Qatar Airways is reinforcing its position as the national carrier of one of the world’s fastest-growing destinations for international sport, culture and innovation, unveiling plans to connect millions of visitors to an unprecedented season of global events in 2025 and 2026.
The airline — which serves more than 170 destinations worldwide — will play a central role in supporting Qatar’s packed international calendar, from the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 and the Qatar Airways Formula 1® Qatar Grand Prix, to the FIFA Arab Cup 2025 and Web Summit Qatar 2026.
The move underscores Qatar’s ambition to cement its status as a leading global host nation, while also positioning Qatar Airways as an integrated travel and tourism brand that connects the world to the Gulf state’s growing portfolio of international attractions.
Global events calendar boosts Qatar’s visitor economy
From 3–27 November, Qatar will host the FIFA U-17 World Cup, now expanded to 48 teams and 104 matches, followed by the FIFA Arab Cup 2025™ (1–18 December), which concludes on Qatar National Day.
At the end of November, the Qatar Airways Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix will return to the Lusail International Circuit, offering premium race packages combining flights, hotels and exclusive hospitality.
Beyond sport, the Web Summit Qatar 2026 — the Middle East edition of the global technology conference — will bring together thousands of innovators, investors and policymakers from 1–4 February 2026, further enhancing Qatar’s reputation as an emerging hub for digital innovation.
Tennis fans will also descend on Doha for the Qatar TotalEnergies Open (8–14 February 2026) and Qatar ExxonMobil Open (16–21 February), both fixtures on the global ATP and WTA tours.
Through its leisure division Qatar Airways Holidays, the carrier is offering all-inclusive travel packages featuring flights, accommodation and event tickets. Exclusive benefits are available to Qatar Airways Privilege Club members, including bonus Avios and Qpoints, plus savings through Cash + Avios options.
The Qatar Stopover Programme, starting from USD 14 per person per night, also enables travellers to explore Doha’s attractions en route to other destinations, with curated four- and five-star hotel packages tailored to different interests — from luxury shopping to desert excursions.
Steven Reynolds, Senior Vice President of Qatar Airways Holidays & Discover Qatar, said the line-up of global events reflected both Qatar’s growing international influence and the airline’s commitment to excellence.
“Qatar has established itself as a trusted destination for the world’s most prestigious events,” he said.
“At Qatar Airways Holidays, we are proud to play our part in welcoming the global community — from football fans and motorsport enthusiasts to business leaders and innovators. This season represents not only Qatar’s ambition, but also our dedication to delivering excellence both in the skies and on the ground.”
Reynolds added that the carrier’s mission is to pair technology with human care, offering “a high-tech, high-touch travel experience” that reflects Qatar Airways’ evolving role as both an airline and a travel curator.
Expanding a world-class portfolio of partnerships
Qatar Airways’ event strategy builds on one of the most extensive sports and cultural partnership portfolios in the world. The airline is the official partner of FIFA, the UEFA Champions League, Formula 1®, and clubs including Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Milan, and Royal Challengers Bangalore.
It also sponsors top-tier athletes such as Novak Djokovic, and global tournaments across football, rugby, motorsport, padel, and tennis. These partnerships form part of Qatar’s long-term strategy to leverage global sport as a driver of economic diversification and tourism growth under Vision 2030.
Following its acclaimed hosting of the FIFA World Cup 2022, Qatar has sought to sustain its global visibility by investing in year-round cultural and sporting events. The upcoming season cements its transformation from a one-off host to a permanent fixture on the global events circuit — with Qatar Airways as the linchpin connecting fans, professionals and families from every corner of the world.