The Qatar Winter Sports Committee, in collaboration with Years of Culture, will continue the Qatar Canada and Mexico 2026 Year of Culture Winter Sports Development Programme with a new series of public activities at Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena from 24 to 26 May 2026.
The May programme will invite families, young people, sports enthusiasts, and members of the wider community to experience a range of winter sports, including curling, ice hockey, skating, and short track. The activities have been designed to introduce winter sports to the public in an accessible and welcoming environment, while strengthening connections between Canadian, Qatari, and expat communities in Doha.
Launched in April, the Winter Sports Development Programme will run throughout 2026 as part of the Qatar Canada and Mexico 2026 Year of Culture. The initiative aims to expand participation in winter sports in Qatar by focusing on grassroots engagement, youth development, coach education, and competitive opportunities.
The programme also highlights the role of sport as a platform for cultural exchange, community participation, and long-term collaboration between Qatar, Canada, and Mexico.
Public Winter Sports Activities in Doha
The three-day programme will begin with a Curling Open House on Sunday, 24 May 2026, from 4:00 PM at Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena. The session will offer introductory curling experiences for all ages, giving members of the public the opportunity to learn more about the sport in a friendly and informal setting.
On Monday, 25 May 2026, the arena will host the Canada–Qatar Expat Ice Hockey Series from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Members of the public are invited to attend as spectators and experience the energy of ice hockey as part of the wider community sports programme.
This will be followed by the Short Track & Skating Open House from 8:20 PM to 9:50 PM, offering open skating experiences and introducing participants to short track disciplines.
The programme will conclude on Tuesday, 26 May 2026, with the Canadian–Qatar Expat Curling Game from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The friendly curling matches will bring together Canadian, Qatari, and expat communities as part of the season-long programme. Teams of four may take part, with one captain required to register the team at the registration desk on the day.
Open to the Public
Registration and attendance are open to all at the venue. Activities will be held on a first-come, first-served basis, with rotating slots available throughout the sessions.
The programme reflects Qatar’s growing commitment to expanding sports participation beyond traditional disciplines, while creating inclusive spaces for cultural exchange and community engagement.
As Doha continues to host major sports and cultural initiatives, the Winter Sports Development Programme adds a distinctive dimension to Qatar’s year-round calendar of public activities. It also supports the broader objectives of the Years of Culture initiative by using sport to build stronger people-to-people connections and promote shared experiences.
Further details on upcoming events will be announced through the Years of Culture website and official social media channels.
