Interview: Amro Al Hamad, Executive Director, Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation, on the social and economic benefits that result from hosting major events
To what extent can major global sports events contribute to economic development?
AMRO AL HAMAD: Major international sports events directly and substantially impact Qatar’s economic development. These events bring in visitors who spend on accommodation, flights, dining and retail, creating a multiplier effect across the economy. It is not just about hosting the events – we conduct thorough economic studies beforehand, often working with reputable consultancy firms to understand the financial benefits of hosting these events. These studies analyse factors like geographical location and past events, helping us project how much growth each event will drive, from the number of spectators to their average spending.
Beyond the immediate financial returns, these events can foster job creation in areas including media, logistics and hospitality, and they give local businesses an opportunity to integrate into the broader sports ecosystem. This naturally supports economic diversification by encouraging different sectors to benefit from the influx of international visitors.
What role does sports infrastructure play in boosting Qatar’s position as a global centre for sport?
AL HAMAD: Our advanced sports infrastructure plays a crucial role in reinforcing Qatar’s global reputation as a sports destination, and it aligns directly with Qatar National Vision 2030. Qatar has invested heavily in facilities to host large-scale events and maintain standards that help attract future high-profile events. This focus on infrastructure drives further development as each event brings more people into the country, boosts tourism and supports a wide range of industries.
Sports infrastructure and our long-term development strategy are interconnected. By continuing to invest in these facilities, we are positioning Qatar as a permanent fixture on the global sports map while contributing to broader economic and social goals, such as sustainability and economic diversification.
In what ways do major sports events and facilities foster community engagement and participation, and what programmes can promote local talent?
AL HAMAD: Our approach to hosting sports events goes beyond attracting international audiences – it is also about engaging the local community. For example, fan zones are not just a place for people to gather during events – they are designed to foster a love for sports, particularly among younger generations. The 2022 FIFA World Cup sparked a desire in young boys and girls to become footballers. Formula One events have similarly inspired a new generation of motorsports enthusiasts, with increased participation in karting academies as more children aspire to careers in racing.
We also work closely with local schools and universities to offer internships and development programmes that provide young Qataris with the skills and experience needed to work in the sports industry, whether as athletes, engineers or event managers. This engagement helps build a sustainable sports culture and nurtures local talent for the future.
How does global collaboration and partnership enhance the quality and scope of sports events?
AL HAMAD: We have strong partnerships with global venues and organisers. This allows us to exchange knowledge and best practices regularly. Such collaboration helps us to avoid recurring problems. For example, our operations teams frequently work alongside teams in other countries to gain insights and improve processes. This kind of exchange has been vital in helping Qatar to compete with long-established international venues. Notably, the competition between Qatar and neighbouring countries is a healthy rivalry that benefits everyone involved. These international partnerships improve the quality of the events and create opportunities for local businesses and professionals to collaborate globally, ensuring that the benefits extend beyond the events themselves to the broader economy.
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