AL-Monitor Doha: Witness racing legends at Qatar 1812 KM
Elite racing comes to the Qatari capital this week with the 1812 KM – FIA World Endurance Championship 2025.
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Elite racing comes to the Qatari capital this week with the 1812 KM – FIA World Endurance Championship 2025. Ramadan festivities kick off with Hosh Ramadan in Msheireb and Herfah Workshops, celebrating traditional crafts. At Katara, the Tajheezat Shaaban & Ramadan Trade Fair offers seasonal essentials, while fragrance lovers can explore premium oud at Teeb Al-Hazem.
Leading the week: 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship
Motorsport fans: Get ready for an adrenaline-fueled spectacle as Qatar hosts the second edition of the Qatar 1812 KM – FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) 2025 at Lusail International Circuit (LIC).
This 10-hour endurance race will bring together some of the biggest names in motorsports, including Valentino Rossi, Kevin Magnussen and the Iron Dames, as they take on a 36-car grid, split between the Hypercar and LMGT3 classes. Beyond the main event, fans can enjoy support races featuring the Formula 4 Middle East Championship and Formula Regional Middle East Championship, as well as a special Lusail Classic Endurance Race, which will showcase legendary race cars such as the Ferrari 512 BBLM, the Ginetta G16 and the Chevrolet Corvette C3.
Off the track, the event promises a festival-like atmosphere with family-friendly activities, paddock access, a Pitlane walk, autograph sessions and interactive Fan Zone activations. For those seeking a premium experience, the Le Mans Spirit Club offers VIP hospitality, including gourmet dining, paddock access, a prime viewing area and the exclusive chance to step onto the grid before the race begins.
Date: Feb. 26-28
Location: Lusail International Circuit
Find more information here.
Word on the street: Hosh Ramadan
A view of Msheireb in 2025, in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Msheireb Properties)
Step into the heart of Msheireb Museums for an immersive Ramadan experience at Hosh Msheireb. Running Feb. 28 to March 30, this religious celebration captures the warmth and togetherness of a traditional Qatari Ramadan gathering. Inspired by cherished family moments in the courtyard of a Qatari heritage house, Hosh Ramadan invites visitors to embrace the spirit of the holy month through a rich blend of community, tradition and nostalgia.
The event offers an intimate glimpse into the cultural traditions of Ramadan, inviting visitors to enjoy a shared meal with family and friends, storytelling sessions and live cultural performances. Set against the stunning architectural backdrop of Msheireb Museums, this open-air experience blends Qatari heritage with modern comfort.
Date: Feb. 28 - March 30
Location: Hosh Msheireb, Msheireb Museums
Find more information here.
Doha diary
Scene from the 11th edition of Teeb Al-Hazem exhibition. (Photo by @alhazmqa)
Teeb Al-Hazem
Discover the world of oud and perfumes at Teeb Al-Hazem, one of the leading fragrance exhibitions in the Middle East, held at Al Hazm Mall. This exclusive event takes visitors on a sensory journey of unique and exquisite fragrances, where tradition meets innovation in the world of perfumery.
Date: Until Feb. 28
Location: Al Hazm Mall
Find more details here.
Herfah Workshops (Ramadan 2025)
Explore Qatari and Islamic crafts at the Herfah Workshops, led by the King’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts. Open to participants ages 12 and above, these workshops provide a hands-on experience with time-honored techniques.
Date: March 2-22
Location: Al Khater House
Find more details here.
QPO presents QMA’s Soloists
The Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra presents a special concert featuring QMA’s Soloists at the Katara Opera House. Experience an enchanting evening of classical music showcasing the exceptional talent of soloists from Qatar's musical community.
Date: Feb. 26
Location: Katara Opera House
Find more details here.
Longines Global Champions Tour
Equestrian excellence takes center stage at the Longines Global Champions Tour at Al Shaqab, where top international riders compete in this prestigious event.
Date: Feb. 27 - March 1
Location: Al Shaqab
Find more details here.
Tajheezat Shaaban & Ramadan Trade Fair
This fair brings together a variety of seasonal essentials, perfect for preparing for the holy month of Ramadan. It’s open daily until March 12 at Katara’s southern side.
Date: Until March 12
Location: Katara (southern side)
Find more details here.
Book of the week: “The Holy Sail”
Set against the backdrop of the tumultuous 15th century, “The Holy Sail” by Abdulaziz Al-Mahmoud blends history, adventure and romance. As Portuguese fleets vie for control of the spice trade in the Arabian Gulf, a young girl’s love for a noble tribal leader blossoms amid the chaos of invasions and shifting empires. Through vivid storytelling, the novel takes readers on a journey through Lisbon, Cairo, Jeddah and Istanbul, shedding light on a pivotal yet often overlooked chapter of history.
View from Doha
Qatari soldiers fire the cannon marking the end of the last fasting day of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and signaling for people to have their "iftar" fast-breaking meal, at Souq Waqif bazaar in Doha on April 9, 2024. (Photo by KARIM JAAFAR/AFP via Getty Images)
By the numbers
- Qatar leads the Arab world in female labor force participation, with a rate of 61.73%, according to a 2024 ranking by CEOWORLD magazine.
- In 2024, Qatar recorded the lowest unemployment rate in the Arab region at just 0.1%, according to Trading Economics.
