The rising star
Sporting alumni are showcasing Qatar as a destination for active travel
Need to know:
Qatar’s world-class sporting infrastructure supports both elite athletes and active lifestyles.
Trailblazing local athletes such as Lulwa Al-Marri reflect the need for growing investment in sport.
Dedicated cycling routes, running tracks, and sports hubs complement Qatar's cultural attractions.
Qatar's Sport Accelerator is the region's first sports business district, supporting innovation and investment.
Al-Marri’s name stands alongside pioneers such as Mutaz Essa Barshim, the first athlete in Olympic history to win four men's high jump medals across four Olympic Games, and hurdler Mariam Mamdouh Farid, one of the first Qatari women to compete at the World Athletics Championships. Her journey reflects a country where world-class infrastructure and growing opportunities are making sport accessible to all, while positioning Qatar as a destination for active travel.
Building a sporting nation
Central to this development is Aspire Zone, one of the country's premier sporting hubs. Alongside Aspire Academy – which helped develop 18 members of Qatar's squad for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 – the precinct is also home to Qatar’s Sport Accelerator, the region's first sports business district supporting innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment across the sports industry.
Equally important is the infrastructure designed for everyday use. “Qatar has invested heavily in sport, and that support is visible everywhere,” says Al-Marri.
From world-class facilities and cycling tracks to parks, running routes, and national sports initiatives, there are opportunities for everyone to be active.
For visitors, this means it's easy to experience Qatar beyond its renowned museums and shopping districts, whether joining local runners along the Corniche waterfront promenade, cycling purpose-built routes, or exploring the country's growing network of outdoor recreation spaces.
Inspiring the next generation
As a Qatari woman, I’ve been able to pursue my passion for sport, represent my country internationally, and inspire others through my platform.
Organizations including Qatar Foundation have introduced women-only sports days, providing welcoming spaces for girls and women to exercise with confidence. Women-only races and sporting events hosted at venues such as Aspire Dome offer additional opportunities to compete in supportive environments while encouraging broader participation in fitness and recreation.
After completing her first triathlon, Al-Marri began using her platform to encourage other girls to dream bigger and break stereotypes. “If my story can help even one young woman believe that she is capable of more than she imagined, then every challenge along the way was worth it,” she says.
Beyond competition, she uses her platform – followed by more than 340,000 people on Instagram – to showcase Qatar's training facilities, outdoor spaces, and fitness community. Through training updates and personal experiences, she shares her journey and encourages others to embrace a more active lifestyle.
Exploring Qatar through movement
“What makes Qatar truly unique is its diverse landscapes,” says Al-Marri. “You can go from enjoying water sports on the coast to experiencing desert adventures, all within the same hour.”
The country's compact size also allows visitors to combine multiple experiences within a single trip, from running or cycling in the morning to exploring cultural attractions during the day and enjoying waterfront walks in the evening. Combined with modern transport and high-quality facilities, Qatar makes it easy for visitors to incorporate movement into their travels.
For Al-Marri, the accessibility and safety of the country’s public spaces is what makes Qatar special. For cyclists, the 33-km Olympic Cycling Track is one of the world’s longest continuous cycling tracks, while Aspire Park offers dedicated paths for runners in a beautiful green setting.
Everything is well maintained, clean, and designed to encourage a healthy lifestyle, making sport accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
Complementing its cultural attractions, Qatar's investment in sport has created opportunities for both residents and visitors to get moving.
Things to do in Qatar:
Triathlete Lulwa Al-Marri’s favorite places
1Mina District
Colorful waterfront promenade with cafés, marinas, and traditional dhow boats set against Doha’s skyline.
2Msheireb Downtown
A historic fishing village where traditional architecture, dhow boats, local restaurants, and the waterfront offer a glimpse into an older Qatar.
3Souq Waqif
A historic marketplace with narrow alleyways lined with spices, textiles, handicrafts, and local cuisine.
4Inland Sea (Khor Al Adaid)
A UNESCO-recognized desert landscape where towering dunes meet the Arabian Gulf, accessible only by a 4X4 vehicle.
