Doha is set to enter a new era of regional connectivity as the Doha–Riyadh high-speed rail is scheduled to begin operations in June 2026. Approved by Saudi Arabia’s Cabinet, the 785-kilometre electric railway will link Qatar and Saudi Arabia in just two hours, offering a faster and more sustainable alternative to flights and long road journeys. The project is expected to transform how people travel between Doha and Riyadh, strengthening tourism, business, and cross-border mobility across the Gulf.
For Qatar, the high-speed rail is a major boost to tourism and economic growth. Faster access to Saudi Arabia will encourage multi-destination travel, making Doha an essential stop for regional and international visitors. Qatar’s luxury hotels, cultural attractions, museums, and sporting venues are expected to benefit from increased visitor flows, while businesses gain quicker access to one of the region’s largest markets. The rail link also supports Qatar’s long-term sustainability goals by reducing carbon emissions through electric transport.
As June 2026 approaches, the Doha–Riyadh high-speed rail stands out as one of the most important transport projects in the GCC, reinforcing Doha’s position as a connected, future-ready capital at the heart of Gulf travel.
Autorretrato (Self-Portrait, 2022) is one of the most compelling art exhibitions currently on view in Qatar, offering a powerful rethinking of what a self-portrait can be in contemporary art. Unveiled by Qatar Museums at Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art, the installation marks a major highlight of the museum’s 15th anniversary celebrations. Running from 16 December 2025 to 21 February 2026, the exhibition places Doha firmly at the centre of global conversations around identity, memory, and material culture.
Gabriel Chaile, Installation view of “Where are the Heirs of these Forms?”, featuring the Autorretrato (Self Portrait), De Singel, Antwerp, 2022. (c) Gabriel Chaile, 2025. Photo by Jan Kempenaers. Courtesy of BARRO Arte Contemporáneo, Buenos Aires and Gabriel Chaile, Lisbon and ChertLüdde, Berlin
Created by Argentinian artist Gabriel Chaile, Autorretrato moves away from traditional portraiture that relies on facial likeness. Instead, Chaile reimagines the self through sculptural form, using material, texture, and symbolic references to express identity. The work draws deeply on the artist’s Afro-Arab and Indigenous ancestry, reflecting centuries of cultural mixing that followed the Spanish colonisation of the Americas in the 16th century. Identity here is not fixed or singular, but layered, inherited, and shaped over time.
Across many cultures, hair has historically functioned as a marker of identity, status, and belonging. This idea is central to Autorretrato. The sculpture’s surface is covered with clusters of raised forms inspired by hair, referencing the prehistoric Venus of Willendorf, one of the earliest known representations of the human body. These knot-like textures also echo Chaile’s own hair, subtly recalling his Afro-Arab and Latin roots and transforming personal physical traits into a universal sculptural language.
Gabriel Chaile, Installation view of “Where are the Heirs of these Forms?”, featuring the Autorretrato (Self Portrait), De Singel, Antwerp, 2022. (c) Gabriel Chaile, 2025. Photo by Jan Kempenaers. Courtesy of BARRO Arte Contemporáneo, Buenos Aires and Gabriel Chaile, Lisbon and ChertLüdde, Berlin
Among these textured surfaces, small eye-shaped impressions emerge on both sides of the sculpture. These eyes establish the work as a self-portrait without ever depicting a face. Chaile describes the piece as a two-headed sculpture, a form commonly found in pre-Hispanic ceramics. Each set of eyes conveys a different emotional tone, introducing a sense of duality and psychological depth. This quiet tension between two expressions brings the work to life, allowing it to feel introspective, dynamic, and deeply human.
Autorretrato is also rooted in Chaile’s long-standing engagement with archaeological ceramics from north-western Argentina. The sculpture’s simplified cone-like shape is inspired by traditional smoking pipes once used in everyday Indigenous practices. Crafted in adobe clay, a material historically used in Indigenous architecture and pottery across the Americas, the work physically grounds identity in the earth. Through this material choice, Chaile connects the body, memory, and land, reinforcing the idea that identity is shaped as much by place as by lineage.
