Things to Do in Doha This Week: August 2 to 8, 2026
August in Doha is hot, indoors is the move, and the city has more than enough to fill the week. The Summer Camel Racing Festival returns to Al-Shahaniya on August 1, MIA’s Family Day brings plants and Islamic art to life for free on Saturday, Diwani calligraphy starts this Sunday at MIA for ladies, the Future Falcons youth camp is open all month at Doha Air Base, chess for all ages lands at Qatar National Library on Thursday, Colorverse is fully running at Katara, Beat the Heat continues its indoor race series, and summer camps are still going everywhere across the city.
Here is everything happening in Qatar from August 2 to 8, 2026. Missed last week? Catch up here.
Local Dates Festival Souq Waqif
The 11th Local Dates Festival returns to Souq Waqif from July 25 to August 10, 2026, bringing together Qatar’s finest locally grown dates directly from local farmers. Held at the Eastern Square, the festival celebrates the country’s agricultural heritage while giving visitors the opportunity to shop for premium fresh dates, support local farms, and experience one of Qatar’s most cherished seasonal traditions.
Dates: July 25 – August 10, 2026
Location: Eastern Square, Souq Waqif, Doha
Timings:
Sunday – Thursday: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Friday & Saturday: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Entry: Free
Organised by: Ministry of Municipality & Souq Waqif
Full guide : CLICK HERE
Colorverse Experience at Katara (All Summer)
Still one of the best new things to do in Doha with kids this summer. Colorverse is a 35 to 45 minute immersive story-driven adventure at Katara Cultural Village, with seven interactive zones, daily science experiments, character meet-and-greets, a creativity workshop, and an on-site cafe. Maximum 15 visitors per session, minimum age 4. Children with special needs enter free with a companion.
Running until: September 15, 2026 Time: Weekdays 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM | Weekends 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM Location: South Parking, Katara Cultural Village Tickets: Sunday to Wednesday QAR 35 | Thursday to Saturday QAR 55 Booking: Platinumlist Full guide: Colorverse Experience Doha 2026: Everything You Need to Know
Doha Shopping Season 2026 at DECC (Until August 5)
Running alongside the final days of the Toy Festival at the same venue, the Doha Season Shopping Exhibition at DECC brings products from over 20 countries including perfumes, accessories, home decor, shoes, carpets, food products, abayas, and everyday family essentials. Free entry, air-conditioned, and stacked with variety.
- Until: August 5, 2026
- Location: Doha Exhibition and Convention Center, West Bay
- Entry: Free
- Instagram: @qatarmarketeers
Diwani Calligraphy Workshop at MIA (Ladies Only, August 2 to 5)
This week’s standout creative event. Diwani is one of the most beautiful contemporary Arabic calligraphy styles, developed by the Ottomans and known for its soft curves, flowing lines, and visual elegance. This intermediate workshop at MIA is suited to anyone who has already attended a Ruq’ah or Diwani beginners course. Led by Hussein Ammar Ahmed across four sessions. Free to attend, ladies only, registration required before Sunday.
- Dates: August 2 to 5, 2026
- Time: 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
- Location: Education Centre, Museum of Islamic Art (MIA)
- Entry: Free (registration required, ladies only)
- Register: form.jotform.com
- Contact: [email protected] | +974 4422 4444
- Instagram: @miaqatar
MIA Summer Camp in Collaboration with Lekhwiya (Starts August 2)
A standout summer camp that genuinely earns its place. MIA’s two-week camp in partnership with Lekhwiya combines museum learning, Islamic art, creativity, science, and hands-on culture with real physical programming including sports, swimming, leadership challenges, and adventure activities at Lekhwiya Headquarters. Additional sessions run by Qatar Scientific Club and Qatar Calendar House, plus an educational trip to 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum. Ages 9 to 13.
- Dates: August 2 to 13, 2026
- Age: 9 to 13 years
- Location: Museum of Islamic Art, Doha Corniche
- Contact: +974 4422 4444 | [email protected]
- Instagram: @miaqatar
MIA Family Day: The Life of Plants (August 8)
A free, no-booking-required family event at MIA on Saturday afternoon. Families explore how plants appear in Islamic art through museum objects, artefacts, and their real-world counterparts, discovering the meanings, decorative uses, and cultural significance of plant motifs through the centuries. Interactive, hands-on, and genuinely engaging for children. Runs from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM at the MIA Atrium.
