We all know how 2020 went, and for sure, we're all looking forward to what 2021 will bring. Fortunately, it looks like there are many things in store and events happening again in Qatar. We'll see the comeback of postponed events as well as new and exciting milestones to look forward to.
So to get your blood pumping in anticipation for the coming year, here are 21 events that you need to mark on your calendar!
Note: These events are just some of the events announced by the Qatar National Tourism Council for 2021. The mentioned events/dates are subject to change/cancellation according to the organizing entity.
RELATED: QNTC announces events for 2021
The open-air cinema experience will be back in January! The Drive-In Cinema was a hit this year at Ajyal 2020 and European Drive-In Film Festival, especially with families. The event will be running until April 4, 2021.
Originally scheduled for December, the 2020 edition of the FIFA Club World Cup will be held in Qatar from February 1 - 11, 2021.
Starting in 1966, there's a FIFA World Cup mascot that represents the host country. Qatar's official FIFA World Cup Mascot will be unveiled in February. What do you predict the mascot will be?
Another fashion festival will be added to Qatar's repertoire next year. Lusail Fashion Festival will be running from February 3 - 8, 2020, in Lusail Corniche.
Last held on January 10, 2020, this year's Aspire Lake Festival will be taking place on February 11 - 12, 2021. The world-class show usually features magical performances that involve fireworks, lights, music, and colors!
Check out these photos from the 2017 Aspire Lake Festival.
Events and partnerships for the Qatar-USA Year of Culture will also be kicking off.
Qatar-United States 2021 Year of Culture, sponsored by Qatar Airways, is being planned in collaboration with leading institutions in Qatar and the United States, including Qatar Museums, the Embassy of Qatar in the US, the Embassy of the US in Qatar, Qatar's Ministry of Culture and Sport, Qatar Foundation, The National Tourism Council, Doha Film Institute, Qatar National Library, Katara, Supreme Council for Delivery and Legacy and Qatar Football Association.
The 18th edition of DJWE will be returning on February 22 – 27, 2021, at the Doha Exhibition & Convention Center (DECC). The major exhibition experienced a major turnout in its last edition with a record number of 129 exhibitors from 14 countries and 18 young Qatari designers.
After its successful first edition in 2020, Al Wasmi Gardens Festival will be back to enthrall nature lovers.
Haven't been to the last one? Check out these photos from the Al Wasmi Gardens Festival 2020.
First held in 2017, colorful kites will light up Qatar's skies once more. Held for four days previously, the Aspire International Kite Festival featured participants from different countries.
One of two ATP Tour events held in the Middle East, the Qatar ExxonMobil Open, will be back again in 2021. According to ATP, tennis champions like Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray have won multiple titles at this event.
According to the 2021 ATP Tour Calendar, the ATP 250 will be on March 6 - 13, 2020.
Qatar’s biggest shopping festival will be back in the middle of the year with discounts in malls across the country, family entertainment, as well as raffle draws.
READ MORE: 12 reasons why you just have to Shop Qatar
The 40,000-capacity arena built from shipping containers and modular steel is scheduled to be inaugurated in May. Echoing the nearby port and Doha's maritime history, the stadium is located on the waterfront and has a scenic view of the West Bay skyline.
READ MORE: Sustainable legacy of Ras Abu Aboud Stadium
Shaped like a gahfiya, the Al Thumama Stadium represents the traditional hat worn by males in the Middle East. The 40,000 capacity arena will also be inaugurated in the same month as the Ras Abu Aboud Stadium.
RELATED: Al Thumama Stadium has reached 20 million working hours with no injuries
Car enthusiasts will surely be excited to hear that the Qatar Motor Show will be happening from September 24 - 27, 2020. Over 180 cars were featured in the 2018 edition with a huge turnout of more than 25,000 attendees. What car would you want to see displayed in the next QMS?
Qatar's biggest and much-awaited food festival will be occurring quite a bit late in the year, unlike the previous editions. It's scheduled to happen on November 4 - 20, 2021, at the Oxygen Park in Education City. Foodies across Qatar will surely be treated to numerous culinary experiences!
READ MORE: Cool Facts about Qatar International Food Festival (QIFF) 2019
November 21 marks exactly one year before the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™! Things will only get more exciting from here as Qatar gets ready to host this momentous event.
RELATED: 2 years left to countdown: FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ draws nearer
Lusail Marina will come alive with interactive light displays and countless photo opportunities as the Light Me Lusail makes a comeback in November 2021.
READ MORE: Be dazzled by Qatar's first-ever Light Festival!
Do you miss watching concerts live? You'll be glad to know that Qatar Live will be back in the last month of 2021! Katy Perry, Maroon 5, and Maluma were some of the big names who performed in the last edition. Take a guess which singer or band will be singing their hearts out in Qatar soon for all of us!
CHECK OUT QATAR LIVE 2019: Experience winter in Qatar with amazing live entertainment by famous superstars!
Due to the pandemic, 2020's Darb Al Saai was canceled. Hopefully, it will be back bigger and better just in time for Qatar National Day 2021.
Usually happening during the winter, the Spring Festival celebrated at Souq Waqif (and Souq Wakrah) features enticing entertainment and programs for the whole family.
READ MORE: Spring festival at Souq Waqif, Souq Al Wakrah
The last FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ stadium to be inaugurated is where the final match will be staged. With a capacity of 80,000, Lusail Stadium's design was is inspired by the fanar lantern and decorative motifs representative of the Gulf region. It's set to become the centerpiece of Qatar's newest metropolis - Lusail City.
READ MORE: Lusail Stadium: Qatar's passion for sharing Arab culture with the world
Sources: QNTC, Qatar 2022
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