Chaile refers to this approach as a “Genealogy of Form,” where ancestral knowledge, material history, and contemporary experience intersect. Autorretrato becomes a map where the individual and the collective meet, preserving memory while speaking directly to the present moment. It is both intensely personal and broadly resonant, inviting viewers to reflect on their own histories and inherited identities.
Installed in Mathaf’s performance space, the work reflects Qatar Museums’ ongoing commitment to cultural exchange and contemporary artistic practice. The exhibition is also part of the Qatar, Argentina, and Chile 2025 Years of Culture, a national initiative that fosters international collaboration and celebrates shared creativity and heritage. Its presentation aligns with Evolution Nation, an 18-month campaign marking Qatar’s cultural journey over the past 50 years and positioning the country as a global hub for art, culture, and creativity.
HE Sheikha Reem Al Thani has highlighted how the installation demonstrates the transformative role of public art in connecting audiences with contemporary creative practice, encouraging reflection on ancestry, heritage, and the ways personal and collective identities are intertwined. Zeina Arida, Director of Mathaf, has described Autorretrato as a work that brings together material memory and lived experience in a way that feels both deeply personal and universally meaningful, making it especially fitting for the museum’s anniversary year and its future focus on ceramic art.
Exhibition Information at a Glance
Detail
Information
Exhibition Title
Autorretrato (Self-Portrait, 2022)
Artist
Gabriel Chaile
Type
Contemporary sculpture installation
Venue
Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art, Doha
Organised By
Qatar Museums
Exhibition Dates
16 December 2025 – 21 February 2026
Material
Adobe clay
Artistic Focus
Identity, ancestry, memory, material culture
Key Visual Elements
Hair-inspired textures, dual eye impressions
Cultural References
Venus of Willendorf, pre-Hispanic ceramics, Indigenous Argentine forms
Part of
Mathaf 15th Anniversary
Associated Initiatives
Years of Culture Qatar–Argentina–Chile 2025, Evolution Nation
Autorretrato at Mathaf is not simply an exhibition to see, but an experience to engage with. It challenges conventional ideas of portraiture, replaces likeness with memory, and transforms ancestry into form. For anyone searching for a meaningful art exhibition in Doha, this installation stands out as one of the most thought-provoking cultural moments in Qatar’s 2025–2026 art calendar.
Stranger Things season 5 marks the final chapter of one of the most influential television series of the streaming era. Stranger Things began as a small-town mystery rooted in 1980s nostalgia and evolved into a global phenomenon that reshaped pop culture, fandom, and serialized storytelling. As the story reaches its conclusion, audiences are searching for clear answers about release dates, episode counts, finale timing, cast details, and what the future holds for the franchise.
Stranger Things follows a group of friends in Hawkins, Indiana, whose lives are changed forever after they uncover a dark alternate dimension known as the Upside Down. Across Stranger Things season 1, season 2, season 3, and Stranger Things season 4, the narrative steadily escalated from missing children and secret experiments to world-ending threats led by Vecna. Stranger Things season 5 brings all of those threads together for a final confrontation.
Yes, Stranger Things season 5 is officially out. Netflix confirmed early on that this would be the final season, putting an end to speculation around Stranger Things season 6. There is no season 6 planned, and the creators have been clear that the Hawkins story ends here.
Stranger Things season 5 had its world premiere on November 6, 2025, in Los Angeles and is being released globally in multiple volumes. The release strategy allows the story to breathe while building anticipation toward the finale. Volume 1, consisting of four episodes, premiered on November 26, 2025. Volume 2 followed with three episodes on December 25, 2025. The final episode, also referred to as Volume 3, arrives on December 31, 2025. All volumes release simultaneously worldwide at 5:00 PM PST.
For viewers in Qatar and Doha, Stranger Things season 5 release date and time shift due to time zone differences. Volume 1 became available on November 27, 2025, at 4:00 AM local time. Volume 2 arrived on December 26, 2025, at 4:00 AM. The Stranger Things season 5 last episode release date in Qatar is January 1, 2026, with the finale dropping at 4:00 AM. There is no theatrical release planned in Qatar or elsewhere, as the series remains exclusive to Netflix.
