Vice Chair of the UDST Board of Trustees, Dr. Mohammed Yousef Al-Mulla, and President of UDST, Dr. Salem Al-Naemi, with other officials during the event. Pic: Rajan Vadakkemuriyil/ The Peninsula
Doha, Qatar: The University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) earned second place at the National Sport Day Award, marking a notable achievement among government and private entities nationwide. The recognition followed the university’s delivery of more than 37 sports and wellness initiatives, engaging around 5,300 participants in support of active, healthy communities.
Emphasising the importance of active lifestyles, the UDST marked Qatar National Sport Day 2026 at the UDST Events park, convening over 700 participants in inclusive sporting activities.
The event was attended by Vice Chair of the UDST Board of Trustees, Dr. Mohammed Yousef Al-Mulla, and President of UDST, Dr. Salem Al-Naemi, together with students, staff, families, and members of the community, all united by a focus on health and well-being.
UDST President Dr. Al-Naemi noted that the award underscores the university’s long-standing vision to serve as a centre for sport, health, and excellence, and conveyed his appreciation to the Ministry of Sports and Youth, as well as to the Minister of Sports and Youth, H E Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani.
He further stated, “Qatar National Sport Day is a powerful reminder of the role that physical activity plays in strengthening individuals and communities. At UDST, we are committed to nurturing a culture of wellness that values health, balance, and active living. By bringing our community together through sport, we support national efforts to promote well-being and contribute to the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030.”
Dr. Al-Naemi reiterated the University’s commitment to standing as a leading example in education, health, and sport, both nationally and internationally.
Speaking to The Peninsula on the sidelines of the event, Anthony Martin, Director of UDST’s Sport and Wellness Directorate, said, “We are gathered today at UDST’s beautiful campus, in the events park specially prepared to welcome faculty, staff, and members of the wider community.
“Through a dynamic mix of competitive and recreational activities, we aimed to engage our community, encourage participation at all levels, and reinforce the importance of wellness, teamwork, and connection,” Martin stated.
The celebrations began with a Family Walk and Run, followed by a wide range of sports and fitness activities for all ages, alongside dedicated family and children’s zones offering interactive games and inflatable attractions.
The programme was delivered in partnership with prominent sports organisations, including Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Be Basketball, and TNT Athletics, which led activities across dedicated zones and drew high levels of engagement throughout the day.
“Every year we learn, grow, and are able to provide even more outstanding facilities, services, and activities for our community,” Kristen Rendall, Wellness Specialist from the Sport and Wellness Directorate at UDST, told The Peninsula.
She added, “As a platinum-accredited healthy campus, we pride ourselves on promoting a holistic approach to wellness and paving the way for wellbeing across the region”.
