**Qatar Remains Committed to Hosting Formula One and MotoGP Amid Regional Tensions**
*Published on September 1, 2026*
Qatar is moving forward with plans to host both MotoGP and Formula One races in November, despite ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. Abdul Rahman bin Abdullatif Al Mannai, President of the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF), expressed optimism about the situation in the country, emphasizing that Qatar has remained safe and operational.
In a statement made on Tuesday, Al Mannai reassured stakeholders that Qatar's infrastructure is fully functional, including its airport, which is handling transit flights between Asia and Europe. "If you visit Qatar, you will see we are back to normal life, so we’re really looking forward to hosting races again soon," he said.
The Formula One race is scheduled for November 29 at the Lusail circuit near Doha, while MotoGP is set to take place on November 8 at the same venue. However, the final decision regarding the Formula One event will be made by the organizers in mid-September, as the season could conclude in Europe if the races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi are canceled.
In contrast to these upcoming events, the World Endurance Championship (WEC) has already canceled its scheduled round in Qatar, which was set for October 24. This cancellation highlights the uncertainty surrounding sporting events in the region due to the ongoing geopolitical climate.
Al Mannai acknowledged the unpredictability of the current situation, stating, "There are things that we cannot predict. It’s difficult. We don’t know what’s going to happen. The situation has been fluid, even though it’s been really quiet so far." He emphasized the importance of being prepared and taking things "one step at a time" while assessing the evolving circumstances.
The significance of the Middle East races for Formula One cannot be understated, as they contribute substantially to the sport's revenues through hosting fees that can reach tens of millions of dollars. As the region continues to navigate through conflicts, the commitment from Qatar to host these high-profile events reflects both its confidence in stability and its desire to maintain its status as a key player in international motorsports.
As the date for the races approaches, all eyes will be on Qatar to see how the situation unfolds and whether the planned events can proceed as scheduled.