A common question fans ask is Stranger Things season 5 how many episodes are there. The answer is eight episodes in total. Stranger Things season 5 episode 1 opens the season, while episode 5 serves as a major turning point during Volume 2. The Stranger Things season 5 last episode is episode 8, titled The Finale.
Episode length has been another major topic. Stranger Things season 5 episode length ranges between 70 and 90 minutes on average. The Stranger Things season 5 last episode length is expected to exceed two hours, making it the longest episode in the series and designed to deliver a full cinematic conclusion.
Many viewers wondered if there would be a part 2 of Stranger Things season 5. The answer is yes, in structure rather than naming. Volume 2 functions as the second part of the season, while the finale stands alone as a final event episode. There is no Stranger Things season 5 volume 3 in the traditional sense, but the last episode effectively serves that role.
The Stranger Things season 5 trailer sets a darker tone than ever before. Hawkins is under military quarantine, Eleven is forced back into hiding, and Vecna has vanished without a trace. The trailer hints at unanswered mysteries from Stranger Things season 4 while promising major revelations about the Upside Down and its origins.
The cast of Stranger Things season 5 brings back all the core characters while adding new faces. The Stranger Things cast includes Millie Bobby Brown as Eleven, Finn Wolfhard as Mike Wheeler, Gaten Matarazzo as Dustin Henderson, Caleb McLaughlin as Lucas Sinclair, Noah Schnapp as Will Byers, Sadie Sink as Max Mayfield, Winona Ryder as Joyce Byers, and David Harbour as Jim Hopper. Supporting and new cast members include Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, Joe Keery, Maya Hawke, Jamie Campbell Bower as Vecna, and Linda Hamilton as Dr. Kay. The Stranger Things cast season 5 is the largest ensemble the show has ever assembled.
Questions around representation have also been central to fan discussions. When people ask who is LGBT in Stranger Things, the answer is now clear. Will Byers comes out openly in season 5, while Robin Buckley’s sexuality was established earlier in the series. Will’s storyline in the final season is one of the most emotional arcs and plays a crucial role in his character’s growth before the final battle.
Another frequent search query is Stranger Things season 6 release date. There is no release date because Stranger Things season 6 is not happening. The creators have confirmed that season 5 is the definitive ending. While spin-offs set in the same universe may appear in the future, the main storyline of Stranger Things ends with the finale.
Across its run, Stranger Things has maintained a consistent episode structure. Stranger Things season 1 had eight episodes, season 2 had nine, season 3 returned to eight, Stranger Things season 4 expanded to nine, and Stranger Things season 5 closes the series with eight tightly focused episodes.
Stranger Things season 5 is not just another season. It is a farewell to characters audiences have grown up with and a conclusion to a story that balanced horror, heart, and friendship better than almost any modern series. As the final episode approaches, one thing is certain. Hawkins, the Upside Down, and the bond between this group of friends will leave a lasting mark on television history.
Tickets, dates, lineup and everything you need to know
FuelFest Qatar 2026 is officially set to ignite Doha this January and it is shaping up to be one of the biggest entertainment events the country has ever hosted. For the first time ever, Qatar welcomes the world-famous automotive and music festival as it kicks off the FuelFest 2026 World Tour.
The headline news is huge. Global rap superstar Ludacris is confirmed to perform two electrifying live sets in Doha, making FuelFest Qatar a must-attend event for music lovers, car enthusiasts and festival fans alike.
FuelFest is not just a car show or a concert. It is a full-scale global festival combining supercars, live racing, drift battles, celebrity appearances and a major music concert finale all in one action-packed day.
Ludacris Live in Qatar – The Biggest Highlight
FuelFest Qatar 2026 is headlined by Ludacris, one of the most influential names in global hip hop culture. With over 21.7 million followers on Instagram, Ludacris brings worldwide star power to Doha and is expected to deliver a high-energy performance packed with iconic hits.
This marks a major moment for Qatar’s live music scene as the international rap legend takes the stage during FuelFest’s epic concert finale. For fans of hip hop, Fast and Furious culture and live festivals, this performance alone makes FuelFest Qatar 2026 unmissable.
