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Qatar’s sporting vision transcends World Cup

19 January 2024

 

The 2022 Fifa World Cup pushed Qatar into the limelight and played a significant role in bolstering its economy, which recorded 8 per cent growth in the fourth quarter of 2022, according to a report by S&P Global Market Intelligence.

The event brought about 1.8 million people to the country and reached a global audience of approximately 1.5 billion viewers.

Buoyed by the success of the World Cup, Qatar remains committed to developing its position as a leading sporting venue. This aligns with Qatar’s National Vision 2030, which was launched in 2008 and includes sustainable sports development as a key objective.

Motorsports

Away from football, Qatar has invested in its motorsports profile. The introduction of several racing facilities and training programmes has meant the sport has moved to take centre stage. It has also attracted international athletes and developed local sporting talent, with Qatari athletes competing at the highest levels.

Since its inception in 1987, the Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) has hosted several sporting events including the Qatar International Rally and Qatar International Baja – an annual off-road competition. These events draw participation from automotive and off-road fans in the region and internationally.

“The motorsports scene is not new to Qatar,” says Amro al-Hamad, CEO of Lusail International Circuit (LIC). “We have been actively involved in promoting the sport and are constantly working towards taking its legacy forward.”

LIC was launched in 2004 and has hosted MotoGP races and an annual grand prix motorcycle world championship that has taken place in Qatar for almost 20 years.

With these events gaining national and international momentum, officials are encouraged to invest further in renovating existing facilities. The 5.4-kilometre-long racetrack at LIC was redeveloped last year to include safety barriers, a debris fence system to protect the new grandstands, marshal posts and buildings.

The big prize in motorsport came in 2021 when Qatar hosted its first-ever Formula 1 (F1) Grand Prix race at LIC. Following this, the QMMF signed an agreement with F1 to bring the top-tier motorsport event to Qatar every year for the next decade, starting in 2023.

“Hosting these events provides Qatar with a platform to enhance and maintain its reputation as a leading global sports destination,” says Al-Hamad. “They are also a key enabler of economic growth, stimulating tourism and generating revenue from ticket sales, sponsorships and merchandising. The improved infrastructure and facilities help in organising future sporting events.”

New events

The International Automobile Federation’s World Endurance Championship (WEC) is set to make its debut in Doha this year. At the newly renovated LIC, Qatar will host both the WEC Prologue in February and the opening race in March. The events will bring together top endurance race drivers and leading brands showcasing the latest hypercars.Local motorsports events such as the Qatar Off-Road Championships and the Qatar National Sprint also attract the crowds.

Qatar’s goal to become one of the world’s most sought-after sporting destinations can only be achieved by investing in the best training and development facilities, says Al-Hamad.

MEED's February 2024 special report on Qatar includes: 

> GOVERNMENT & ECONOMY: Qatar’s return to economic normality
> BANKING: Qatar’s banks adjust to new circumstances
> OIL & GAS: Qatar enters period of oil and gas consolidation
> POWER & WATER: Qatar power and water projects to take off
> CONSTRUCTION: Qatar construction enters reboot mode

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Mrudvi Bakshi

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