Staying active: parks, tracks and sport

Who this is for

Anyone in Qatar who wants to walk, run, cycle or play sport, whether you live here or are visiting. It does not cover private gyms or paid fitness clubs.

Before you start

• Comfortable shoes, a refillable water bottle and a hat.
• For cycling: a roadworthy bike, a helmet and lights if you ride after dark.
• A plan to exercise outdoors early in the morning or in the evening during the hot months.
• If you have a health condition, advice from your doctor before starting a new activity.

Steps

1. Start at your nearest public park

   The Ministry of Municipality runs more than 120 public parks across the country, and many include walking and jogging paths, sports areas and children's play areas. Even small neighbourhood parks often have a short track: Al Nabaq Park in Al Thumama and Al Athl Park in Al Mi'raadh, both opened in late 2025, each have a jogging track of under 200 metres and a fitness area. Rawdat Al Hamama Park in Al Kheesa has a 1,197-metre air-conditioned outdoor track, which the ministry describes as the longest of its kind in the world.

2. Visit Aspire Park and Aspire Zone

   Aspire Park is the largest park in Qatar. It has walking and running tracks, outdoor exercise areas, a lake and children's play areas. Around it, Aspire Zone holds major sports venues, including Hamad Aquatic Centre with its 50-metre pool, the Ladies Sports Hall for indoor court sports, and the Ladies Club, which offers women fitness classes, workshops and social events. Ask Aspire Zone directly about access and membership for its indoor venues.

3. Run or ride in Al Bidda Park and Oxygen Park

   Al Bidda Park, overlooking the Corniche, has separate cycle paths, running walkways, outdoor gym equipment, basketball and volleyball courts and a football pitch. Bikes can be rented in the park. Visit Qatar lists it as open from 4am to midnight with free entry. Oxygen Park in Education City has jogging trails, sports fields and covered walkways that are air-conditioned to stay cooler than the surrounding area.

4. Cycle the tracks along Al Khor Road

   Ashghal's Olympic Cycling Track runs 33 km along the western side of Al Khor Road. It is 7 metres wide, fully separated from traffic, lit at night, and passes through tunnels and bridges so you can ride without stopping. On the eastern side, a 38 km shared path for walkers and cyclists links to it. Along the route there are bike stands, benches and rest areas, and cycling counters that show the weather and display alerts for wind, fog or accidents.

5. Join a club or federation

   If you want coaching or competition, the Qatar Olympic Committee website lists the national sports federations, such as those for athletics, aquatics, and cycling and triathlon. Contact the federation for your sport and ask about clubs, community programmes and how to register. Rules on who can join, and any fees, are set by each club or federation.

6. Take part in National Sport Day

   National Sport Day, set by an Amiri decision in 2011 and first held in 2012, falls on the second Tuesday of February every year and is an official holiday. Ministries, public bodies and companies organise hundreds of free activities in parks, sports grounds and beaches across the country, from walking and running to team games, cycling and swimming. Everyone is welcome, including children, older people and people with disabilities. In 2027 the second Tuesday of February is 9 February.

7. Exercise safely in the heat

   The Ministry of Public Health advises limiting time in direct sun between 11am and 4pm, drinking water at regular intervals, wearing loose, light-coloured clothing and a hat, and using sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher, reapplied every 2 to 3 hours. In summer, move workouts to early morning, the evening or indoors. Stop and cool down in the shade if you feel severely dizzy, stop sweating, feel very hot or confused, and seek medical help. In an emergency, call 999.

Useful numbers and apps

• Emergency (police, fire, ambulance) 999 Source

Good to know

• Dogs are welcome in Al Bidda Park but must be kept on a lead at all times.
• Al Bidda Park can be reached by Doha Metro (Al Bidda station) and by bus.
• The Olympic Cycling Track is designed for speeds of up to 50 km/h, so keep to your side and watch for faster riders. Slower or family riders may prefer the shared path on the eastern side.
• Cycling counters on the Al Khor Road tracks warn of bad weather such as wind or fog. Check them, and the Q Weather app, before a long ride.
• Air-conditioned tracks, such as the one in Rawdat Al Hamama Park and the covered walkways in Oxygen Park, are an option on hot days.