Qatar Hosts World Aquatics Championships in Doha

The World Aquatics Championships 2024 were held in Doha, Qatar, from 2 to 18 February 2024, marking the first time the Middle East hosted this flagship global aquatics event. The 21st edition of the championships drew more than 2,600 elite athletes from over 200 nations, competing in 75 medal events across six disciplines: swimming, diving, high diving, water polo, artistic swimming, and open water swimming. The competition took place at multiple venues in Doha, including the Aspire Dome, the Hamad Aquatic Centre, and the Old Doha Port, and served as a qualifier for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The event was widely broadcast and celebrated for its high participation and competitive performances. Doha’s successful hosting of the championships highlighted Qatar’s growing reputation as a global sports destination, building on its experience from events such as the FIFA World Cup. Athletes delivered world-class performances, with new records set and dramatic finals across disciplines, attracting attention from fans and media worldwide. The championships also emphasised inclusivity and global unity, featuring broad representation from around the world and extensive live coverage. Organisers and World Aquatics officials praised the scale and organisation of the event, noting its significance in promoting aquatics and inspiring future generations of athletes.