The sports industry has been positioned as a key sector in Qatar National Vision 2030, identified as a key pillar of economic diversification. In support of this objective, Qatar has made substantial investment in sports infrastructure, technology, talent development and high-profile international events. The 2022 FIFA World Cup marked a pivotal moment in this regard, elevating Qatar’s profile on the global stage and highlighting its strategic use of sports to enhance visibility.
The tournament was accompanied by large-scale infrastructure projects, including advanced stadiums, upgraded transport systems, expanded hospitality offerings and urban regeneration initiatives. These developments contributed to record World Cup attendance, with 2.5m spectators and an average stadium occupancy rate of 96%. Rather than a singular achievement, these efforts form part of a comprehensive, long-term strategy aimed at advancing Qatar’s economic, social and cultural development.
Investment & Diplomacy
Qatar’s sustained investment in sports continues to generate substantial economic and social dividends. Beyond hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the country has secured the rights to a series of high-profile events, including the FIFA Arab Cup, World Table Tennis Championships, International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup Final, and Qatar Grand Prix in 2025; the ISSF World Shooting Championship, GCC Games and Asian Games in 2026; and the FIBA Basketball World Cup in 2027. Qatar also remains a prominent contender to host the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games, with discussions ongoing with the International Olympic Committee.
In parallel, sport has emerged as a powerful instrument of cultural diplomacy. Through Qatar Sports Investments – a subsidiary of the Qatar Investment Authority – the country has broadened its global influence by acquiring Paris Saint-Germain FC in 2011, Belgium’s KAS Eupen in 2012, a 29.6% stake in Portugal’s SC Braga in 2022 and a minority stake in US management company Monumental Sports in 2023. These strategic acquisitions have significantly bolstered Qatar’s soft power and cultural footprint on the global stage. Reflecting this growing influence, Qatar ranked 22nd globally and seventh in Asia in the 2025 Global Soft Power Index by Brand Finance – underscoring its success in harnessing culture, diplomacy, and economic diversification as cornerstones of national strategy.
The growth of sports tourism has emerged as a key economic driver for Qatar. The 2022 FIFA World Cup alone generated an estimated $2.3bn-4.1bn in tourism and broadcasting revenue, contributing between $1.6bn-2.4bn to GDP. According to PwC’s Qatar Economy Watch 2024, this momentum spurred a regional uptick in tourism and hospitality of up to 30%, positioning the Middle East’s sports market for a projected annual growth rate of 8.7% over the next three to five years — outpacing the global average of 7.3% .
Technology
Beyond traditional sport, technology has become a major frontier for investment and innovation. The Qatar SportsTech (QST) Accelerator plays a central role in identifying and scaling start-ups focused on artificial intelligence performance analysis, wearable tech, fan engagement, data analytics and smart stadium solutions. QST supports both local and international ventures, embedding Qatar in global sport tech networks. Its alumni include Sponix Tech ( broadcast solutions), Torq Labs (smart wearables) and Golee (sports planning platform).
E-sports has also become a key focus for development. Since its launch in 2021, the Qatar E-sports Federation has advanced the segment through tournaments, international partnerships and talent development. Notably, the federation co-hosted a $2.6m Dota 2 league with e-sports firm ESB. With early investment and strategic leadership, Qatar is poised to lead the e-sports industry. Indeed, revenue was projected to reach $125.7m in 2024 and grow to $152.9m by 2027, driven by mobile gaming and a tech-savvy youth base.
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