Founded by Cody Walker and inspired by the global Fast and Furious legacy, FuelFest is one of the biggest car culture festivals in the world.
FuelFest blends the most exciting elements of:
World-class car shows
Live drift and racing action
Movie-famous vehicles
Interactive sponsor zones
Street art and lifestyle experiences
A major live music concert headlined by an international superstar
For 2026, Doha becomes the first stop of the global FuelFest World Tour, making Qatar the launchpad for one of the most anticipated automotive festivals worldwide.
What You’ll Experience at FuelFest Qatar 2026
Rare supercars and muscle cars on display
Iconic movie cars from global franchises
Live drift battles and race action on track
Celebrity appearances and interactive zones
Street art, lifestyle showcases and premium food experiences
A massive concert finale headlined by Ludacris
FuelFest is designed as a family-friendly mega event where cars, culture and music collide.
Tickets and Entry Information
Tickets for FuelFest Qatar 2026 are now available and demand is expected to be high due to the Ludacris headline performance.
Children under 12 enter for free with a paying adult
Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate
Prices increase closer to capacity
All ticket purchases are final and non-refundable
No re-entry once you leave the venue
Age Policy and Family Guidelines
FuelFest Qatar is an all-ages event.
Children aged 12 and under enter free with a paid adult ticket
Children must be accompanied by a paying adult
The event is alcohol-free and family friendly
What You Can and Cannot Bring
Allowed:
Personal cameras and phones
Umbrellas
Infant and child food where necessary
Strictly prohibited:
Outside food and beverages
Glass containers
Alcohol and illegal substances
Weapons, fireworks or explosives
Drones and unmanned aircraft
Pets
Bicycles, scooters, skateboards or hoverboards
Megaphones, air horns or flag poles
Event security has the final say on all prohibited items.
Vehicle Showcase Information
If you are registering to showcase your vehicle:
Each vehicle pass admits one person only
Passengers must purchase a General Admission ticket separately
Photography and Media
By attending FuelFest Qatar 2026, guests consent to photography and video recording for promotional use. Guests are encouraged to bring cameras and tag official channels to be featured.
For press accreditation requests, approved media representatives can contact: [email protected]
Why FuelFest Qatar 2026 Is a Must-Attend Event
FuelFest Qatar 2026 is more than just an event. It is a historic debut that places Doha at the center of global car culture and live music. With Ludacris performing live, world-class automotive showcases and a festival atmosphere unlike anything else in the region, this is set to be one of Qatar’s biggest entertainment highlights of 2026.
Cars. Culture. Music. All in one unforgettable day in Doha.
Secure your tickets early and be part of FuelFest history in Qatar.
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) has announced the temporary closure of Professional Kitchen Trading and Services Company for one month under Administrative Decision No. (32/2025).
The closure comes after the company was found to have violated Article (7) of Law No. (8) of 2008 on Consumer Protection and its Executive Regulations. The violation concerns the misleading description and advertising of a product, which could potentially deceive consumers.
Commitment to Consumer Protection
MoCI emphasized that this action is part of its ongoing mission to strengthen market oversight and ensure that all suppliers comply with Qatari laws and regulations. The Ministry reaffirmed that it will not tolerate practices that undermine consumer rights or negatively affect the business environment.
Consumer Advisory
Consumers are advised to exercise caution when purchasing products and to report any misleading or deceptive advertising to MoCI through its official channels.
The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has announced a temporary full closure of a section of Environment Street for traffic heading towards Rawdat Umm Lekhba Street.
The closure is scheduled to take place from Friday, December 26, to Wednesday, December 31, between 12:00 AM and 5:00 AM daily.
This measure is part of road maintenance works, specifically the implementation of an asphalt layering course to improve road quality and safety for commuters.
Alternative Routes and Safety Measures
Ashghal urges all road users to:
Adhere to posted speed limits in the area.
Use alternative roads as indicated on the official detour map.
Allow extra travel time to reach your destination safely during the closure hours.
Stay Updated
Commuters are encouraged to follow Ashghal’s official channels for the latest updates on road closures and traffic advisories to avoid delays.