- Date: Saturday, August 8, 2026
- Time: 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM
- Location: MIA Atrium, Museum of Islamic Art
- Entry: Free, no registration needed
- Instagram: @miaqatar
Summer Camel Racing Festival 2026 at Al-Shahaniya (August 1 Preliminary)
If you have never watched camel racing in Qatar, this is the season to go. The Summer Camel Racing Festival runs across five Saturday preliminary races from July through August at the Al-Shahaniya Camel Racetrack, one of the most authentic cultural experiences in the country. Each race is 2 km, covers multiple camel age categories, and draws serious crowds of owners, enthusiasts, and families from across the Gulf. Free to attend, no booking required.
The third preliminary race took place August 1. The next race is Saturday, August 15.
- Summer Festival Schedule:
- First Preliminary – Saturday, 4 July 2026 – 2 km;
- Second Preliminary – Saturday, 18 July 2026 – 2 km;
- Third Preliminary – Saturday, 1 August 2026 – 2 km;
- Fourth Preliminary – Saturday, 15 August 2026 – 2 km;
- Fifth Preliminary – Saturday, 29 August 2026 – 2 km.
- Race Schedule: Third Preliminary: August 1, 2026 Fourth Preliminary: August 15, 2026 Fifth Preliminary: August 29, 2026
- Location: Al-Shahaniya Camel Racetrack, Al Shahaniya (approx. 40 km from Doha city centre)
- Entry: Free
- Instagram: @qrc_qatar | @visitqatar
Chess for All at Qatar National Library (August 6)
A free, informal weekly chess gathering at Qatar National Library’s Main Plaza on Thursday afternoon, open to all ages and all skill levels including complete beginners. Chess sets are provided. Whether you want to learn, improve, or just have a social game, this is a refreshingly low-key way to spend a Thursday. The library itself is one of the best air-conditioned spaces in Doha.
- Date: Thursday, August 6, 2026 (weekly)
- Time: 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
- Location: Main Plaza, Qatar National Library
- Entry: Free, no booking required
- Phone: +974 4454 0100
- Website: qnl.qa
Future Falcons Camp at Doha Air Base Officers Club (All August)
A free, month-long leadership and teamwork programme for young people, hosted at the Doha Air Base Officers Club in partnership with Qatar Museums’ Teen Hub and the Qatar Emiri Air Force. Participants take part in activities focused on leadership, national values, and team building under the guidance of experienced trainers. Apply by email before registering.
- Dates: August 1 to 31, 2026
- Time: 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
- Location: Doha Air Base Officers Club
- Entry: Free (pre-registration required)
- Register: [email protected]
Qatar Toy Festival Character Activations Across Qatar
The DECC festival is done, but the characters are still showing up at malls across Qatar through September 30. Free with minimum mall spend where noted.
Mr Bean at Al Hazm | Barbie at City Center Doha (free with QAR 100 receipt) | Moana at Doha Festival City | Pixar at Place Vendôme 2nd Floor (free with QAR 100 spend, up to 3 kids) | Avengers at Mall of Qatar | Fruit Ninja at Villagio | Tiny Builders at Doha Mall | Astroverse at The Pearl and Gewan Island | The Funcade at Landmark Mall | Tiny Treats at West Walk
Beat the Heat Race Series (All Summer)
Qatar’s first indoor treadmill race series is still running across premium venues through September 11. Check @qatarultrarunners for this week’s race venue and date. Register via the QSFA app.
- Running until: September 11, 2026
- Venues: Virgin Active, StrongBox, Strive Fitness, The Spotlight Fitness, Rawdat Al Hamama Park, Panda House, Place Vendôme
- Register: QSFA app
- Instagram: @qatarultrarunners
MOQ Fit Club at Mall of Qatar (All Summer)
Free professionally coached fitness sessions at Mall of Qatar six days a week through September 19. HIIT, functional training, core, cardio, and Saturday community runs. Step challenge on the QSFA app with weekly prizes.
- Running until: September 19, 2026
- Location: Activation Area and Oasis Stage, Mall of Qatar
- Entry: Free (Fit Island app for classes, QSFA app for step challenge)
- Website: mallofqatar.com.qa
Friday Morning 5K at Doha Festival City
Every Friday morning, a free indoor 5K walk, jog, or run at Doha Festival City. Assembly at 7:30 AM, run starts at 8:00 AM. Register via QSFA app.
