Athletics: Diamond League Meeting in Doha
By Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw
The opening meeting of the Diamond League season, which is scheduled to take place in May 2026 in Doha, is expected to go ahead as planned, despite the war in the Middle East.
However, the organisers have announced that they are exploring alternative possibilities, and that a final decision will be taken not later than a month before the opening date of 8 May 2026.
In the meantime, the situation will continue to be monitored by the organisers, the Qatar Athletics Federation, the relevant authorities in Qatar and World Athletics.
The Diamond League stated that:
"The safety of athletes and spectators is our primary concern, and we are also exploring alternative options with all stakeholders."
A number of major international sports events, including the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Formula 1 Grand Prix weekends in April 2026, have been cancelled, following the US and Israel wide-ranging strikes launched on Iran in February 2026.
After Doha, the Diamond League moves to China for events due to take place in Shanghai and Xiamen.
Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw may be contacted by e-mail at ‘
