Fans enjoyed an exhilarating weekend as Qatar hosted multiple major sports events, attracting global superstars and showcasing its exceptional sporting infrastructure. The centerpiece was the Formula 1 Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix 2024 but the action extended well beyond motorsport, offering a packed schedule of entertainment and competition.
The Lusail International Circuit, Qatar’s motorsport hub for over two decades, hosted its third F1 event and set a new attendance record, drawing 154,973 fans over three days. Newly-crowned four-time world champion Max Verstappen of Red Bull dominated to claim his second consecutive Qatar title. McLaren’s Oscar Piastri secured a dramatic sprint race victory, aided by teammate Lando Norris, in scenes that captivated global motorsport enthusiasts. The 2024 Qatar GP showcased thrilling support events, including the Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East, F1 Academy, and FIA Formula 2 Championship. “This year’s race built on last year’s success with greater momentum in media coverage and attendance, marking another milestone,” said Abdulrahman Al Mannai, President of Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation and Lusail International Circuit.
Football fans had their own share of excitement as Barcelona and Real Madrid icons clashed in the Legends El Clasico at Khalifa International Stadium on Thursday. Ronaldinho, Rivaldo, Luis Figo and Iker Casillas were among the stars who brought nostalgia to life. Barcelona legends edged out their rivals 4-2 on penalties after a thrilling 2-2 draw in this entertaining spectacle, sponsored by Visit Qatar.
At the picturesque Doha Golf Club, leading golfers competed in the second edition of the International Series Qatar. Featuring a $2.5m prize purse, the penultimate event for both the International Series and the Asian Tour event saw America’s Peter Uihlein claim a commanding five-shot victory, overcoming challenging conditions with consistent form in the last three rounds. Equestrian fans also enjoyed top-tier action as the 24th CISM World Military Equestrian Championship concluded at Al Shaqab’s Longines Indoor Arena on Saturday. Organised by the Qatar Military Sports Association under the International Military Sports Council, the showjumping event brought together riders from 15 nations, celebrating sportsmanship and camaraderie.
The action does not stop here as Qatar’s sporting calendar remains packed with marquee events. Next on the schedule is the FIFA Intercontinental Cup Qatar 2024 from December 11-18. The event features Botafogo FR and CF Pachuca competing in the FIFA Derby of the Americas, with the winner facing Egypt’s Al Ahly SC in the FIFA Challengers Cup. The victors will then take on Real Madrid CF, the reigning European champions, in the final at Lusail Stadium on December 18 – the Qatar National Day. Qatar’s commitment to hosting world-class events cements its status as a premier global sports hub with even more to come.
