National Sports Day in Qatar is celebrated on the second Tuesday in February. This year, it takes place on February 14. The holiday was started by the government of Qatar upon realizing that the modern lifestyle doesn’t leave much room for getting fit. This celebration aims to promote a healthy lifestyle and encourage everyone to undertake some form of exercise every day. National Sports Day is a public holiday in Qatar where schools, businesses, shops, and offices are closed for the day. Citizens celebrate the day by playing sports, exercising, and encouraging each other to lead a more healthy lifestyle.
History of National Sports Day Qatar
The first National Sports Day event was held on the second Tuesday in February 2012. The day had been proclaimed by the Deputy Emir of Qatar, HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in December 2011. The Sheikh declared that every year on the second Tuesday of February National Sports Day would be observed. On this day, a vast number of government ministries and private organizations encourage their employees to participate in a series of sporting events organized by them.Participants can indulge in a range of sports activities from football and basketball, to tennis and taekwondo. Events such as cycling, swimming, and countless free sporting sessions and social competitions are made available to everyone. National Sports Day Qatar is an inclusive event where people of all ages and abilities are allowed to participate in sports. Apart from this, events featuring several well-known sports, Qatari culture is not forgotten on National Sports Day.The special event of the day is the competition featuring traditional Al Shawahef rowing. Celebrating and participating in National Sports Day shows the important role of sports in developing a healthy community. Those who play sports and exercise report better physical and psychological health. The Qatar National Vision 2030 initiative aims to promote sustainable development by transforming Qatar into an advanced society.
National Sports Day Qatar timeline
Al-Thani’s regime begins with hopes of becoming independent.
Sheikh Khalifa Bin Hamad Al Thani, the ruler of Qatar, announces independence.
Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani comes into power.
Deputy Emir stipulates the annual National Sports Day take place every second Tuesday in February in the decree.
HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani succeeds his father to the throne.
National Sports Day Qatar FAQs
Why do we celebrate Qatar National Sports Day?
National Sports Day is a national holiday that aims to encourage Qatar citizens to exercise and move toward a healthier lifestyle.
Is National Sports Day a public holiday in Qatar?
National Sports Day takes place in Qatar on the second Tuesday in February every year. This national holiday is dedicated to making us more aware of our health and fitness.
What is the national sport of Qatar?
The national sport of Qatar is football and it is played by most of its people, making it the most popular sport in Qatar.
National Sports Day Qatar Activities
-
Play a sport
There’s no better way to celebrate National Sports Day in Qatar than by playing a sport. Football or basketball, the choice is yours!
-
Tune in to the celebrations in Qatar
Some events from National Sports Day in Qatar are live-streamed on social media. If you are eager to see how the day is celebrated, tune in to the online celebrations.
-
Renew your gym membership
Pledge to live a more healthy life today. Renew your gym membership, sign up for a sports class, or simply pledge to continue exercising as you do every day.
5 Facts About Qatar That Will Blow Your Mind
-
Qatar is a flat country
The highest point in Qatar lies at just 338 feet, making it the second-flattest in the world.
-
Khor Al Adaid has a unique topography
This area is one of the few places where the sea meets the desert and it was declared a nature reserve in 2007.
-
The safest country in the world
The crime rate in Qatar is significantly lower than in other countries with 11.90 points out of 100.
-
Just 12% of the country is Qatari
There are about two million immigrants living in the country now.
-
Qatar’s national dish
Machboos are made of rice, meat, onions, tomatoes, and mixed with spices.
Why We Love National Sports Day Qatar
-
It serves as a reminder to get healthy
National Sports Day in Qatar was started with the initiative of getting everyone in the country to live a more active life. Even if you don’t live in Qatar, the day is a great reminder to live a healthy life.
-
It’s a day to play your favorite sports
The best way to celebrate National Sports Day in Qatar is by playing sports. The day encourages you to take some time off your schedule and relax by playing your favorite sports.
-
It’s a rare celebration
Qatar is one of the very few countries that have a national sports day. The day reminds us of the uniqueness of the celebration.
National Sports Day Qatar dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | February 8 | Tuesday |
| 2023 | February 14 | Tuesday |
| 2024 | February 13 | Tuesday |
| 2025 | February 11 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | February 10 | Tuesday |
