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This Week in Doha Is Genuinely One of the Best of the Summer (August 23 to 29, 2026)

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10 Things to Do in Qatar This Week: August 23 to 29, 2026

Two big sporting moments land in Doha this week. Qatar take on China in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers on Thursday night, and the inaugural Run the Dome race at Aspire Dome closes registrations on Sunday August 23 before the race weekend on August 28 and 29. Add PAW Patrol’s free live show still going strong at Mall of Qatar, FIVB Boys’ U17 Volleyball World Championship still in play at Al Arabi Sports Hall, Colorverse at Katara, the Hala Summer Shopping Festival across malls, and every recurring fitness event, and this week closes out one of Doha’s most active summers in years.

Here is everything happening in Qatar from August 23 to 29, 2026.

Qatar vs China: FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers (August 27)

Thursday night at Al Janoub Stadium, Qatar faces China in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers, Second Round, Group F. This is a critical fixture in Qatar’s campaign to qualify for its first-ever Basketball World Cup, being hosted right here in Doha in 2027. Head to head, China has won all six previous encounters, but this is Qatar’s home court and the crowd matters. Tip-off is at 9:30 PM local time.

Qatar averages 80 points per game in this qualifiers campaign. China averages 84, with a stronger rebounding and assist rate. Expect a tight, high-energy game.

Run the Dome 2026 at Aspire Dome (August 28 to 29)

The inaugural edition of one of Qatar’s most exciting new sporting events is this weekend. Run the Dome is a 4.8 km race held entirely inside Aspire Dome, the world’s largest indoor multi-purpose sports dome, in a fully air-conditioned environment. Dedicated races for women, an open category, Speed Races for competitive runners, and non-competitive Fun Runs for everyone else. Over 500 participants expected. Registration closes Sunday August 23, so if you want to run, book before midnight tonight.

“Run the Dome is a true celebration of the community and an opportunity for everyone to experience the excitement of running in a world-class venue here in Qatar,” said Aspire Zone Events and Venues Director Ahmed Mohammed Al Hassan.

Dates: Friday and Saturday, August 28 to 29, 2026 Location: Aspire Dome, Aspire Zone Register by: Sunday, August 23, 2026 Registration: aspirezone.qa/runethedome2026 Instagram: @aspirezone

Best Onam Sadhya in Qatar 2026

If you are looking for where to eat Onam Sadhya in Qatar this year, you are in exactly the right place. Restaurants across Doha are offering authentic Kerala Sadyas with 25 to 32 dishes starting from as low as QAR 30, available for dine-in and takeaway, with most requiring advance pre-booking before August 25.

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PAW Patrol: The Big Show Rescue at Mall of Qatar (Until August 29)

Chase, Marshall, Rubble, Skye, and Ryder are at Mall of Qatar’s Oasis Stage through August 29 for ten days of free live family entertainment. Each 30-minute show follows the PAW Patrol team on a rescue mission with young fans invited into the action. Three shows daily at 5:00 PM, 6:30 PM, and 8:00 PM. No tickets, no booking, just show up early for a seat.

For the Meet and Greet after each show, families need to purchase a Mall of Qatar Gift Card worth QAR 200 or more at the Customer Service Desk, get it stamped, collect a wristband, and proceed to the designated entry point. Limited to the first 20 qualifying families per session.

  • Until: Friday, August 29, 2026
  • Shows: 5:00 PM, 6:30 PM, and 8:00 PM daily
  • Location: Oasis Stage, Mall of Qatar
  • Entry: Free (first come, first served)
  • Meet and Greet: QAR 200 Gift Card required
  • Website: mallofqatar.com.qa
  • Instagram: @mallofqatar

FIVB Boys’ U17 Volleyball World Championship 2026 (Until August 29)

International youth volleyball is wrapping up its final days at Al Arabi Sports Hall. The FIVB Boys’ Under-17 World Championship 2026 has been running since August 19 and closes with medal matches on August 29. This is a genuine international competition with national teams from across the globe competing at one of Doha’s indoor sporting venues. Check FIVB’s official site for session-specific tickets and schedule.

