Meet people in Doha

An informal, open running group with runners of every pace, meeting at different spots around the city including the Corniche. There is no membership form and no fee; sessions are announced in its Facebook group.

• Times and places posted each week — Various, often the Corniche

Free

Al Rayyan

Weekly supervised runs in Al Rayyan Park, run by the federation as part of its 365 Days of Activity programme, with certified trainers guiding each fitness level. The first one drew more than 60 people of all ages.

• Thursdays — Evenings — Al Rayyan Park

A weekly Friday run at Doha Festival City, part of the mall's wellness programme with the Qatar Sports for All Federation. It logged more than 6,000 participations between May and August 2026, so it keeps running through the summer.

• Fridays — Doha Festival City

B Ring Road

A yoga and fitness studio with a wide timetable for both beginners and regular practitioners.

Diplomatic Area, West Bay

A studio known for its community feel, with professional instruction.

The Pearl

Yoga for physical strength and mental clarity, at The Pearl.

Lagoona Mall, West Bay Lagoon

Movement and mindfulness classes for a range of levels and goals.

West Bay

Traditional yoga practice with an emphasis on both physical and inner growth.

Best Plaza West Bay Hotel

Classes built around mindfulness, flexibility and balance.

Lusail

Yoga as part of a broader wellness centre, convenient if you live north of the city.

West Bay

Slow, restorative yoga with a whole-wellbeing focus.

A group built for making new friends in Doha: casual meetups, dinners, coffees and city outings. Members on r/qatar describe its events as free and a good way in; one noted the crowd skews a little older.

Social gatherings, game nights and community events, recommended on r/qatar alongside Qatar Social as free to attend.

The global expat network's Doha chapter, with official events and member-run activity groups.

Women

Support groups, social events and networking for women living in Qatar.

Founded in 1978: a monthly talk from October to June on Qatar's nature, culture or archaeology, and guided field trips (rambles) led by people who know birding, geology, botany and archaeology. It also runs citizen-science projects and a members' library.

• monthly — Talks October to June, plus field trips

Bring your own 4x4

Desert drives and dune trips in your own 4x4, graded by experience from newbie fun drives to seniors-only mornings, with training in convoy driving and recovery.

• Fridays — Drives graded by level

Doha's triathlon club, and a good way to try open-water swimming or group cycling for the first time. Tuesday sessions rotate between rides, time trials, running and transition practice; Saturday mornings are open-water swims and runs. Members can stick to one sport.

• Tuesdays · 6:30 PM — Start of the Olympic Cycling Track
• Saturdays · 6:00 AM — Swim and run, season dependent — Sharq Village & Spa beach

About QAR 450 a season (September to June), plus a QAR 300 timing chip for new members

A book club for people who actually want to talk about the book: curated reading lists and a monthly meetup.

• monthly

A monthly book pick, discussion online and in-person meetups.

• monthly

A free book discussion in the Museum of Islamic Art library, for readers who want conversation about books and ideas.

• 5:00 PM — Check MIA's calendar for the next date — Museum of Islamic Art Library

Free

Board games and group play: an easy first night out, because the game does the talking.

Trading card games: tournaments and casual play.

Salsa and bachata classes for adults from absolute beginner up, where partners rotate through the class.

• 8:00 PM — Most evenings — YallaYoga studio, West Bay

Community theatre: stage productions, open auditions and rehearsals, on stage or behind it.

Guided journaling sessions and creative conversation.

Knitting sessions in cafés, for beginners and old hands.

A volunteer-run cat and dog rescue that also needs fosterers. Shelter visits are by appointment, so apply through the volunteer page first.

A public-speaking club chartered in 1997. Guests can visit free and are not asked to speak until they want to.

• Saturdays · 6:30 PM — 1st and 3rd Saturdays — Holiday Villa Hotel

A public-speaking club, also chartered in 1997, open to anyone living in Qatar. Confirm your visit as a guest beforehand.

• Sundays · 6:45 PM — 1st and 3rd Sundays — Radisson Blu, C Ring Road

Mothers

A Toastmasters club for mothers: public speaking, leadership and confidence.