The largest sporting event hosted in Qatar was the 2006 Asian Games, hosted in Doha. There were 46 disciplines from 39 events contested. On 2 December 2022, Qatar hosted the 2022 FIFA World Cup, thus becoming the first Arab nation to host the tournament.[2] Qatar will host the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup, thus becoming the first Arab nation to host a major basketball tournament.
Football is by far the most popular sport in Qatar and is played and supported by locals and expatriates alike. The country has two tiers of domestic professional football leagues. The top tier, known as the Qatar Stars League, has undergone numerous expansions in the last several years. In 2009, the league expanded from ten to twelve clubs,[5] and again expanded by two clubs in May 2013, bringing the total number of teams in the first division to fourteen.[6] Attendance at QSL matches ranges between 2,000 and 10,000, depending on the popularity of the teams.[7] In a 2014 survey conducted by Qatari government ministries and departments, 65% of the 1,079 respondents indicated that they did not attend a football match in the previous league season.[8]
In June 2019, FIFA awarded Qatar the rights to host the 2019 and 2020 FIFA Club World Cup.[18] On 21 December 2019, Qatar concluded the Club World Cup, which was being looked at as a benchmark for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. However, the tournament was announced as one of the most successful editions in history by Secretary-General of the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC), Hassan al-Thawadi.[19]
2022 FIFA World Cup
Russia handing over the symbolic relay baton for the hosting rights of the 2022 FIFA World Cup to Qatar in June 2018
On 2 December 2010, Qatar won their bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup.[2] Beating rival bids from Australia, the United States, South Korea, and Japan, FIFA stated that the Qatari bid ran on a platform of bringing the World Cup to the only part of the world previously excluded from hosting it, donating parts of stadia to under-developed countries in Africa and Asia after the competition finishes, and allowing fans to watch multiple matches in one day and reduce travel expenses by being the most compact tournament to date.[20]
The local organising committee, the Supreme Committee for Development and Legacy, is planning to build nine new stadiums and expand three existing stadiums for this event. The first stadium to be completed will be the Khalifa International Stadium, due in 2016.[21] Qatar's winning bid for the 2022 World Cup was greeted enthusiastically in the Arab world as it was the first time a country in the Middle East or North Africa had been selected to host the tournament.
The tournament is expected to generate thousands of jobs, with extensive infrastructure required to prepare the country to host the world's biggest sports games. Official Qatari sources have estimated that the country will spend US$138 billion, which will include new motorways, a new deep-water port, a metro system as well as nine stadia and an extensive fan zone.[22]
In addition to the awarding of contracts to international companies, the Supreme Committee announced its intention to support entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises in the region through the Challenge 22 competition. Held for the first time in June 2015, the competition requires anyone inhabiting a GCC country to submit a business plan. Finalists are invited to Doha for two days of intense coaching, before pitching to judges and winning cash and incubation prizes.[24]
To deliver these projects on time the economy and population are expected to double between 2014 and 2022, with the total number of inhabitants due to exceed four million. The need for new housing has given a boost to the construction and real estate sectors, with growth expected to be 9.5 percent according to the Qatar Statistics Authority.[25]
The emblem for the 2022 FIFA World Cup was revealed in Doha on September 3, 2019. Since the 2022 FIFA would be the first to be played in winter, the emblem depicts a woolen shawl and is inspired by the Arab culture.[26]
In October 2021, David Beckham signed a $277 million (£150m) deal with Qatar. Beckham signed a ten-year deal with Qatar to be the face of the Qatar World Cup in 2022.[28]
Supporters of the Qatar national team during the opening match of the 2022 FIFA World Cup
Argentina were crowned the champions after winning the final against the title holderFrance 4–2 on penalties following a 3–3 draw after extra time. It was Argentina's third title and their first since 1986, as well as being the first nation from outside of Europe to win the tournament since 2002.[29]