  • Until: August 29, 2026
  • Location: Al Arabi Sports Hall, Doha
  • Website: fivb.com
  • Instagram: @fibawc_ar

Hala Summer Shopping Festival (All August)

Qatar’s month-long Hala Summer Shopping Festival continues through August 30 across participating malls citywide. Look for exclusive discounts, limited-time offers, raffles, and brand activations. The weekly raffle this week moves to Villaggio Mall, so check in-store for current promotions and how to enter.

Until: August 30, 2026 Location: Various malls across Qatar Entry: Free (minimum mall spend for raffles) Instagram: @visitqatar | @qatarcalendar

Qatar Beach Cleanup 2026 (August 15, Abu Samra)

The second beach cleanup of August takes place this Saturday morning at Abu Samra, 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM. Organised by the Ministry of Municipality’s General Cleanliness Department, this is a free community initiative with further dates running every two weeks through August 29 at different coastal locations. Register online before attending.

Colorverse Experience at Katara (Until September 15)

Still the most complete immersive family experience in Doha right now. Colorverse at Katara Cultural Village is a 35 to 45 minute adventure across seven interactive zones where visitors restore colour to a world taken over by the Munchers. 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.

Qatar Toy Festival Character Activations Across Qatar (Until September 30)

Free character activations continue at malls through September 30. Here is where to find them this week:

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) | 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 (Until September 11)

Qatar’s indoor treadmill race series is in its final weeks. Check @qatarultrarunners for this week’s race date and venue. Register via the QSFA app. Venues include Virgin Active, StrongBox, Strive Fitness, The Spotlight Fitness, and Place Vendôme.

  • Running until: September 11, 2026
  • Register: QSFA app
  • Instagram: @qatarultrarunners

MOQ Fit Club at Mall of Qatar (Until September 19)

Free professionally coached fitness sessions at Mall of Qatar six days a week. HIIT, functional training, core, cardio, and Saturday community runs. Step challenge leaderboard via QSFA app with weekly prizes and a Grand Finale Race in September.

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 (Final Week)

The last two Fridays of this series are this week and next. Free indoor 5K walk, jog, or run at Doha Festival City with Notacult Run Club and QSFA. Assembly 7:30 AM, run starts 8:00 AM. Register via QSFA app.

Last Fridays: August 28, 2026 (and August 31) Time: 7:30 AM assembly | 8:00 AM start Location: Doha Festival City Entry: Free Instagram: @qasportsforall

Quick Picks for the Week

Sports fan? Qatar vs China basketball at Al Janoub on Thursday night. 9:30 PM tip-off.

Runner? Run the Dome registration closes TODAY, Sunday August 23. Register at aspirezone.qa/runethedome2026.

Free family show? PAW Patrol Big Show Rescue at Mall of Qatar Oasis Stage. Free, three shows daily until August 29.

Volleyball? FIVB U17 World Championship final days at Al Arabi Sports Hall.

Immersive day out? Colorverse at Katara, from QAR 35.

Shopping? Hala Summer Shopping Festival still on at malls across Doha.

Last Friday 5K? Doha Festival City, this Friday August 28. Free.

That’s your week. 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 23 to 29, 2026

When does Qatar play China in basketball? Qatar vs China in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers is on Thursday, August 27, 2026 at 9:30 PM at Al Janoub Stadium. Watch live on Courtside 1891 via DAZN.

When does Run the Dome registration close? Registration for Run the Dome 2026 closes on Sunday, August 23, 2026. The race takes place August 28 and 29 inside Aspire Dome. Register at aspirezone.qa/runethedome2026.

Is PAW Patrol at Mall of Qatar free? Yes. PAW Patrol: The Big Show Rescue at Mall of Qatar Oasis Stage is free to watch. Shows are at 5:00 PM, 6:30 PM, and 8:00 PM daily until August 29. Seating is first come, first served. The Meet and Greet requires a QAR 200 Mall of Qatar Gift Card.

What is Run the Dome? Run the Dome 2026 is the inaugural edition of a 4.8 km community race held entirely inside Aspire Dome, the world’s largest indoor multi-purpose sports dome, on August 28 and 29. It features women’s races, open races, competitive Speed Races, and non-competitive Fun Runs.

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