Doha: Doha is preparing to welcome the world’s leading squash players once again as the QTerminals Qatar Classic Squash 2026 returns to the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex from September 12 to 18.
Preparations are in full swing at the Qatar Tennis, Squash, Padel and Badminton Federation for the prestigious tournament, which attracts many of the world’s highest-ranked men and women each year.
One of the leading events on the international squash calendar, the QTerminals Qatar Classic has built a strong global reputation for its high organizational and technical standards, providing players with an ideal environment in which to compete at their best.
The tournament also provides participating players with comprehensive services from the moment they arrive at Hamad International Airport, including five-star accommodation and access to world-class training and competition facilities.
Tariq Zainal, Secretary General of the Qatar Tennis, Squash, Padel and Badminton Federation, confirmed that the leading ranked players in both the men’s and women’s draws will compete for the title in Doha.
“As always, the Qatar Federation will deliver a tournament of the highest organizational standard and provide an outstanding experience for spectators,” Zainal said, welcoming all the players taking part in this year’s competition.
He expressed his delight at the continued commitment of the world’s leading squash players to competing in Doha and at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex, which also annually hosts the Qatar TotalEnergies Open, a WTA 1000 event, and the Qatar ExxonMobil Open, an ATP 500 tournament. The venue will also stage the World Padel Championship for the third time in around two months.
Zainal, on behalf of the Organizing Committee chaired by Nasser bin Ghanim Al Khelaifi, wished all participating players the best and invited fans to attend the tournament and enjoy world-class squash at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex.
Launched in 2001, the QTerminals Qatar Classic has established itself as one of the leading tournaments in world squash, regularly attracting many of the sport’s biggest names to Doha.
This year’s men’s field features Qatar’s Abdulla Al Tamimi alongside a host of the world’s leading players, including Egypt’s Mostafa Asal, the top seed and last year’s runner-up; Peru’s Diego Elias, a two-time Qatar Classic champion in 2021 and 2024; and New Zealand’s Paul Coll, the defending champion.
Al Tamimi has competed in the Qatar Classic on nine previous occasions, with his best result coming in 2022 when he reached the quarterfinals. Qatar’s leading squash player achieved a career-high world ranking of No. 16 on October 30, 2023, his highest position since turning professional in 2011.
Among Al Tamimi’s other notable achievements are a bronze medal at the Asian Games in China, the title at the fourth Qatar Squash Federation Bronze tournament and victory at the Qatar Challenger 2023.
Al Tamimi faces a challenging opening-round encounter this year against Egypt’s Karim Abdel Gawad, while his Qatar teammate Salem Al Malki will take on Melvil Scianimanico.
World No. 1 Mostafa Asal will begin his campaign against Switzerland’s Nicolas Müller as he looks to go one step further after finishing runner-up to Coll last year. Defending champion Coll will open against England’s Mohamed ElShorbagy, while Elias will face American Timmy Brownell.
In the women’s draw, Egypt’s Hania El Hammamy returns to Doha to defend the title she won in 2025, having also lifted the trophy in 2023. She will be joined by compatriot Nour El Sherbini, the 2024 champion, as well as Nouran Gohar, who will be seeking her first Qatar Classic title, and American Olivia Weaver.
El Hammamy will face fellow Egyptian Hana Moataz in the opening round, while El Sherbini takes on Nada Abbas. Weaver will meet Egypt’s Sana Ibrahim, with Gohar facing compatriot Kenzy Ayman.
The world’s leading players will compete for a total prize purse of USD 484,000 at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex.
El Hammamy claimed her second Qatar Classic title last year with a straight-games victory over El Sherbini in the final, winning 11–6, 15–13, 11–8.
In the men’s final, Coll captured his first Qatar Classic title after defeating then world No. 1 Asal 3–1 (11–9, 6–11, 11–8, 11–5).