Katara Forum: How Qatar Is Set To Lead The Sports Tourism Boom Across The Arab World!

Published on December 27, 2025

The Katara Forum has, yet again, placed Qatar on top of the list of world sports tourism by investigating the cultural dimensions of sports, media and tourism. The event, which took place in partnership with the Arab Federation for Sports Tourism and the Gulf Association for Tourism Media, has opened a new chapter in which the Arab world can use sports as a tool of culture, tourism and influence.

A significant gathering of experts, media professionals, and officials from Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Oman, the forum discussed sustainable approaches that tie together sports, media, tourism and the economy. The forum aimed to highlight the importance of using sports as a tool for strengthening cultural identity and positioning the Arab region as a dominant player in global tourism and media.

Qatar’s Vision for Cultural Identity and Sports Tourism

The opening speech at the forum was delivered by Dr. Nadia Al Mudhahka, Director of the Research and Studies Department at Katara, who reiterated Katara’s belief in the unifying power of culture. She noted that culture is not a standalone sector but a dynamic force that shapes identities and binds together sectors such as sports, tourism, and media. Dr. Al Mudhahka highlighted Qatar’s pioneering role in using sports as a bridge for civilisational communication, showcasing Arab culture as a source of strength and influence.

This vision is particularly relevant at a time when Qatar has successfully merged sports tourism with its broader cultural strategy, attracting global attention. The country’s hosting of major sporting events has enhanced its reputation as a hub for cultural exchange, enabling it to build diplomatic bridges through sports, while also boosting the local economy by attracting international visitors.

Strengthening Ties Through Sports and Media

Sheikh Nayef bin Eid Al-Thani, Chairman of the Board and Managing Director of Retaj Hotels and Hospitality Group, addressed the forum’s significance at a crucial time. He remarked that the collaboration of sports, media, and tourism has become a strategic tool for shaping nations’ images on the global stage. Sheikh Nayef highlighted how Qatar’s investment in these sectors has contributed to building a stronger national identity, while also promoting the region’s heritage to international audiences.

Sports tourism is no longer just about viewing events; it’s a comprehensive strategy that involves hospitality, cultural heritage, and media collaboration. As the forum discussed, building an integrated system that blends professional organisation with cultural pride is key to attracting international tourists. Qatar’s commitment to this vision is evident in its ongoing development of sports-related tourism infrastructure and the hosting of world-class events that draw global attention.

The Qatari Model: A Blueprint for Sustainable Sports Tourism

Fatma Al Nuaimi, Executive Director of Communications and Media at the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, shared insights on Qatar’s evolving role in sports tourism. She highlighted the country’s transformative approach to sports as an economic and cultural force. Qatar’s model focuses on using international sporting events as tools for sustainable development, leveraging these occasions to drive tourism and strengthen regional ties.

The forum underscored Qatar’s leadership in this domain, where sports are viewed as a vital element in fostering economic growth, enriching cultural heritage, and creating opportunities for cross-cultural understanding. By drawing people from all over the world to its sporting events, Qatar is positioning itself as a central player in the global sports tourism industry, offering unique experiences that blend sport with culture.

Promoting Arab Unity Through Sports and Tourism

Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Executive Office of the Forum of Specialized Arab Federations at the League of Arab States, praised Qatar’s consistent support for both Arab and international sports. He stressed that Qatar’s investments reflect a deep understanding of how sports can bring people closer, promote regional development, and elevate the Arab identity globally. His comments reinforced the central theme of the forum, which focuses on using sports to foster unity and pride among Arab nations.

In this light, the forum acts as a platform to share best practices and strategies that Arab nations can adopt to maximise the benefits of sports tourism. This collaborative approach aims to ensure that sports tourism is not just a transient phenomenon but a lasting and sustainable contributor to the economic and cultural vitality of the Arab region.

A Bright Future for Sports Tourism in the Gulf

Kamel Abu Ali, President of the Arab Federation for Sports Tourism, closed the forum by highlighting Qatar’s global standing in organising high-quality sporting events. He commended Qatar’s leadership in creating a sustainable sports tourism framework that serves as a model for other Arab nations. His remarks underscored the importance of professional standards in sports tourism, which not only raise the profile of individual nations but also enhance Arab identity and belonging on the global stage.

The forum also recognised several individuals and organisations for their contributions to advancing sports tourism in the region, celebrating the collaborative spirit that will drive future success. The awards underscored Qatar’s role as a driving force behind the growth of sports tourism and media in the Arab world.

A New Era for Sports Tourism in Qatar and Beyond

The Katara Forum has proven that sports tourism is not just about attracting visitors to events but about building a cultural legacy that can strengthen the global presence of Arab nations. As Qatar continues to develop its sports tourism sector, the region’s ability to use sports as a tool for cultural exchange and sustainable development will be key to its future success. By merging sports, tourism, and media, Qatar is not just shaping its own identity, but also playing a significant role in defining the future of sports tourism in the Gulf region.

The Qatar forum has been an event that has put Qatar on the map as a top sports tourism destination, advising mainly on the featuring of cultural identity, media, and tourism together as an eco-friendly development through the power of the global platform.