Shortly after the awarding of the 2022 FIFA World Cup to Qatar, the bid was embroiled in controversy, including allegations of bribery. European football associations have also objected to the 2022 World Cup being held in Qatar for a variety of reasons, including the impact of high temperatures on players' fitness, to the disruption it might cause in European domestic league calendars should the event be rescheduled to take place during winter.[30][31] In March 2015, FIFA and Qatar agreed that the competition would be held in November and December 2022.[32]
Qatar authorities have also sought to improve the situation by commissioning British law firm DLA Piper to undertake a review of conditions in 2012.[33] Following the recommendations made, Qatar Foundation created the Migrant Workers Welfare Charter which applies minimum requirements to the recruitment, living and working conditions, as well as the general treatment of workers engaged in construction and other projects. The mandatory standards will be incorporated into agreements between Qatar Foundation and all its contractors, who are required to comply with the requirements and rules. Contractors and sub-contractors found to be violating the regulations have been blacklisted from future tenders.[34]
Labour rights have slowly been improving since the review; for example, in August 2015, Qatar announced it would launch a new electronic salary system to guarantee safe and punctual payments directly into workers' bank accounts.[35] Companies that fail to pay their workers on time will be fined and the country maintains that prison sentences could even be handed out. Government ministers also predict that changes to the country's kafala system will be announced later in 2015.[35]
On 31 March 2016, Amnesty International report condemned Qatar for its forced labour and abuses against migrant workers. This report is based on 132 migrant construction workers. According to the report, there were many issues like congested and small accommodations, not being paid for several months, kafala sponsorship system, and many others.[36] In October 2019, Qatari authorities have taken a significant step towards protecting migrant workers. According to the reports the reforms include minimum thresholds for wage, food, and accommodation, totaling QR 1,800. In addition, a Minimum Wage Commission was established to monitor its impact. Between September 2020 and March 2022, over 300,000 workers (including 7,000 domestic workers) changed their jobs. The Worker’s Support and Insurance Fund, established in 2019, has disbursed QAR 358,000,000 (nearly USD 100m) to over 35,000 workers, in March 2022. A non-discriminatory minimum wage came into force in March 2021, and 280,000 workers, or 13% of the workforce received a wage rise. The number of complaints on the online platform was nearly 25,000 in 2021, compared to 11,000 in the previous year. In March 2022, 228 workers’ representatives were elected to represent almost 40,000 employees in 37 enterprises.[37]
Basketball
Qatari female basketball players
Basketball is an increasingly popular sport in Qatar. The sport is administered by the Qatar Basketball Federation (QBF).[38] The QBF was established in 1964, but was only admitted into the FIBA Asia and the Organizing Committee of the GCC in 1979.[39]
Club teams compete in the Qatari Basketball League, the top domestic basketball league in the country. Qatar's first women's basketball league was launched in 2012.[44]
On 28 April 2023, during a central board meeting in Manila, FIBA announced that Qatar will host the upcoming 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup.[45] The 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup will be the 20th tournament of the FIBA Basketball World Cup for men's national basketball teams. The tournament will be the third to feature 32 teams.
Cricket is the second most popular sport in Qatar, albeit one that the local citizens play very little. Despite that, massive numbers of workers and residents from the Indian Subcontinent play the game that is a national pastime in their home territories. Since the subcontinent accounts for nearly half the residents in Qatar, the game is rapidly picking up its pace. Although the local Qatar national team isn't as popular, cricket tournaments such as the ICC World Cup and the ICC World Twenty20 which exclude Qatar but include nations that account for most of the expatriates in the country are one of the most viewed sporting events in the country.
Futsal became an officially sanctioned sport in 2007, when the fully professional Qatar Futsal League was established.[49] There are two futsal tournaments; the QFA Futsal Cup and the Open Cup, which was inaugurated in 2010.[50] Futsal is overseen by a department of the Qatar Football Association.[51] A women's league was launched in 2009 under the auspices of the Women's Sports Committee.[52]
Horse racing has been increasing in popularity in Qatar since the late 20th century. In 1995, the first edition of the Desert Marathon was held, attracting riders from across the world.[57] Two of the most important horse breeding and indoor racing facilities are Al Shaqab and Al Samriya Equestrian Centre.
