 for workshops.
Where are the Qatar Museums January 2026 events held?
Events take place at M7, National Museum of Qatar, Museum of Islamic Art, Al Riwaq Gallery, Liwan Design Studios, Lusail Museum, and Dadu Gardens.
Do I need to register in advance?
Yes, many workshops and lectures require advance registration due to limited spaces.
The Doha Equestrian Tour 2026 is Qatar’s flagship international show jumping series, bringing the world’s top riders and horses to Al Shaqab for a 10-round championship season. Running from January to April 2026, the Doha Equestrian Tour 2026 in Doha, Qatar features CSI1* to CSI5* competitions, global ranking points, and more than €10 million in total prize money.
Held entirely at Al Shaqab, the Doha Equestrian Tour 2026 is one of the biggest sports events in Qatar and a must-see for fans of elite equestrian sport. It is also one of the top things to do in Doha during the winter and spring season.
Event Overview
The Doha Equestrian Tour 2026 is an international FEI-approved show jumping series featuring 10 CSI events hosted at Al Shaqab.
The tour brings together the world’s best riders to compete for ranking points, major titles, and a combined series prize pool of €600,000 for overall champions.
Competitions range from CSI1* to CSI5*, with the highest level Grand Prix events attracting global attention.
Dates, Timings & Location
Tour Dates: January 1 to April 4, 2026 Venue: Al Shaqab Equestrian Centre, Doha, Qatar
Visitors are advised to follow official Al Shaqab and Doha Tour channels for:
Ticket prices
Seating categories
Daily access passes
VIP hospitality packages
What Makes This Special
The Doha Equestrian Tour is one of the most prestigious equestrian circuits in the Middle East.
Key highlights include:
CSI1* to CSI5* international show jumping
Elite riders from around the world
Grand Prix competitions at the highest level
€10 million+ total season prize money
FEI ranking points
State-of-the-art venue at Al Shaqab
The tour also features iconic events such as the Amir Sword, CHI Al Shaqab, and the Doha Tour Final.
Who Should Attend
This event is ideal for:
Equestrian sport fans
Horse owners and breeders
Families looking for outdoor sports events in Doha
Tourists visiting Qatar in winter and spring
Sports and lifestyle audiences
It offers a premium live sports experience in one of the world’s leading equestrian venues.
Why This Event Matters in Qatar
The Doha Equestrian Tour plays a major role in positioning Qatar as a global equestrian destination.
Hosted at Al Shaqab, one of the world’s finest equestrian centres, the tour strengthens Qatar’s international sporting profile and supports the country’s vision of becoming a global sports capital.
It also preserves Qatar’s deep-rooted horse heritage while showcasing modern sporting excellence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Doha Equestrian Tour 2026?
It is a 10-round international FEI show jumping series hosted at Al Shaqab in Doha, featuring CSI1* to CSI5* competitions.
Where is the Doha Equestrian Tour held?
All events take place at Al Shaqab Equestrian Centre in Doha, Qatar.
When does the Doha Equestrian Tour 2026 take place?
The tour runs from January 1 to April 4, 2026.
How can I buy tickets?
Ticket information will be announced by the organisers closer to the event dates.
J60 Doha 2026 is the first Qatar ITF World Tennis Tour Junior tournament of the year, bringing top junior players from around the world to compete in Doha. The tournament is part of the official International Tennis Federation junior circuit.
Hosted at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex, the event features boys’ and girls’ singles and doubles competitions.
Tournament Details
Tournament: J60 Doha – Qatar ITF World Tennis Tour Junior 2026 Venue: Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex, Doha Location: Al Majles Twaon Street, Doha, Qatar Official Ball: Dunlop Fort All Court Tournament Select
Key Dates
Singles Qualifying Start: 25 April 2026 Singles Main Draw Start: 27 April 2026
Entry Deadline: 7 April 2026 Withdrawal Deadline: 14 April 2026
Draw Size
Boys Singles Qualifying: 32 Singles Main Draw: 32 Doubles: 16
Girls Singles Qualifying: 32 Singles Main Draw: 32 Doubles: 16
Qumra 2026 is Doha’s annual film development programme dedicated to supporting new voices in cinema. Hosted by the Doha Film Institute, Qumra brings together emerging filmmakers, global mentors, and industry leaders for a week of master classes, screenings, and hands on development labs.
Held at the Museum of Islamic Art, Qumra is one of the most important film industry events in Qatar.
Pathway to Peace is an interactive exhibition exploring mediation and the State of Qatar’s peacebuilding efforts around the world. Curated by the International Media Office of Qatar, the exhibition offers visitors a deeper understanding of international mediation through real world case studies and recent initiatives.
Hosted at the Sheraton Grand Doha, the exhibition is part of Qatar Creates and offers free public access.
Event Details
Venue: Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel, Doha Opening: Friday, 9 January 2026 Start Time: Friday from 1:30 pm Saturday to Thursday from 9:00 am
