Get Ready to Celebrate: Samla Goes Global in 2026!
Prepare for a dazzling new chapter as Qatar’s legendary endurance race, Samla, makes its international debut—welcoming athletes of all genders in a captivating celebration of athletic prowess. From January 26, 2026, race enthusiasts from every corner of the globe will converge for an electrifying 100-kilometer challenge that fuses swimming, running, cycling, and kayaking into one unforgettable event.
In a festive spirit of collaboration and innovation, Azzam Al-Mannai, CEO of the organizing committee, and Abdulaziz Al-Mawlawi, CEO of Visit Qatar, inked an exciting agreement that sets the stage for this landmark transformation. At a spirited press conference, Al-Mawlawi proclaimed, “This race deserves to shine on the international stage,” celebrating a moment that promises to elevate the Samla experience to dazzling new heights.
Originally launched in 2017 as a unique tribute to Qatar’s vibrant desert heritage—with a format that, until 2024, reserved participation for Qatari men—Samla has since grown into a thrilling showcase of endurance. Its previous incarnation dazzled competitors with six dynamic stages spanning 200 kilometers across a rugged local terrain. Now, the 2026 edition will kick off from Sealine with a fresh twist: 3 kilometers of swimming, 49 kilometers of running, 44 kilometers of cycling, and 4 kilometers of kayaking. Adding to the excitement, the cumulative prize pool will exceed one million riyals (around $300,000), with awards celebrating excellence in both men’s and women’s divisions.
As Al-Mannai shared exclusively with Doha News, final discussions with Visit Qatar have paved the way for this international leap. He reflected with enthusiasm on Samla’s evolution—from a nurturing ground for local talent to a robust platform poised to become a regional beacon in endurance sports. Although the cherished local-only race will continue to honor its origins, the international challenge is set to make history as one of the premier endurance events in the region.
Join us in welcoming this vibrant transformation where tradition meets global ambition. Samla in 2026 is not just a race—it’s a festive invitation to be part of a groundbreaking celebration of sport, unity, and the unyielding human spirit.
The partnership with Visit Qatar will see Samla get included in Visit Qatar’s event-studded calendar, which includes the likes of MotoGP Grand Prix of Qatar, F1 Qatar Grand Prix, the FIFA U-17 World Cup, the FIFA Arab Cup, among other famed sporting and cultural events.