In October 2021, Sultan Khalid Al Kuwari won U-13 World table tennis tournament with 3-2 victory over compatriot Rawad Al Nasser at Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Muscat, Oman.[59]
Qatar Racing Club, a drag racing facility where the Arabian Drag Racing League competes, is located in the country's capital Doha on a 150,000m2 area. Its racing track has a capacity for 2,000 people.[60]
The Grand Prix of Qatar, a round in the Formula 1 Powerboat World Championship, was held annually in Doha Bay from 2005 to 2015.[67] In addition, the state-sponsored Qatar Team won four Formula 1 championships with Jay Price (2008)[68] and Alex Carella (2011–2013).[69] Qatar ended their involvement in Formula 1 powerboat racing in early 2015 with the merger of the Qatar Sailing Federation and Qatar Marine Sports Federation (QMSF).[70]
Camel racing holds significant cultural value in Qatar, preserving a connection to the region's historical reliance on camels as a primary mode of transportation. Camel racing is also an age-old tradition among the Bedouin tribes of Qatar and would be performed on special occasions such as weddings.[72] Despite the modernization and urbanization witnessed in the State of Qatar, both the people of Qatar and the broader Gulf region remain deeply attached to this traditional sport, considering it a symbol of their past. The significance of camel racing is underscored by the patronage of Qatar's leaders, including Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who actively participate in the sport and attend festivals. Substantial investments have been made by the Qatari government to advance the sport of camel racing. The Camel Racing Organizing Committee (Hejan) has spearheaded initiatives aimed at enhancing the infrastructure and competitiveness of camel racing in Qatar. Notably, the Al-Shahaniya Arena has emerged as a premier venue for camel racing in the Gulf region, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and illuminated tracks for nighttime races. Additionally, advancements in registration systems, such as the implementation of electronic services for camel owners, witnessed the introduction of modern technologies while preserving traditional sporting practices.[73]
Camels racing down the Al Shahaniya Camel Racetrack
The historical evolution of camel racing in Qatar dates back to 1973 when the first camel race was organized in Al-Farra, an area located 9 km west of Al-Shahaniya. It featured 300 camels. Subsequent developments saw the establishment of racetracks like Al Rayyan Square and Libraqa Square, which hosted races until the late 1980s. The modern Al-Shahaniya Camel Racetrack was inaugurated in 1990, offering varying race distances and comprehensive facilities to accommodate participants and spectators alike. Qatar boasts two distinct types of camels: the Qatari (Omani) camels, known for their robust build and endurance, and the Sudanese camels, prized for their nimbleness and speed. Typically, camel racing season takes place from September to March.[74] Approximately 22,000 racing camels are used in competitions which are mainly held at the Al-Shahaniya Camel Racetrack and attended by thousands of spectators. The average distance of such races is usually 4 to 8km depending on the conditions of the camels being raced. Prizes for the winners of such races can be massive, such as cars worth $200,000.[75]
Over the years, prestigious annual festivals, such as the "Grand Annual Festival," have been introduced to celebrate the sport's heritage and showcase the finest camels from Qatar and neighboring Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. In addition to governmental support, technological innovations have played a pivotal role in advancing camel racing in Qatar. The introduction of robot jockeys in 2005 marked a significant milestone, enhancing safety and efficiency during races.[76]
A captive Saker falcon used in falconry in the deserts of Qatar
Falconry has been a popular and culturally-revered practice in Qatar for centuries.[77] Originating as more than a mere pastime, falconry has emerged as a revered art form of sorts. Initially embraced by a select few, falconry gradually burgeoned in popularity, becoming a tradition passed down through generations. As the sport proliferated, so too did the demand for hunting falcons, leading to a surge in their market value.[78] On average, a falcon can go for anywhere from $4,000 to $10,000; a price of $250,000 was even recorded at an auction in 2022. Given the substantial financial investment required, falconry remains a pursuit primarily reserved for those of financial means.[79] The only falconry association is Al Gannas, which was founded in 2008 in the Katara Cultural Village and which hosts the Annual Falconry Festival, otherwise known as S'hail.[80] Hunting season extends from October to April.[81]
The art of falconry demands not only a fervent passion for the hunt but also a profound understanding of both prey and predator. A successful falconer must possess keen observational skills, discerning the subtle intricacies of avian anatomy and behavior. The selection of a prime hunting falcon hinges upon meticulous examination, wherein feathers, coloration, and physical attributes serve as crucial indicators of prowess. Additionally, falconry necessitates robust vehicles and adept drivers capable of navigating the rugged terrain of the desert. Falconers traverse great distances in search of game, with the vast plains of Saudi Arabia, Sudan and Pakistan being popular choices.[78] The most popular venue for falconry in Qatar is the Falcon Souq at Souq Waqif in Doha. Among the activities that take place here are auctions for expensive birds, the process of taming, and veterinary care for falcons, which is provided at the state-of-the-art Souq Waqif Falcon Hospital.[82]
