The season was played in 3 stages: The 2008–09 calendar released by the QFA saw the first phase run through 13 September till 23 November before phase two kicked off on 27 November to end on 7 February 2009.
The final phase started on February 12 and concluded on April 17.
The last team in the standings was to be relegated until the QFA announced an expansion to the league for the following season.
The competition was played at the seven stadiums of Al-Sadd, Al-Rayyan, Al-Gharafa, Al-Wakrah, Al-Khor, Qatar SC, and Al-Arabi.
It was announced on 15 April 2009 that no clubs would be relegated from the top flight due to expansion reasons.