Following the immensely successful delivery of the FIFA World Cup 2022 TM tournament in

Qatar, which was voted the best this century, Qatar is gearing up to welcome the world

once more with the AFC Asian Cup 2023 TM from January 12 - February 10, 2024.

The AFC Asian Cup 2023 TM demonstrates Qatar’s ongoing sporting legacy and showcases

Qatar’s ability to host large-scale events and welcome visitors from across the globe with its

world-class tourism infrastructure, which includes an award-winning airport Hamad

International Airport and national airline Qatar Airways, metro and tram network (which

carried over 18.2 million passengers during the FIFA World Cup2022 TM ), inviting hotels, and

leisure attractions. In addition, Qatar will be abuzz with some of the biggest events of the

year during the AFC Asian Cup 2023 TM , providing visitors and residents with a packed

itinerary of things to do and see pre- and post- matches.

On this occasion, His Excellency, Mr. Saad Bin Ali Al-Kharji, Chairman of Qatar Tourism,

said: "We are pleased to host the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 TM this year, with its events

extending from 12th January to 10th February. Visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy

exciting times and explore many tourist attractions in Qatar. Qatar Tourism will offer a rich

array of exciting events and festivals that will amuse both Qatar and its residents and its visitors.

The kickoff of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 TM coincides with the organization of various

festivals and events, including Shop Qatar, Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition

(DJWE), Qatar International Food Festival (QIFF), Qatar Kite Festival, and International

Horticultural Doha Expo 2023, which continues until late March. Additionally, there will be a

series of musical and entertainment events that together form an unforgettable and

exceptional experience."

He added, "Over the past years, Qatar has successfully become a distinguished sports

tourism destination, due to its advanced infrastructure, sports facilities, and medical

facilities. This is in addition to the diversity of sports events it hosts, especially FIFA World

Cup Qatar 2022™. Qatar has demonstrated to the world its hospitality, exceptional

organization, complemented by the presence of luxurious tourist facilities and the

picturesque landscapes that characterize the destination."

KEY EVENTS

Shop Qatar 2024

Shop Qatar will be running from January 1 to 27, 2024, with incredible discounts in stores,

raffle draws, and entertainment spread out in malls. There are a total of 13 malls and

shopping districts participating, which residents can explore, with 100s of shops featuring

different offers and entertainment.

Qatar International Food Festival 2024

The all-time fan favourite, Qatar International Food Festival (QIFF), is set to return on

February 7 – 17 at Family Zone Expo at Al Bidda Park this time. With one of the broadest

ranges of cuisine in one space, QIFF is one of the most popular events in Qatar, with over

100 dishes for people to choose from. Head over to the QIFF after a game to satisfy your

cravings and socialise with other food enthusiasts.

Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition 2024 DJWE

The Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition 2024(DJWE) will be held at the Doha

Exhibition and Convention Center from February 5 to 11, 2024, with unique displays and

products. Immerse yourself in the highest-quality, most aesthetic and luxurious jewellery at

this exhibition.

Doha Expo 2023

One of the main events of 2023 continuing into 2024 is the Doha Expo 2023, which will run

until March 28. Doha Expo 2023 has been a platform for people in Qatar to engage with

local and international agricultural organisations. It is the first ever A1 international

horticultural exhibition in the MENA region. Residents can enjoy several other events at the

Expo as well, such as immersing themselves in virtual reality, participating in innovative

workshops, exploring the botanic garden, or simply sipping on some coffee in the Cultural

Zone.

Museums and Exhibitions

The Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art is hosting several exhibitions until March 2024, to

satiate one’s curiosity of arts and culture. Some of these include Mehdi Moutashar:

Introspection as Resistance, Distilled Lessons: Abstraction in Arab Modernism, Cities Under

Quarantine: The Mailbox Project, and De/Constructed Meanings.

Close to Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium is the Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum in Al

Samriya. Fans who have some time to spare pre- or post-match can learn about His

Excellency Sheikh Faisal, one of the most influential and revolutionary businessmen in

Qatar. The museum boasts traditional Syrian craftsmanship, artefacts dating back to the

Jurassic age, antique automobiles, and rustic carpets, to name a few.

Nature escapes

Balancing football cheers with moments of solitude, fans can take respite at the Aspire

Park, Qatar’s biggest park with lush green spaces, walking tracks and cozy cafes. In

Education City, there is Oxygen Park, which has walking tracks and football fields to

practice, and the Qu’aranic Botanic Garden, a unique garden which features plants

mentioned in the Quran and Sunnah.