Types of falcons
Four primary variants of falcons are trained for hunting in Arabia:[83]
Saker falcon (Falco cherrug): Held in high regard by Bedouins for its endurance and adaptability, the saker is recognized for its keen eyesight and intelligence, excelling in low-level desert hunts and handling larger prey like hares.[83]
Peregrine falcon or Shahin Bahri (Falco peregrinus): Valued for its exceptional speed and flight skills, the peregrine is the most expensive due to its rarity and delicate nature. Typically found near water, peregrines require gentle handling and are especially noted for their natural stoop dive attack.[83]
Lanner falcon or Shahin Wakri (Falco biarmicus): Though not as fast or powerful as the peregrine and saker, the lanner is hardy and even-tempered, making it suitable for desert conditions.[83]
Gyrfalcon or Sungur (Falco rusticolus): Imported rather than native, the gyr falcon is admired for its size and color but is often kept as a show bird due to its delicate health and striking pale grey color.[83]
Acquisition and training
Hooded falcons at Souq Waqif
Falcons are primarily acquired through trapping, with few taken from nests. The area surrounding Al Khor Bay is a popular falcon trapping area. Common methods include using pigeons with nooses to ensnare the falcon's talons or deploying spring-loaded fishing nets around a baited pigeon. The hallmarks of a good falcon include strong posture, glossy feathers, splayed talons, and a broad back, with paler shades being most valued.[84]
Training falcons involves meticulous care, balancing their physical condition through feeding. Initially restrained to prevent feather damage, a new falcon's eyes are sealed or hooded. Gradually acclimated to human activity, it is trained to return to the falconer's fist and to hunt using a lure (milwah) made from its usual prey.[84]
Fishing and pearl diving
Although historically less economically important than pearl hunting, fishing was considered among the cornerstones of Qatar's economy in the past. The two primary methods of fishing were known as hadaq and laffah. Hadaq consisted of fishing during a stationary position, and laffah was performed while moving. In 2012, the first edition of the Senyar Festival was organized by Katara Cultural Village with the aim of preserving Qatar's maritime heritage.[85] During the Senyar Festival, the two fishing competitions held are the Hadaq championship, which is followed by the Laffah championship, and finally the Qaffal, which is the grand ceremony.[86] The team sizes consist of 10 to 13 people. Contestants are only allowed to use traditional fishing methods, with the winning team being selected based on the total weight of their catch. The 2018 edition of the festival saw the eligibility restrictions loosened to allow four GCC nationals or expatriates living in Qatar on each team.[87] Katara also hosted the inaugural edition of the Bilmesan Championship in May 2024, held near Halul Island. It featured the 16 top teams of the 2024 Senyar Festival.[88]
There is also a pearl diving competition held during the Senyar Festival. The 2018 edition featured 15 dhows and 168 pearl divers.[89]
The Qatar national football team, nicknamed "The Maroons", represents Qatar in international football, and is controlled by the Qatar Football Association, which is affiliated with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and comes under the global jurisdiction of world football’s governing body FIFA. They play their home games at Khalifa International Stadium and Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium. The latter is considered the home stadium.
Lusail is the second-largest city in Qatar after Doha, and the economic capital of Qatar, located on the coast, in the southern part of the municipality of Al Daayen. Lusail lies about 23 kilometres (14 mi) north of the Doha city centre, just north of the West Bay Lagoon, on over 38 square kilometres (15 sq mi) and will eventually have the infrastructure to accommodate 450,000 people. Of these 450,000 people, it is estimated that there will be 250,000 or fewer residents, 190,000 office workers and 60,000 retail workers.
Jassim bin Hamad Stadium is an association football stadium in Doha, Qatar, located about 5 kilometres west from the centre of Doha. It is the home of the Al Sadd Sports Club's association football team, who play in the top-flight Qatar Stars League, and is occasionally used by the Qatar men's and women's national football teams as one of their home grounds. Named after the then-Qatari Minister of Youth and Sports Jassim bin Hamad bin Abdullah Al Thani, who had provided permission for Al Sadd's founding members to form the group in 1969, the stadium was opened in 1975, and has since been renovated twice; once for the 17th Arabian Gulf Cup in 2004, and again in 2010. In addition to hosting all matches of the Arabian Gulf Cup in 2004, the stadium has hosted numerous international association football matches throughout its history, including matches of the 2019 FIFA Club World Cup, the football tournaments at the 2006 Asian Games and 2011 Pan Arab Games, and two editions of the Italian super cup, the Supercoppa Italiana.
The Qatar Football Association is the governing body of football in Qatar. The QFA was founded in 1960 and is based in Doha, Qatar. It became a member of FIFA in 1963 and of AFC in 1967. The Qatar Football Association organizes the main leagues of the Qatar football league system: Qatar Stars League, Qatari Second Division, including domestic cups: Qatar Cup, Emir of Qatar Cup, Sheikh Jassim Cup, Qatari Stars Cup and Qatar FA Cup. The association is also responsible for the men's, U-17, U-20, U-23, women's national teams and the local women's, youth and futsal football leagues.