Plan Ahead
If you frequently use Environment Street, plan your journey in advance and consider alternative routes to avoid disruption.
The Doha Fencing Grand Prix 2026 returns as one of the most prestigious events on the global fencing calendar, bringing world-class épée competition to Aspire Dome from January 23 to 25, 2026. Recognized as an official FIE World Circuit Épée Championship, this international sporting spectacle places Doha firmly at the heart of elite fencing.
A Global Championship with Olympic-Level Intensity
More than 400 top-ranked épée fencers from 50+ countries will compete in Doha, including world champions and Olympic medalists, all battling for vital FIE ranking points. The championship is known for its uncompromising level of competition, where speed, precision, and tactical intelligence define every bout.
Since 2005, Doha has proudly hosted this iconic event, transforming Qatar into the leading fencing hub in the Middle East and a respected destination on the international sports stage.
Why the Doha Fencing Grand Prix Matters
1. One of the World’s Premier Épée Tournaments
As part of the official FIE World Circuit, the Doha Fencing Grand Prix attracts the very best in the sport. Every match influences global rankings, making each touch decisive and every bout high-stakes.
2. Aspire Dome: A World-Class Sporting Venue
Aspire Dome is one of the largest indoor multi-sport arenas in the world, offering elite athletes professional-grade conditions and fans an immersive live sports experience. Its advanced infrastructure ensures flawless execution of an event of this scale.
3. Showcasing Qatar’s Sporting Vision
The championship reinforces Qatar’s commitment to hosting international sporting events, aligning with its vision of becoming a global sports and events destination.
Event Details at a Glance
Event
Doha Fencing Grand Prix 2026
Discipline
Épée
Circuit
FIE World Circuit
Dates
January 23–25, 2026
Venue
Aspire Dome, Doha
Athletes
400+
Countries
50+
Category
Elite International Sports Event
What Fans Can Expect
Visitors can expect three days of intense competition featuring lightning-fast attacks, strategic defenses, and dramatic finishes. The Doha Fencing Grand Prix is not just a tournament, but a masterclass in modern fencing, where legends are tested and new stars emerge.
Whether you are a fencing enthusiast, sports fan, or international visitor, this event delivers elite athletic drama at the highest level.
Follow the official channels for match highlights, athlete features, behind-the-scenes content, and live updates throughout the championship.
Why Doha Fencing Grand Prix 2026 Is Unmissable
The Doha Fencing Grand Prix 2026 represents the pinnacle of épée fencing, combining Olympic-level competition with world-class organization in one of the region’s most iconic venues. As blades clash and champions rise, Doha once again proves why it stands at the forefront of global sport.
January 23–25, 2026. Aspire Dome. Doha. Where precision meets power, and the world’s best fencers compete for glory.
Doha is set to become the global capital of aesthetic medicine as one of the world’s most prestigious aesthetic surgery conferences arrives in Qatar from 14 to 17 January 2026. Hosted at Le Royal Méridien Doha, this exceptional four-day event will bring together internationally renowned plastic surgeons, aesthetic doctors, innovators, and industry leaders under one roof.
This landmark medical conference in Doha is designed to spotlight cutting-edge innovations, advanced surgical techniques, and the growing role of artificial intelligence in aesthetic and plastic surgery.
Recognised as a must-attend aesthetic surgery conference in the Middle East, the event offers an immersive scientific and educational experience through:
Live surgery sessions by world-class surgeons
Expert-led scientific lectures and panel discussions
Interactive workshops with real-world applications
Insight into emerging technologies reshaping aesthetic medicine
Over four inspiring days, attendees will explore the future of plastic surgery, from regenerative medicine to robotic and AI-assisted procedures.
Conference Dates and Programme Overview
Dates: 14–17 January 2026 Location: Doha, Qatar
Programme Highlights
14 January 2026 Pre-conference live surgery sessions at the main venue, offering attendees direct insight into advanced surgical methods and clinical precision.
15–16 January 2026 The main scientific symposium featuring keynote lectures, panel discussions, and deep dives into the most relevant advancements in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery.
