‘We look forward to sports being part of everyone’s daily activity’
Qatar’s generous spending on sport is boosting the economy
Sport is a big industry and has economic, social and financial dimensions. Qatar is a pioneer in this field as it spends generously on sports and has become a global destination for its fans. Qatar’s total imports of sporting goods and products and related accessories amounted to around QR 1.695 billion in the first 10 months of last year. On the occasion of this year’s National Sports Day, around 130 events will be organized, involving more than 100 parties. The Planning and Statistics Authority said Qatar imported sporting goods worth around QR 1.3 billion in 2021, up 74.2% from 2020, when imports reached QR 738.4 million totaled Belgium, China, Italy, Vietnam and South Africa make up the list of the most important countries from which sporting goods are imported. The country’s sports sector contributed to the increase and diversification of national income sources with a view to revitalizing the sports tourism industry. The impressive success of hosting the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 has confirmed the country’s position as a global sporting destination after it adopted new rules for organizing the World Cup finals. In its statement to QNA, the Planning and Statistics Authority pointed out that Qatar’s imports of sporting goods and products and their accessories have seen remarkable growth in recent years. Qatar not only imported sporting goods and products and their accessories but also exported to a number of countries around the world. Statistics show that the total amount for re-export of sporting goods has seen continuous growth in recent years, reaching QR70.7 million in 2020, rising to QR119.5 million in 2021, and then reaching QR173.7 million in the January-October period QR million increased in 2022. Financial returns from hosting the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 were approximately US$17 billion. Qatar has received more than 1 million and 400,000 visitors from around the world and the (FIFA) estimates that around 5 billion people around the world watched the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 matches. Qatar also pays particular attention to the sports sector for its direct impact on a quantum leap in infrastructure in building sports facilities to the highest international specifications and standards comparable to those in major industrialized countries. According to the Planning and Statistics Bureau for 2021, there are about 313 sports activity buildings in all municipalities in the country, while the sports equipment in hotels and private halls reached about 17,243 devices, and the number of sports participants in hotels and halls increased from 58,400 in 2020 to 95,700 subscribers in 2021. The number of sports workers in hotels and gyms reached 1,661 workers, including administrators, coaches, nutritionists, physiotherapists, nurses and other sports workers The number of football stadiums in Qatar reached 85 stadiums, especially 45 stadiums in first class clubs, 16 in second class clubs and 18 stadiums in Al-Furjan. At the same level, schools in Qatar contain stadiums spread across 532 schools between public schools and private schools. Sport has remained a key factor in stimulating economic growth in recent years and represents one of the most important sources of income in the countries of the world, since its returns are not limited to direct investments, but also extend to the generation of indirect returns B. the promotion and provision of employment opportunities in the real estate, tourism, transport, communications, retail and other sectors, in addition to investments in sports facilities, equipment, etc., as well as other intangible returns such as nature and happiness of peoples. Qatar celebrated its first Sports Day in February 2012 following the issuance of Amiri Resolution No. 80 of 2011, which mandates that the Tuesday of the second week of February of each year is the country’s Sports Day, and as a paid holiday on which ministries and other government agencies celebrate , public bodies and institutions organize sporting events involving workers and their families to raise awareness of the importance of sport and its role in the lives of individuals and societies. All state institutions participate in this sporting event, making Qatar a big field where tens of thousands of citizens and residents from all walks of life participate in many sports. Qatar is a pioneer in organizing a sports day in the region and the world as some countries have started to organize a sports day similar to Qatar due to its importance to individuals and society.