This November, Qatar will become the first Arab state to host the prestigious FIFA World Cup. Having a population of less than 3 million, it is the smallest host country to ever organize the event. Being a popular sport in the Middle East, soccer unites the region culturally and socially.
Even though Doha has hosted other sports events like the IAAF World Athletics Championships, the Asian Football Confederation Cup and the World Men’s Handball Championship, and will be holding the Asian Games in 2030, the FIFA World Cup is the largest high-profile event to take place in the state of Qatar.
Hosting sports events has been a new trend in the region in recent years, and according to PwC research, this sector shows promise to grow by 8.7% in the next three to five years. From Formula One races in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Abu Dhabi to tennis tournaments in Dubai and international golf events in Abu Dhabi, the region is now heavily invested in sports.
As the event edges nearer, it promises to have a wide impact as fresh opportunities are emerging for Qatar, other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states and the surrounding region.
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