- Every Friday until August 31, 2026
- Time: 7:30 AM assembly | 8:00 AM start
- Location: Doha Festival City
- Entry: Free
- Instagram: @qasportsforall
Ministry of Endowments Saturday Sports Series (Until August 22)
Every Saturday through August 22, two parallel sports activities run for employees of the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs and their families (aged 15 and above). Morning swimming at the Educational Schools Complex (7:00 AM to 10:00 AM) and an evening 5-a-side knockout tournament at the Educational Schools Sports Hall (4:00 PM to 9:00 PM). Free to attend, registration required.
- Every Saturday until August 22, 2026
- Swimming: 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM, Educational Schools Complex
- Tournament: 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM, Educational Schools Sports Hall
- Entry: Free (registration required on-site)
- Age: 15 and above
Summer Camps Still Running This Week
MIA Camp with Lekhwiya: August 2 to 13, ages 9 to 13. [email protected]
PSG Academy Qatar: Football, ages 4 to 17, until August 27. QAR 900/August term. +974 33062115 | @psgacademyqatar
Doha Quest: 4 themed worlds, ages 6 to 12, until August 27. QAR 249/day, QAR 799/week. +974 6693 5198 | @dohaquest
KidZania Doha: Ages 4 to 16, until August 28. QAR 699. +974 3073 2225 | @kidzania.doha
Evo Sports Qatar: Multi-sports and swimming, ages 4 to 11, until August 27. QAR 750/week. +974 4407 6772 | @evosportsqatar
Fitness Factory: Ages 4 to 12, until August 27. QAR 625/week (code ILQFF for 10% off). +974 5514 9404 | @fitnessfactory.qa
UDST Summer Camp: Ages 5 to 12, until August 20. From QAR 680/week. +974 5996 0761 | @udstofficial
Freestylers Tribe: Ages 4 to 16, until August 27. QAR 200/day. +974 3377 2261 | @freestylers_tribe
The Diplomatic Club: Ages 5 to 12, swimming, tennis, cinema, boat trips. QAR 250/day, lunch included. +974 44847450 | @diplomaticclub
Doha Kickboxing Fitness Terminal: Ages 3 to 13, until August 27. From QAR 195. +974 6633 1499 | @dkbqatar
Caia Nursery: Ages 0 to 4, until August 27. Free registration. +974 5991 1434 | @caia.nursery
Future Falcons Camp: All ages (teens), free, all August at Doha Air Base. [email protected]
Quick Picks for the Week
Cultural heritage? Camel racing at Al-Shahaniya. Next race August 15. Free, no booking.
Ladies creative? Diwani calligraphy at MIA this Sunday. Free, register now.
Family with kids? MIA Family Day on Saturday, 2:30 PM. Free, no registration.
Teens? Future Falcons Camp at Doha Air Base, free all month.
Social and free? Chess at Qatar National Library on Thursday, 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
Immersive day out? Colorverse at Katara from QAR 35.
Morning fitness? MOQ Fit Club daily, or Friday 5K at Doha Festival City.
Kids still in camp? MIA camp with Lekhwiya just started. Ages 9 to 13.
That’s your week sorted. For more weekly roundups, things to do in Qatar, and Doha lifestyle guides, follow People and Qatar on Instagram @peopleandqatar.
FAQ: Things to Do in Qatar August 2 to 8, 2026
What free events are happening in Doha this week? MIA Family Day on August 8 (free, no registration), chess at Qatar National Library on August 6 (free), Future Falcons Camp all month (free), camel racing at Al-Shahaniya (free), MOQ Fit Club daily (free), and Friday 5K at Doha Festival City (free).
Where is the camel racing in Qatar this summer? The Summer Camel Racing Festival 2026 is at Al-Shahaniya Camel Racetrack. Saturday races run every two weeks through August 29. The next race is August 15. Free entry, no booking required.
Is Colorverse Experience still open in Doha? Yes. Colorverse Experience at Katara Cultural Village runs until September 15, 2026. Open weekdays from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM and weekends from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Tickets from QAR 35 on Platinumlist.
What calligraphy workshops are running at MIA this week? A ladies-only intermediate Diwani calligraphy workshop runs August 2 to 5 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at MIA’s Education Centre. Free to attend, registration required at form.jotform.com. Suitable for those who have completed a Ruq’ah or Diwani beginner course.