17 January 2026 Scientific morning sessions followed by hands-on workshops and live demonstrations in the afternoon, focusing on practical skills and emerging techniques.
Key Scientific Topics and Innovations
This high-level plastic surgery and aesthetic medicine conference in Qatar will cover the most in-demand topics shaping the global industry, including:
Emerging technology and stem cell innovations in plastic surgery
Advanced rhinoplasty techniques and evolving trends
Next-generation face and neck rejuvenation technologies
Non-surgical aesthetic solutions including lasers, fillers, and botulinum toxin
Body contouring and high-definition sculpting techniques
Precision breast aesthetics and modern surgical mastery
Artificial intelligence and robotic integration in hair restoration, facial aesthetics, and body procedures
Each session is curated to provide evidence-based knowledge, future-ready insights, and immediately applicable clinical expertise.
Gala Dinner: Celebrating Excellence in Aesthetic Surgery
On 16 January 2026, the conference reaches its social highlight with an exclusive Gala Dinner. This elegant evening will bring together global leaders in aesthetic medicine for a celebration of innovation, creativity, and excellence, featuring refined entertainment in a luxury setting.
Why Attend This Aesthetic Conference in Doha
Learn from the world’s top aesthetic and plastic surgeons
Stay ahead of global trends in aesthetic medicine and cosmetic surgery
Experience live surgeries and advanced hands-on workshops
Network with international experts in a premium Doha setting
Gain insights into AI, robotics, and future medical technologies
This event is more than a conference. It is a global platform shaping the future of aesthetic surgery in Qatar and beyond.
A Global Medical Gathering in the Heart of Qatar
With Doha’s rising profile as a hub for international medical conferences, luxury hospitality, and innovation, this aesthetic surgery conference reinforces Qatar’s position on the global healthcare and medical education map.
For professionals seeking advanced knowledge, global exposure, and future-focused expertise, this January 2026 event is unmissable.
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI) has officially launched a home delivery service for subsidised food supplies for eligible Qatari citizens, marking a major milestone in the country’s digital transformation of essential public services.
Announced on 23 December 2025, the new initiative allows beneficiaries to receive their government-subsidised food rations directly at their doorstep, in partnership with leading delivery platforms Snoonu and Rafeeq.
Digital Transformation of Food Supply Services in Qatar
This new service forms part of MOCI’s broader strategy to modernise food supply systems through innovation, smart technology, and user-focused digital solutions. By integrating food ration delivery into widely used mobile platforms, the Ministry aims to:
Improve accessibility to subsidised food supplies
Enhance user experience for beneficiaries
Strengthen efficiency and reliability of government services
Reduce physical visits and waiting times
The initiative reflects Qatar’s commitment to delivering secure, flexible, and citizen-centric digital services across the country.
How the Subsidised Food Delivery Service Works
Eligible citizens can now request their food supplies in a few simple steps using their smartphones.
Ordering Process
Download or open the Snoonu or Rafeeq mobile app
Enter the 8-digit number printed on the food ration card
Select the required subsidised food items
Confirm delivery location
Identity Verification
To ensure secure and accurate delivery, beneficiaries receive a verification code before order completion. This step confirms identity and guarantees that supplies are delivered to the rightful recipient.
Delivery Fee and Nationwide Coverage
Delivery fee: QAR 25 per order
Coverage: All areas across Qatar
Delivery method: Direct home delivery
The nationwide reach ensures that beneficiaries in both urban and remote areas can access subsidised food supplies conveniently and reliably.
Benefits of the New MOCI Food Delivery Initiative
This service offers several key advantages for Qatari citizens:
Convenient home delivery of essential food supplies
Reduced travel and waiting time
Secure identity verification process
Easy ordering through trusted local apps
Consistent and reliable nationwide service
According to MOCI, the initiative is designed to enhance service efficiency, improve beneficiary satisfaction, and support long-term digital government goals.
A Major Step Forward for Essential Public Services
The launch of the subsidised food delivery service represents a significant advancement in Qatar’s public service ecosystem. By collaborating with established local delivery platforms, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry continues to set new standards for innovation, accessibility, and digital excellence in government services.
