Doha, Qatar: The National Sports Day Committee has released a comprehensive set of guidelines outlining how government bodies and private organisations should plan and conduct activities for National Sports Day 2026, placing strong emphasis on active participation, public health, and long-term wellbeing.

According to the committee, activities organised for the occasion must be centred on physical movement and sports participation, steering clear of ceremonial or show-oriented programmes that do not actively engage participants. The announcement was shared by the committee on January 12, 2026.

As part of the new framework, organisers have been instructed not to erect tents or temporary sports facilities. Instead, entities are encouraged to make effective use of existing sports complexes, public parks, playgrounds, and open community spaces across the country. Compliance with all safety and security regulations has also been made mandatory for any planned activities.

Health-focused practices form a key pillar of the guidelines. The committee has urged organisers to promote healthy eating by offering nutritious food options while avoiding fast food. Additionally, distributing free meals or gifts to the public has been discouraged to ensure the day remains focused on physical activity rather than giveaways.

Entertainment-based programmes such as musical shows, performances, or spectacle-driven events have also been advised against. The committee noted that such activities may turn participants into spectators, undermining the core objective of National Sports Day, which is to encourage people to be physically active.

Instead, institutions have been encouraged to integrate awareness campaigns and educational initiatives that highlight the importance of incorporating sports and exercise into daily life. These initiatives aim to reinforce sport as a sustainable habit and a key contributor to long-term physical and mental health.

The committee clarified that adherence to these guidelines is compulsory for all ministries, government agencies, public institutions, and private-sector entities operating within Qatar.

These measures are aligned with the goals outlined in Amiri Decision No. 80 of 2011, which formally established National Sports Day as a national initiative to foster a culture of physical activity across all segments of society.

Observed annually on the second Tuesday of February, National Sports Day has evolved into a nationwide movement promoting healthier lifestyles. The latest directives reflect a continued shift towards meaningful engagement, measurable health outcomes, and lasting behavioural change, moving beyond symbolic celebrations to real community impact.