The nation of Qatar has long interpreted sports as a means of providing societal development by enjoying the benefits of a healthy and vibrant sports community. Visitors and residents of Qatar alike have over the years been offered a wealth of sports events to view, as well as opportunities to keep fit and strong.

The wide range of world-class sporting events on offer in Qatar throughout the year has long led visitors to take advantage of the unique opportunity to see top sports stars in action from close quarters – from tennis to football, from golf and table tennis to athletics and motor racing. Indeed, this fantastic variety of sports hosting experience has led to the emergence of Qatar as a veritable sporting capital of the region. The associated modern sports infrastructure has been built with a distinctly Arabian touch and now makes Doha one of the most popular destinations for visiting sportsmen and women, both professional and recreational.

It was also this effort to provide equal opportunities through sports which was at the heart of Qatar’s successful bid to become the first World Cup host nation from the Middle East in 2022. Now, with interest at a high in the country that will host football’s greatest event in just over a decade’s time, the timing is perfect to witness Qatar’s sporting luxury for yourself.

A visit to the futuristic Aspire Academy in Doha will combine astonishing sports architecture and fitness training opportunities with the chance to see one of the host stadiums of the Qatar 2022 World Cup. The Khalifa International Stadium is within walking distance in the relaxing Sports City complex, and regularly hosts top football matches. Besides being a delightfully green park area which is ideal for outdoor sporting exploits in tranquil surroundings, Sports City also features a highly modern sports hospital and a spectacular aquatic centre which hosted, amongst other competitions, the Doha Asian Games in 2006.

But your visit to sporting Qatar also offers another feature apart from top class sports competitions and a wide assortment of participatory options: traditional sports. Consider camel racing, equestrianism, and falconry as charming options with a distinctly local touch to make your stay in Qatar memorable. Not far from Sports City lies one of Doha’s main equestrian complexes. The choice, really, is all yours.

To plan your stay in Qatar, please visit www.qatartourism.gov.qa.