As Qatar accelerates its digital transformation journey, initiatives like this reinforce the country’s focus on smart governance and improved quality of life for citizens.
Source and cover image credit: Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Qatar
Samla International 2026 returns to Qatar on 24 January with a brutal 100 KM non-stop endurance race combining swimming, cycling, running and kayaking. Discover race details, prizes, registration and why Samla is one of the top extreme sports events and things to do in Qatar.
The Ultimate Test of Human Endurance in Qatar
On 24 January 2026, Qatar once again takes centre stage in the global sports calendar with Samla International – a non-stop 100 KM point-to-point endurance challenge that pushes athletes to their absolute limits.
This is not just a race. It is a battle against time, terrain and self-doubt. From open water swims to endless desert runs and coastal kayaking, Samla International showcases the raw beauty of Qatar while demanding extraordinary strength, discipline and perseverance from every participant.
What Does “Samla” Mean?
Samla is a word deeply rooted in Qatari heritage. It represents strength, endurance and perseverance in the face of hardship and values that define both the race and the spirit of Qatar itself.
Why Samla International Is One of the World’s Toughest Races
Samla International is a non-stop 100 KM endurance race that must be completed within a strict 12-hour cut-off. There are no breaks, no second chances, and no shortcuts.
Athletes compete across four demanding disciplines, moving seamlessly from one stage to the next.
Race Breakdown
Discipline
Distance
Swimming
3 KM
Running
49 KM
Cycling
44 KM
Kayaking
4 KM
Total Distance
100 KM
Set against the dramatic backdrop of southern Qatar’s sweeping sand dunes and coastal waters, the course delivers both visual beauty and physical brutality in equal measure.
A Global Endurance Event With Qatari Pride
First launched in 2017, Samla has grown into one of the Middle East’s most respected endurance races, attracting elite and amateur athletes from around the world.
With record participation expected in 2026, Samla International continues to elevate Qatar’s reputation as a global hub for world-class sports and extreme endurance challenges.
Valentí Sanjuan Joins as Official Ambassador
Renowned endurance athlete and content creator Valentí Sanjuan joins Samla International as its official ambassador.
Known globally for conquering some of the world’s most demanding races, his journey with Samla begins in Qatar, sharing the race’s powerful story of resilience and mental toughness with an international audience.
Prize Pool Worth Nearly USD 300,000
Samla International 2026 features one of the largest prize pools in endurance racing.
Prize Structure (Men & Women)
Position
Prize Money (USD)
1st Place
$50,000
2nd Place
$30,000
3rd Place
$20,000
4th Place
$10,000
5th Place
$9,000
6th Place
$8,000
7th Place
$7,000
8th Place
$6,000
9th Place
$5,000
10th Place
$4,000
All finishers will receive official medals, honouring the incredible achievement of completing one of the toughest races in the region.
World-Class Support, Safety and Recovery
Monitoring & Hydration
Monitoring points are placed throughout the course to track athlete progress. Water is provided at every checkpoint, with selected points offering snacks for energy support.
Bivouac & Recovery Camp
The fully equipped main camp includes:
Sleeping tents
Dining areas
Water and shaded rest zones
Primary services
On-site medical assistance
Medical Support
A dedicated medical team is present throughout the race to ensure athlete safety at every stage.
Rules, Regulations and Official Documents
Athletes are encouraged to review all official race documents before registering:
Why Samla International 2026 Should Be on Your Radar
One of the toughest non-stop 100 KM endurance races in the world
A unique combination of swim, cycle, run and kayak
Iconic desert and coastal landscapes of Qatar
Massive international prize pool
A must-attend event for endurance athletes and sports enthusiasts
One of the most exciting things to do in Qatar in January 2026
Samla International: Not for the Faint-Hearted
Samla International 2026 is where limits are tested, fears are faced, and legends are made. Whether you are an elite endurance athlete or a passionate competitor seeking the ultimate challenge, Samla invites the world to experience Qatar like never before.
The clock is ticking. The desert is waiting. Are you strong enough to answer the call?