Alternatively, if you are looking for a nearby place to relax and rejuvenate post-matches,

you can also visit the Heenat Salma Farm, which is a 20-minute drive away from the Ahmed

bin Ali Stadium. The farm offers organic products, crafts, creative workshops and vocational

training, and wellness spas, making it a perfect spot for a relaxing weekend retreat, or

simply a visit to stimulate your artistic side.

Concerts and Music

For those with the appreciation of the art that is music, Qatar is hosting various music artists

across three locations in the country. At Hotel Park in West Bay, visitors and residents can

enjoy Arab singer Wafeek Habeeb’s music on January 17, electronic music by ‘Swedish

House Mafia’ on January 19, performances by the renowned band ‘Backstreet Boys’ on

January 26, and internationally-recognised pop band ‘OneRepublic’ on February 1. For

tickets, visit: https://tickets.virginmegastore.me/qa

At the Katara Ampitheatre, music lovers can watch performances by Arab singers Modi and

Rehab Al Shamrani on January 27, Lebanese artist Najwa Karam on February 1,

Moroccan-French performer Amine Boudchar on February 8, and Egyptian singer Amal

Maher on February 11. For tickets visit: https://www.eventat.com/home

The Qatar National Convention Centre will be hosting the established artist Nassif Zeytoun

on February 3.

Hello Asia

As the pleasant winter weather sets on the country, the Lusail Boulevard and Plaza is

welcoming fans for its ‘Hello Asia’ festival which will take place on January 10– February

10, 2024. The Boulevard is getting ready to be decked with stunning lighting, cultural flags

and décor, and F&B kiosks to entertain and encourage fans to show support for their

countries’ teams. There will be 24 country zones, such as Qatar, China, India, South Korea,

and Lebanon to name a few. Fans are welcome to enjoy entertainment, and to show

support for the national teams through this artistic parade and exhibit at Lusail.

Modern Architecture

Qatar is no stranger to modern architecture. Fans headed to Education City Stadium will get

a close-up look with the Qatar National Library (QNL) which is structured as a shell made

by folding two pieces of paper, or the contemporary design of the Education City Mosque,

Minaretein. Both QNL and Minartein are worth exploring on the inside with the library’s café,

3D printing, music studio, and reading nooks, and the mosque’s guided-tour. At Al Wakrah

is the Abu Manaratain Mosque, with unconventional architecture from the 1940s to

appreciate.

Attractions

The Meryal Waterpark recently opened at Qetaifan Island North, with rides designed to

reflect the oil and gas industry’s omnipresence in Qatari culture. One of its rides, the Icon

Tower is world’s highest tower of its kind. The annual Winter Wonderland Lusail is now

operating on Al Maha Island, near the Lusail Stadium, with 50 rides which encompass 25

family rides, 15 children’s rides, 10 thrill rides, the 395-rollercoaster, and the 150 ft tall

Ferris Wheel.

Night Markets and Bazaars

Within the premise of the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium is the Duhail Night Market, Qatar’s

pioneering night market, with the finest selection of popular finger foods, coffee, and karak.

In Al Waab, there is ‘The Downtown’, a new night market at Aspire Park offering different

drive-thru restaurants and cafés, where visitors can snack on delicious finger foods and of

course, coffee.

During the weekend, residents can explore the Torba Farmer’s Market, held every

Saturday, in Education City. The market offers local, artisanal products and fresh food for

visitors to enjoy. Near Al Janoub Stadium you will find the Souq Al Wakrah, where you can

take a stroll by the sea in the serene winter weather, indulge in a range of cuisine, primarily

seafood, and explore shops selling traditional Arabian products.

For Animal Lovers

A 20-minute drive away from Ahmed bin Ali Stadium is Al Shahaniya Camel Racetrack,

which hosts multiple camel racing events throughout the year. Here, you can enjoy both

races and camel training, the latter of which takes place every morning at the centre. Al

Shaqab, near Education City Stadium, is also a popular destination for equestrian fans to

watch horseback riding events, post-matches. In addition, the Katara International Arabian

Horse Festival will run from February 1 till 11, and will showcase different purebred horses

in competition with each other. These horses are known to symbolize strength and pride in

Arab culture.

Sports

The World Aquatics Championships 2024 is taking place from February 2 – 18, 2024 at

Aspire Dome, Old Doha Port, and Hamad Aquatic Center. This tournament will be hosting

2, 600 top athletes, from over 190 countries, for 75 medal events, with an opportunity for

athletes to quality for Olympic Games Paris 2024. Sports include swimming (including open

water and artistic), diving and high diving, and water polo. Residents can witness top-class

aquatic performances from athletes from all over the world.

For further inspiration, follow Qatar Calendar at https://visitqatar.com/intl-en/events-

calendar.

Book your tickets to experience the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023TM tickets here:

https://asiancup2023.qa/en