Qatar, officially the State of Qatar, is a country in West Asia. It occupies the Qatar Peninsula on the northeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula in the Middle East; it shares its sole land border with Saudi Arabia to the south, with the rest of its territory surrounded by the Persian Gulf. The Gulf of Bahrain, an inlet of the Persian Gulf, separates Qatar from nearby Bahrain. The capital is Doha, home to over 80% of the country's inhabitants. Most of the land area is made up of flat, low-lying desert.
Hassan Khalid Hassan Al-Haydos is a Qatari professional footballer who plays as a forward for and captains Qatar Stars League club Al Sadd.
The culture of Qatar is strongly influenced by traditional Bedouin culture, with less acute influence deriving from India, East Africa, and elsewhere in the Persian Gulf. The peninsula's harsh climate has historically shaped the lifestyle of its inhabitants, driving a reliance on the sea for sustenance and fostering a distinct emphasis on maritime activities within local culture. Arts and literature themes are often related to sea-based activities. Qatari folklore and music best exemplify the state's marine tradition, with pearling trips serving as the main inspiration for music and traditional Qatari myths like May and Ghilân being centered around the sea.
Doha is the capital city and main financial hub of Qatar. Located on the Persian Gulf coast in the east of the country, north of Al Wakrah and south of Al Khor and Lusail, it is home to most of the country's population. It is also Qatar's fastest growing city, with over 80% of the nation's population living in Doha or its surrounding suburbs, known collectively as the Doha Metropolitan Area.
Football is the most popular sport in Qatar. Football in Qatar is organized by the Qatar Football Association (QFA).
Qatar established unofficial trade relations with the State of Israel in 1996, the first amongst all nations of the Arabian Peninsula after Oman reportedly did, concurrently with Israel–Jordan peace treaty. Until 2009, Qatar and Israel maintained trade relations, but due to Operation Cast Lead, Qatar broke the trade with Israel.
Katara Cultural Village, also known simply as Katara, is a cultural and commercial complex in Doha, Qatar, located on the eastern coast between West Bay and the Pearl.
Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani is a senior member of the House of Thani. He is the fifth son of former Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, and the third child of the Emir with his second wife, Sheikha Moza bint Nasser Al-Missned. He is president of the Qatar Olympic Committee.
Qatar National Day is a national commemoration of Qatar's unification in 1878. It is celebrated annually on 18 December. The holiday was established by a 21 June 2007 decree of the then Crown Prince and Heir Apparent Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. It is also known as Founder's Day.
Lusail Sports Arena, also known as Lusail Multipurpose Hall, is an indoor sports arena located in Lusail, Qatar. It occupies an area of 140,000 sq m in Al Ahli Sports Village. With a seating capacity of over 15,300, it is built to host sporting events including handball, volleyball and basketball tournaments, music concerts etc. One of the largest event hosted at the stadium was the 2015 World Men's Handball Championship. It will host matches for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup including the final phase. This was the venue's debut for ONE Championship's ONE 166.
Ali Bin Hamad al-Attiyah Arena, is an indoor sports arena in Al Rayyan, Qatar. It was built for the Qatar Olympic Committee, in order to host the 2015 World Men's Handball Championship.
Duhail Handball Sports Hall is an indoor sports arena based in the suburb of Duhail in Doha, Qatar. It was built to host matches of the 2015 World Men's Handball Championship. It was also the venue for all matches of the 2015 IHF Super Globe. It will host matches for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
The 2015 AFC Beach Soccer Championship was a beach soccer tournament which took place in Doha, Qatar on 23–28 March 2015. This was the second consecutive time that the AFC Beach Soccer Championship was held in Doha. All matches were played at the Katara Beach.
Mohammed Bin Hamad Indoor Hall, also known as the Al-Arabi Sports Club Hall, is a multi-purpose Hall in Doha, Qatar. It is currently used mostly for volleyball and basketball matches. The volleyball, basketball, futsal, and handball teams of Al-Arabi SC play there. The stadium has a seating capacity of 2,000 people. The hall served as one of the two venues for the 2013–14 Qatari Volleyball League season.
2026 in sports describes the year's events in world sport.
The 2030 Asian Games, officially known as the 21st Asian Games and commonly known as Doha 2030, will be the twenty-first edition of the Asian Games, a pan-Asian multi-sport event that scheduled to be held from 4 to 19 November 2030 in Doha, Qatar.
↑ Breulmann, Marc; Böer, Benno; Wernery, Ulrich; Wernery, Renate; El Shaer, Hassan; Alhadrami, Ghaleb; Gallacher, David; Peacock, John; Chaudhary, Shaukat Ali; Brown, Gary & Norton, John. "The Camel From Tradition to Modern Times"(PDF). UNESCO. Retrieved 23 August 2018.:25
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