The first National Sports Day was held in 2012. It followed a decree issued in December 2011 by HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Deputy Emir, and Heir Apparent. The decree stated that the second Tuesday in February would be Qatar’s National Sports Day. 

On the day, more than a hundred government ministries and private sector organisations organise a series of public events and encourage their employees to engage enthusiastically in sports activities. Activities range from football to basketball, tennis to taekwondo, cycling to swimming, with countless free sporting sessions and social competitions, available to all ages and abilities to ensure everyone has the opportunity to participate in sport. 

As well as lots of events featuring well known sports, Qatari culture is not forgotten with a competition featuring traditional Al Shawahef rowing taking place.