The Most Popular Sports in Qatar
Welcome to Qatar, a place where you can find some of the wildest sports reigning supreme. From camel racing and football to basketball and falconry, we bring to you the most popular sports in Qatar, played and watched by millions of people in this country.
Football
There’s no doubt about it, football takes the number one spot as the most popular sport in the region. The country has its professional football league: Qatar Stars League, which is often at the center stage of interest for domestic and international audiences. In fact, almost a third of Qatar’s residents are involved in sports betting, and most of them will bet on football as their first choice.
After reading ratings of Qatari sportsbooks and finding one that works best for their needs, this country’s residents are likely to bet on the players from the Qatar Stars League. This sport grew even more in popularity after hosting the 2022 World Cup, as this major event propelled the sport in the eyes of the world, let alone the country’s residents.
Traditional sports
People from Qatar love good old football, which is one of the most popular sports in the world. However, they also have a special place in their hearts for traditional sports, which are still very much popular in this country.
Take falconry as an example. This Bedouin heritage sport has become nearly extinct in some parts of the world, yet Qatar’s residents cherish the tradition behind it. For them, this sport is deeply rooted in history, with falcons being used as a means to catch food. The country goes as far as hosting falconry festivals, which are gladly visited by thousands of spectators to this day.
If falconry is the most popular traditional sport, camel racing comes as a close second. This historic desert sport has evolved since its early days, and it has become significantly modernized. Thus, not only does it have hundreds upon hundreds of spectators, but it also serves as a great sport for betting.
Spectators can do more than just watch live racing from one of Qatar’s racing tracks – they can also be photographed with camels and go behind the scenes. Even though it’s traditionally known as the sport of sheiks, camel racing can be enjoyed by people of all backgrounds.
Tennis
Tennis has become one of the most popular sport-related hobbies in the world, and its worldwide dominance keeps on growing year after year. Qatar is no exception. The country and its residents were so smitten by the sport that they brought some of the world’s best tennis players to Qatar. Cue in The Qatar Open, currently known as The Qatar ExxonMobil Open.
Up until 2025, the event was a part of the ATP Tour 250 series event; from 2025, it will be held as an ATP 500, demonstrating the importance the country places on this sport.
It’s important to mention that table tennis and golf are some other individual sports that are loved by Qatar’s residents, and the country hosts events for both. Both of them are also widely played by regular people, and they represent a nice hobby for individuals of all backgrounds.
Beach volleyball
As a country with a shoreline of beaches and dunes, it was to be expected that a water-related sport would make the cut. Beach volleyball is one of those sports that are a popular choice when in need of recreation, as it requires little to no equipment. The sport can be a part of an average beach day, but it can also be taken to the next level.
In fact, Qatar has the world’s best beach volleyball duo – Ahmed Tijan and Cherif Younousse. The duo topped the 2025 list, as decided by the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB). One thing is a certainty – whether played professionally or recreationally, beach volleyball results in an elevated experience that will create some epic memories.
Beach volleyball doesn’t stand alone when it comes to popular team sports. It’s accompanied by basketball and handball, which are also fairly popular among the country’s residents. These two sports have a significant audience of loyal supporters, making all events filled to the brim with spectators.
The bottom line
Sport is a huge part of Qatari life. From team sports to individual activities, the country’s residents have quite a few options in front of them – all they have to do is choose one that suits their likes and preferences.