Visit Qatar to showcase tourism offerings at Saudi expo

A popular tourist attraction, Al-Thakira is among Qatar’s oldest and largest mangrove forests.
Short Url
Updated 08 February 2025
Follow

Visit Qatar to showcase tourism offerings at Saudi expo

Visit Qatar is set to participate as a diamond sponsor at the Saudi Travel Market 2025, one of the region’s premier travel and tourism exhibitions. Taking place from Feb. 10-12, STM will feature more than 250 exhibitors from 30 countries and will serve as a key platform to position Qatar as a must-visit destination in Saudi Arabia.

During its participation, Visit Qatar will lead a diverse delegation consisting of key tourism stakeholders from Qatar, including Qatar Airways, Qatar Calendar, leading hotels, and destination management companies, all showcasing Qatar’s diverse offerings, from world-class hospitality and cultural experiences to bespoke travel packages.

With Saudi Arabia emerging as one of the world’s fastest-growing travel markets, the event will also provide an opportunity for direct engagement with key Saudi Arabian stakeholders, travel agents, and tour operators, fostering long-term industry partnerships. Additionally, STM will also serve as a hub for global industry leaders to exchange insights and understand market trends, enhancing collaboration in the tourism sector.

During the event, Visit Qatar will showcase the country’s latest attractions, accommodations, and experiences, offering firsthand information to regional travel professionals.

Qatar, offering visa-free travel to 102 countries, welcomes visitors by land, air, and sea. With a short flight from neighboring countries, travelers can easily enjoy the best of Qatar’s tourism offerings, from luxurious resorts to a vibrant cultural scene — all within close proximity to Doha’s city center.

GCC travelers can also benefit from exclusive offers through the “Visit Qatar Pass,” available on the Visit Qatar mobile app. This pass provides discounts of 30 to 50 percent across a range of categories, including food and drink, beauty and spa, health and fitness, leisure and entertainment, hotel stays, and retail services.


Dubai Shopping Festival’s sporting events turn city into hub for outdoor action

Updated 31 December 2025
Follow

Dubai Shopping Festival’s sporting events turn city into hub for outdoor action

The Dubai Shopping Festival is raising the bar this winter with a high-impact sporting calendar that runs throughout December and January, transforming the city into a hub for elite competition, community fitness and outdoor action. 

From professional basketball to baseball games, polo tournaments, half marathons, and horse racing, the festival brings together athletes, families and spectators for a dynamic winter season of sport. The diverse lineup of events strengthens DSF’s role in supporting Dubai’s active lifestyle, showcasing world-class sporting venues and encouraging community engagement during the city’s peak outdoor season. 

Key sporting events taking place during DSF: 

Dubai Racing Carnival 

  • Race days: Jan. 2, Jan. 9 and ongoing dates until March 13. 
  • Location: Meydan Racecourse 

The flagship winter racing season features international horses and top jockeys. 

More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/dubai-racing-carnivaland https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/dubai-racing-carnival-festive-friday 

Silver Cup 

  • Date: Jan. 10-Jan.24 
  • Location: Al-Habtoor Polo Resort and Club 

Silver Cup, part of Dubai’s prestigious polo calendar, sees six of the world’s best teams go head-to-head in a 20-goal handicap. 

  • More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/silver-cup 

Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge — Build-Up Ride 4 

  • Date: Jan. 4 
  • Location: Al-Qudra Cycle Track 

The last of the Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge Build-Up Rides is designed to help cyclists build their stamina ahead of the ultimate challenge. 

  • More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/spinneys-dubai-92-cycle-challenge-build-up-ride-4 

Hood to Coast Dubai 2026 

  • Date: Jan. 10 
  • Location: Al-Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve 

Hood to Coast Dubai challenges teams to conquer a series of relay segments through expansive desert trails, with each runner taking on their leg before passing the baton. 

  • More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/hood-to-coast 

Skechers Performance Run — Race 4 (16k/10k/5k/3k) 

  • Date: Jan. 10 
  • Location: Meydan 

Enjoy a fun day out for the whole family at this popular community race offering various distances, where participants can run along the traffic-free roads of Meydan. 

  • More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/skechers-performance-run 

Marina Home Dubai Creek Striders Half Marathon 2026 

  • Date: Jan. 11 
  • Location: Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club 

One of the largest races of its kind in the UAE and the Middle East, this half marathon will mark its 23rd edition in 2026. 

  • More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/dubai-creek-striders-half-marathon 

A citywide sporting season 

With events spanning elite international fixtures, community runs, polo tournaments, multi-distance races, trail challenges and recurring racing nights at Meydan, DSF strengthens Dubai’s winter season for sport, well-being and outdoor experiences.