National Sports Day in Qatar

Date: Second Tuesday of February annually

History and Purpose: National Sports Day in Qatar was first celebrated in 2012. It was established under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Amir of Qatar, to foster a culture of sports and to encourage the population to lead healthy lifestyles.

The day is also a reflection of Qatar's commitment to the goals outlined in the Qatar National Vision 2030, particularly to advance the social and human development of its citizens. By setting aside a day for sports, it also complements Qatar's growing reputation as a global sports destination.

Traditions and Activities: On National Sports Day, government offices, private sector companies, and schools are closed to allow everyone to participate in various sports activities. The day is marked by a wide range of public events that are usually free of charge.

• Public Events: These include marathons, football matches, cycling races, fitness classes, and traditional Qatari games.
• Family Activities: Families often engage in casual sporting activities like beach volleyball or park picnics with children's games.
• Community Engagement: Communities come together for group exercises such as yoga or Zumba sessions organized in public places.
• Educational Workshops: There are also workshops aimed at educating people about health, nutrition, and maintaining an active lifestyle.

Overall, National Sports Day serves as a catalyst for raising awareness about physical activity's importance on individual health and well-being while promoting unity through collective participation in sports across the nation.